Referral Process
Step 1: Determining if someone is eligible for our services
Individuals living with a mobility-disability may self-refer to Ability NB services or be referred by physician, occupational therapist, physiotherapist, social worker, case manager or other service provider. We also welcome referrals from a family member of guardian when the potential service participant has memory or communication difficulties or if it is for a youth under the age of 16.
To determine eligibility for Ability NB services, simply call our toll-free Information Line at 1.866.462.9555 from anywhere in New Brunswick or e-mail info@abilitynb.ca. A Rehabilitation Counsellor or Transition Planner will connect with you within two (2) working days to collect more information and answer any questions.
To be eligible for our services, the individual being referred must:
- have provided verbal consent;
- be living with a mobility disability;
- be committed to working with Ability NB to develop a plan to reach goals and actively participate in the process.
Step 2: Getting registered with Ability NB
Once a Rehabilitation Counsellor/Transition Planner determines eligibility for services, he/she will schedule a time for the formal referral to be completed by phone. At this time, the individual is responsible for initiating a call to the Director of Services at 1.866.462.9555 to complete the process. At the end of this phone meeting, the individual will be formally registered with Ability NB and assigned a Rehabilitation Counsellor or Transition Planner (youth with a mobility disability).
Be prepared! Information is required during the referral call and includes:
- contact information
- Medicare number,
- date of birth,
- type of mobility disability,
- emergency contact and
- primary reason for referral.
The referral phone meeting takes approximately 10 to 15 minutes. If the individual or service provider is unable to make the predetermined referral time, they must contact Ability NB to reschedule for a later date.
Step 3: Meeting with a Rehabilitation Counsellor to develop a plan
The Rehabilitation Counsellor/Transition Planner will make every effort to contact the new referral within four (4) working days to schedule an in-person meeting within the following three (3) weeks.
The Rehabilitation Counsellor/Transition Planner will meet regularly with the individual to identify personal goals and create a detailed step by step Individual Action Plan to help attain them. Rehabilitation Counsellors/Transition Planners are facilitators, consultants, navigators, and often advocates. They are committed to a holistic, solution-focused and person-centered approach.
Ability NB can assist in various ways: preparing applications to various income supports or funding programs, making referrals for equipment assessments, conducting home accessibility reviews, finding accessible housing, locating home support workers, accessing reliable health or legal resources, learning new skills, or accessing accessible recreation and community programs.