Step by Step Guide: Assessments
Members of Grassy Narrows and Islington Bands (and affiliates) may be eligible to receive a claim for benefits related to the effects of mercury from the Wabigoon River.
The Mercury Disability Board can help with the process.
Assessments are an important part of your claim for mercury related benefits. They are designed to evaluate your over-all health and quality of life that has been affected by mercury exposure, and help to determine if you will receive benefits in a fair and practical manner.
The MDB can assist you through both the application process and the medical assessment steps required to complete your claim. Once your application has been accepted, the MDB will send you a letter with the outcome.
Once your application is approved, the MDB will contact you—by phone or, in some cases, by email—to arrange your assessments and any accommodations you may require. This can include support such as an interpreter, transportation, community support or assistance with mobility needs throughout the process.
Most questions or concerns can be addressed by an MDB coordinator during this call. Or by visiting our website: www.mercurydb.ca
Types of assessments include:
- Nurse Practitioner: Typically cover a broad range of health concerns, history and assess overall health and quality of life.
- Neurology: Focuses on specific aspects of your neurological health, such as your mobility. You may be asked to do few short tests, such as walking heel to toe.
- Neuropsychology: Children/youth 15yrs. and under ONLY. Children and youth will attend a three-hour appointment specifically designed for young people, using play-based activities, problem‑solving tasks, and other age‑appropriate methods. Parents or caregivers will participate.
Preparing for Assessments
If your application has been approved, the MDB will send you a letter letting you know. Your file will then enter a priority sequence based on your application date. Elders will receive top priority regardless of application date, all others by application date.
When an assessment time and location becomes available, you will contacted by phone to make arrangements for your attendance of the appointment(s.)
You will receive a letter from the MDB stating your assessment time(s) and locations that were confirmed with you by phone and/or email.
Please feel free to ask any questions or concerns you may have about assessments during this call.
You may also visit www. mercurydb.ca for more info.
NOTES: If you cannot attend your appointment for any reason, please contact the MDB as it may effect your priority sequence.
Though the MDB will contact you by phone to arrange assessments, you will not be able to book an appointment by calling our office. When an appointment becomes available to you, the MDB will contact you directly to confirm your assessment(s) time(s) and location(s).
The MDB holds assessment clinics in:
Grassy Narrows
Whitedog
Kenora, and other locations, as determined by
need and priority sequence.
NEXT Steps: After you assessments are complete, your file will be scored. If you achieve over 6 pts. to a maximum of 16pts. (12 pts. for children), you will be entitled to benefits.