Sault Ste. Marie man with disability gets new device through provincial grant

A Sault Ste Marie man says a provincial grant for assistive devices for adults with physical disabilities changed his life--and he is advocating for more funding to help others.

49 year-old Derrick Lavallee has cerebral palsy, andwasn't able to afford a special non-electric chair to get into the shower when his broke down last year.

"Because I can't sit or stand, I sit in a water wheelchairto take a shower.I'm on disability, but the disability won't pay for it." said Lavallee in an interview with CBC Radio.

He says a water wheelchair, or commode chair,is essential for personal hygiene, but he's on a limited income.He applied to the Ontario government's Home and Vehicle Modification program, and was able to get a new one.

The provincially-funded grant program is runby the March of Dimes Canada, and Trisha Robbins, withthat organization, says the grants are crucial to the independence and health of people with physical challenges.

"We do work with thousands of individuals and families. We provide as many grants as we possibly can, but it really is only a fraction of those that apply who receivethe grant. Demand for the program continues to increase every year," she said.

The organization says eligible recipients can get up to $15,000for home modifications, adaptations and devices,and up to $15,000for vehicle modifications every 10 years.