Vehicle Retrofit Program — Persons with disabilities
NB, Canada
Funds to make vehicles accessible
grant_single_labels|summary
grant_single|eligibleFinancing
- grant_single|maxCount
- grant_single|projectCostPercent
grant_single|deadlines
- grant_single|openingDateNovember 14, 2019
grant_single|financingType
Grant and Funding
grant_single|eligibleIndustries
- Transportation and warehousing
grant_single|grantors
- Government of New Brunswick
- Transportation and Infrastructure
grant_single|status
grant_card_status|open
grant_single_labels|preview
If you offer transportation to people with disabilities, you can get up to $8,000 to cover 80% of the costs of vehicle retrofitting requirements.
grant_single_labels|projects
Yes, there are certain projects or activities eligible for this grant.
- Wheelchair/scooter lifts and ramps
- Roof, floor, and door alterations (if part of an accessibility retrofit)
- Special needs seating
- Hand controls
- Wheelchair tie-down and occupant restraint systems
grant_single|admissibleProjectsExample
$4,800
Vancouver
Adding special needs seating to our shuttle service
$3,360
Toronto
Retrofitting a taxi with hand controls for drivers with disabilities
$6,800
Halifax
Installing a wheelchair lift in a community bus to increase accessibility
$6,400
Calgary
Upgrading a community van with a ramp and hand controls
$5,600
Ottawa
Installing wheelchair tie-downs in school buses
$4,800
Montreal
Adding an accessible roof and floor modifications to a transportation van
grant_single_labels|admissibility
The eligibility criteria for this grant include individual residents, organizations, municipalities, or private companies providing transportation services to persons with a disability, all of which must reside or be based within the province of New Brunswick.
- Individual Residents of New Brunswick
- Registered Non-Profit Organizations
- Municipalities of New Brunswick
- Private companies providing transportation service to disabled persons within New Brunswick
- Must be primary personal use vehicle
grant_eligibility_criteria|who_can_apply
The Ability NB Vehicle Retrofit Program is open to various types of entities that provide transportation services to disabled persons within New Brunswick. Below is a list of eligible types of companies and organizations.
- Individual Residents of New Brunswick
- Registered Non-Profit Organizations
- Municipalities of New Brunswick
- Private companies providing transportation service to disabled persons within New Brunswick
grant_eligibility_criteria|eligible_expenses
Yes, there are eligible expenses for this grant that include various accessibility features for vehicles. Here is a list of some of the eligible expenses:
- Wheelchair/scooter lifts and ramps
- Roof, floor, and door alterations (if part of an accessibility retrofit)
- Special needs seating
- Hand controls
- Wheelchair tie down and occupant restraint system
grant_eligibility_criteria|zone
Eligibility for this grant is limited to residents, organizations, municipalities, and private companies providing transportation services to persons with a disability within the province of New Brunswick.
- Individual residents of New Brunswick
- Registered non-profit organizations in New Brunswick
- Municipalities in New Brunswick
- Private companies providing transportation services to disabled persons within New Brunswick
grant_single_labels|criteria
While the provided information includes extensive details about the eligibility requirements and terms and conditions of the grant, it does not specifically outline any evaluation and selection criteria for the Ability NB’s Vehicle Retrofit Program.
nothing
grant_single_labels|register
- Step 1: Determine Eligibility
- Ensure the applicant is an individual resident of New Brunswick, a registered non-profit organization, a municipality, or a private company providing transportation services to disabled persons within New Brunswick.
- Confirm the vehicle is the primary personal use vehicle and has a valid Safety Inspection Sticker.
- Step 2: Identify Eligible Retrofit Features
- Review the list of eligible accessibility features, such as wheelchair/scooter lifts and ramps, roof, floor and door alterations, special needs seating, hand controls, wheelchair tie downs and occupant restraint systems.
- Consider other features that may be eligible for assistance.
- Step 3: Collect Necessary Documentation
- Prepare the application form with appropriate details.
- Gather proof of residency or organizational status, proof of vehicle ownership, and the valid Safety Inspection Sticker.
- Step 4: Submit Application
- Submit the application to Ability NB for review and recommendation.
- Ensure all documents and proof are attached to avoid delays.
- Step 5: Grant Approval
- Wait for Ability NB to review the application and receive approval or further guidance if more information is required.
- Step 6: Retrofitting Work
- Once approved, coordinate with a supplier to complete the retrofitting work as per the grant approval.
- Ensure that the installation adheres to manufacturer’s installation instructions and meets CSA (Canadian Standards Association) Standards or SAE (Society of Automotive Engineers) Standards.
- Step 7: Invoice Submission
- Submit the invoice and proof of work completed to Ability NB.
- Step 8: Receive Grant Payment
- Ability NB will forward the grant amount, either to the supplier or to the applicant, upon confirming successful installation.
- Step 9: Extension Request (if needed)
- If the work is not completed within 6 months from the date of the approval letter, request an additional 6-month extension to avoid grant expiry.
grant_single_labels|otherInfo
Here is some additional information about the Ability NB’s Vehicle Retrofit Program:
- The Department of Social Development partners with Ability New Brunswick on this pilot project.
- Eligible applicants include individual residents, organizations, municipalities, or private companies providing transportation services to persons with a disability within New Brunswick.
