SAC-Ontario advocates for streamlined, equitable, and transparent funding models that improve access to speech-language pathology and audiology services as well as essential medical devices across Ontario. This includes engaging with provincial programs and insurers to reduce barriers, enhance affordability, and ensure timely access to care.
On February 24, 2026, the Ontario government announced a $9 million investment in the new Improving Dementia Care Program (IDCP) and the expansion of Behavioural Specialized Units (BSUs) in long-term care homes. These initiatives aim to enhance person-centred care for residents living with dementia, many of whom experience complex communication and swallowing challenges.
Dementia can affect a person’s communication abilities and swallowing function, and speech‑language pathologists (S‑LPs), audiologists, and communication health assistants are uniquely trained to provide supportive, evidence‑based care in these areas. For example, negative or distress‑related responsive behaviours, such as agitation, resistance, or withdrawal, often reflect a patient’s attempt to communicate unmet needs, discomfort, or frustration. Recognizing this highlights the important role S‑LPs play in informing and guiding person‑centred behavioural care plans.
The expansion of IDCP and BSUs presents an important opportunity to integrate communication and swallowing expertise directly into dementia care. As the complexity of care in long-term care homes increases, the demand for specialized communication services will grow.
SAC continues to advocate on behalf of our members to ensure that S-LPs, audiologists, and communication health assitants are included in these programs, thereby improving safety, engagement, and quality of life for residents across Ontario’s long-term care system.
On May 15, 2025, the Ontario government reintroduced the Support for Seniors and Caregivers Act, 2025, part of a broader $114 million investment to improve access to community and social programs that help seniors stay active, healthy, and supported at home and in care settings.
Key highlights include:
Complementary initiatives include expanded dementia support, community-based services for seniors at home, and development of AI tools for early detection of osteoporosis.
As S-LPs and audiologists provide a wide range of services to seniors, these investments have the potential to expand access to vital communication health services. SAC will continue to monitor developments and advocate for the integration of S-LPs and audiologists into long-term care and community-based programs.
We are pleased to announce that the Ministry of Health has confirmed the final changes to the Assistive Devices Program (ADP) Hearing Devices Application Process, which will take effect on March 2, 2026. These updates reflect consultations with SAC and other hearing healthcare advocates in early 2025.
For any applications with an Authorizer’s signature date before March 2, 2026, please continue to use the current forms and system. The existing forms are available in the Central Forms Repository.
If you have questions regarding these changes, please contact the ADP at adpvendors@ontario.ca for vendors, adpauthorizers@ontario.ca for authorizers, or adp@ontario.ca for general inquiries.
SAC is continually receiving inquiries about the Assistive Device Program (ADP).
On November 26, 2025, SAC sent a letter to the Ontario Ministry of Health advocating for the removal of the physician signature requirement on ADP applications for communication aids. The letter highlights how this requirement delays access to care, creates financial and administrative burdens for families, and does not reflect the clinical knowledge of S-LPs, who are fully qualified to recommend these devices.
For Audiologists, SAC continues to support the formal recognition of their role as the front-line hearing health professionals responsible for prescribing hearing aids.
SAC strongly supports streamlining the patient journey in communication and hearing healthcare. Updates to current guidelines are necessary to:
SAC will continue to engage with members, stakeholders, and ADP, and will share future developments as they arise.
Ontario Government News Release – Support for Seniors and Caregivers Act, 2025
