Wheelchairs are provided from the AADL recycle pool, previously used and refurbished. If the wheelchair requested is not available from the recycle pool, AADL purchases the wheelchair as new.

All wheelchairs funded by AADL are listed in the Approved Product List W-APL. Products on the APL are reviewed regularly through an AADL Product Evaluation Review, with timing around contract dates. Refer to Policy Z-03 in the Recycle Services Manual for further information on product evaluations.

AADL retains full ownership of all formally recycled wheelchairs. See Policy WM-08 Ownership and Responsibilities – Repairing and Returning AADL Wheelchairs.

Wheelchair Specification sheets are provided on the AADL website for wheelchairs funded by AADL and include available options and pricing funded by AADL. Options that the client is responsible to pay for are asterisked. AADL provides funding for wheelchairs through contracts with AADL Recycle Wheelchair Vendors.

AADL Approved Recycle Vendors are listed on the Vendor List on the AADL website

Manual wheelchairs: Manual wheelchairs are categorized as “A”, “B”, “C”, “D”, “HD” or “T” (tilt-in-space) based on wheelchair features and are provided according to user criteria. See Policy WM-02: Eligibility Criteria and Policy WM-11: Definitions for category definitions. Wheelchairs are designated as Standard, Standard Plus or Upgrade Wheelchairs according to the amount of funding provided by AADL and costs shared with the client. See Policy WM-11: Definitions for designation descriptions.

Upgrade wheelchairs including Category A Upgrade, Category B Upgrade and Category D Upgrade wheelchairs are distinct from other wheelchairs as they are funded through an AADL grant. Grants are subject to cost share and the client pays all costs above the grant amount. Grant amounts are dependent on the client’s eligibility and are listed in the APL under each category. See policy WM-02 for further information on eligibility.

Clients choosing grant funding are considered the owner of the wheelchair, responsible for all repairs and maintenance. Grant funds are paid directly to the vendor once the wheelchair has been supplied to the client (service date).Vent trays are provided on manual wheelchairs on a case-by-case basis. Authorizers must discuss vent tray requirements with the AADL Equipment Specialist for direction.

Exclusion List: Manual Seating Devices and Features not funded by AADL:

Geri-chairs
Strollers
Fixed height arm rests on wheelchairs
Backpacks
Monogramming
Multiple choice or custom colour options
Performance tires
Flat-free inserts in pneumatic tires when urethane tires are available
Aluminium caster hubs when composite is available
3” roller blades on adult chair frames
26” and 25” or high performance wheels
9 spoke composite wheels
Seat belts other than approved generic ones
Crutch/cane holders•Touch up paint•Tire pumps
Cosmetic accessories
Parts or repairs for private-owned or Upgrade wheelchairs.
Repairs on any component on a mobility device purchased privately.


Manual Wheelchair Eligibility Criteria

The Eligibility Criteria Policy assists clients, guardians, authorizers and vendors in identifying client eligibility to access manual and power wheelchair benefits.

Clients must meet general eligibility requirements found in AADL General Policies and Procedures on-line at: https://open.alberta.ca/publications/aadl-program-manual-gn. A client’s eligibility for wheelchair benefits must be determined by an AADL authorizer prior to authorization and confirmed by AADL.

All clients must be willing to accept a recycled wheelchair if there is one available in the recycle pool.
Category A clients must be willing to accept a comparable substitute. Category B and C requests that indicate a comparable substitute is not appropriate, must explain why on the 1251 form.

Clients who require a wheelchair for part time or full time use are eligible for manual wheelchair benefits.
Clients must trial the wheelchair prior to authorization for all manual wheelchairs.

Clients are responsible for temporary loans or rental equipment required while waiting for AADL funded equipment. Clients are responsible for cost of repairs to any option chosen and not funded by AADL.

The adult full time user must be living in a fully accessible environment. Specific wheelchair models may have additional eligibility or prior approval requirements; these are listed in the W-APL
Prior approval from the AADL Manager, Mobility and Large Equipment is required for Category C, and D wheelchairs.
AADL provides funding for generic parts wherever possible.

Clients preferring manufactured parts are financially responsible for the additional cost.Clients whose weight exceeds the standard wheelchair maximum weight capacity are eligible for either a heavy duty package on a wheelchair or a heavy duty wheelchair.

See the APL for which wheelchairs can accommodate a heavy duty package and which are designated Heavy Duty.
The weight of oxygen tanks/ventilators should be added when computing the maximum weight capacity required. Client weight must be stable (minimum 3 months) and documented on the authorization form.

Heavy Duty wheelchairs required for clients who are heavy users due to a clinically assessed condition and are below the weight maximum, require prior approval from the AADL Mobility and Large Equipment Managerto be eligible for this feature or type of wheelchair.

Clients who require other types of mobility devices such as a cane or walker to transfer are eligible for a manual wheelchair. Those who can use a walker for short distances (e.g., within their home) are considered part-time users and are eligible for a Category A only.

AADL will provide a Category “A” back- up manual wheelchair from recycle to clients that have been provided a power wheelchair.
A backup wheelchair is for use when the power wheelchair is not working or has to be left at the vendors for repairs or maintenance.

It is not intended for part-time use.
Client eligibility for each category of manual wheelchair is based on both the client’s frequency of wheelchair usage and the degree of independence of use.