- Eligible accessibility features under the program can be retrofitted to both new and existing vehicles.
- To be eligible, the vehicle must have a valid Safety Inspection Sticker.
- Ability NB may require an inspection prior to approval of a grant.
Apply to this program
Overview of Ability NB's Vehicle Retrofit Program
The Ability NB’s Vehicle Retrofit Program provides financial assistance to residents of New Brunswick with disabilities, registered non-profit organizations, municipalities, and private companies to retrofit vehicles with accessibility features. This program finances up to 80% of eligible costs, up to a maximum grant of $8,000.00, and aims to enhance mobility for persons with disabilities.
In-Depth Guide to Ability NB's Vehicle Retrofit Program
The Ability NB's Vehicle Retrofit Program is an essential initiative aimed to improve the quality of life for individuals with disabilities residing in New Brunswick. By providing financial support for vehicle modifications, this program helps to increase the independence and mobility of those who need it most. Below, we explore the specifics of the program, eligibility criteria, eligible features for retrofitting, and the application process in detail.
Program Details
The primary objective of Ability NB's Vehicle Retrofit Program is to ensure that persons with disabilities have improved access to transportation. This program offers significant financial assistance by covering 80% of the cost of eligible accessibility features for new or existing vehicles. The maximum grant provided under this program is $8,000.00, excluding taxes. Applicants are responsible for any taxes associated with the modifications. Additionally, certain taxes on accessibility features can be rebated by the Department of Finance, Province of New Brunswick.
Renewal terms for the grant are set at every eight years for individuals and every five years for organizations. It's crucial for applicants to note that the grant must be used within six months from the date of the approval letter. If additional time is needed, applicants must request an extra six-month extension. Failure to do so will result in the expiration of the grant, and a new application will be required.
Eligibility Criteria
To benefit from the Ability NB’s Vehicle Retrofit Program, applicants must meet specific eligibility requirements. The following entities are eligible:
- Individual Residents of New Brunswick
- Registered Non-Profit Organizations
- Municipalities of New Brunswick
- Private companies providing transportation services to disabled persons within New Brunswick
Importantly, the vehicle in question must be the primary personal use vehicle for the individual with the disability. For registered non-profit organizations, municipal transit services, and private companies applying for a grant, they must either be licensed to operate a transportation service for disabled persons or demonstrate a concrete commitment to maintaining the accessible transportation service in the long term once operational.
Eligible Accessibility Features
The Vehicle Retrofit Program covers a broad range of modifications that are essential for vehicles to become accessible for individuals with disabilities. Here are some examples:
- Wheelchair/scooter lifts and ramps
- Roof, floor, and door alterations (as part of an accessibility retrofit)
- Special needs seating
- Hand controls
- Wheelchair tie-downs and occupant restraint systems
Funding may also be granted for the cost of eligible accessible features included in new vehicles. However, it's essential to note that non-accessibility features, which can be purchased as standard options directly from the manufacturer, are not covered under this program. Examples of such non-eligible features include air conditioning, insulation, automatic transmission, and cruise control.
Application Process
Applying for the Ability NB’s Vehicle Retrofit Program involves several steps. Firstly, applicants need to complete an application form provided by Ability NB. It is crucial to provide accurate and comprehensive information in the application to avoid delays or potential rejections.
Once the application is submitted, Ability NB will review it to determine eligibility. In some cases, an inspection of the vehicle may be required to ensure it has a valid Safety Inspection Sticker and assess the need for accessibility modifications.
After approval, the total amount of the grant will be forwarded upon submission of an invoice and proof of work completed. The contribution cheque may be made payable either to the supplier or the applicant.
Installation and Standards
All accessibility equipment must be installed according to the manufacturer’s installation instructions and must meet the relevant Canadian Standards Association (CSA) or Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE) Standards. Specifically, hand controls must meet the Standard CAN/CSA-Z323.1.2-94 (R2003) for Automotive Adaptive Driver Controls (AADC) for Persons with Physical Disabilities.
Renewal and Maintenance
As previously mentioned, the grant is renewable every eight years for individuals and every five years for organizations. It's important to stay informed about the renewal periods and ensure timely re-application to maintain continuous support. Ability NB reserves the right to request information on the use of the accessible vehicle from an organization, municipality, or private company to ensure compliance and proper use of the retrofitting grant.
Additional Considerations
While the ability to adapt vehicles for accessibility is a significant step forward, it is also essential to consider the long-term maintenance and operation of these vehicles. Regular servicing and upkeep of accessibility features ensure continued safety and usability. Applicants should plan for ongoing maintenance costs and factor these into their budgeting and long-term planning.
Conclusion
The Ability NB’s Vehicle Retrofit Program plays a pivotal role in promoting inclusivity and independence for persons with disabilities in New Brunswick. By providing financial aid for essential vehicle modifications, this program enhances mobility and access to transportation, thus improving the overall quality of life for individuals with disabilities.
Eligible individuals, organizations, and service providers are encouraged to take advantage of this program to support the enhancement of accessible transportation within their communities. By doing so, they contribute to creating a more inclusive society where everyone, regardless of their physical abilities, can enjoy greater freedom and autonomy in their daily lives.
For more detailed information or to start an application, prospective applicants are encouraged to contact Ability NB, who will provide guidance and support throughout the application process.