Arthritis Rehabilitation and Education Program (AREP)

AREP provides a range of services for children and adults with arthritis, at no cost to clients with a valid Ontario health card number. Services include:

• Consultation and guidance on arthritis self-management in the home/workplace/community
• Group education that includes information and management techniques for arthritis
• A customized arthritis service plan

Services are provided individually (in person, by telephone, or videoconferencing) or in a group setting.

The physiotherapist or occupational therapist may address the following:

• Assessment  
• Education and support  
• Information on how to control symptoms  
• Exercise to improve strength, endurance and flexibility 
• Examination of gait and mobility issues  
• Evaluation of functional problems that limit activities of daily living or leisure  
• Home or work place adaptation  
• Recommendations on splints, mobility or assistive devices  
• Links to other healthcare or community resources

The social work professional may address the following topics:

• Community social services, income and benefit programs
• Government resources in your community
• Work, transportation or housing challenges 
• Coping with your emotions and managing stress 
• Talking with your family about how arthritis affects you 
• Meeting other people with arthritis to share your experience

There is no fee for services for eligible clients, however, you will be required to pay for splints and equipment if required. AREP operates under the terms of a 'Multi-Sector Service Accountability Agreement (M-SAA)' with the Mississauga Halton Local Health Integration Network (MH LHIN).

As per the transparency requirements of the agreement, please find the most up-to-date copies of the M-SAA and our Declaration of Compliance below. These documents are available for public viewing and printed copies may be obtained at all Arthritis Society AREP locations in Ontario.

• M-SAA agreement [PDF]
• Declaration of Compliance [PDF]
• Client Bill of Rights [PDF]
• Complaint Appeal Process [PDF]

The Arthritis Society has policies and procedures to protect any personal health information collected, used and disclosed by the Arthritis Rehabilitation and Education Program. These policies and procedures meet the requirements of the Personal Health Information and Protection Act and guidelines from the Information and Privacy Commission of Ontario.

Read the AREP Privacy Notice

We accept self-referrals. You may call us at 1.800.321.1433 ext 3307 or email us.  We will contact you about an appointment.

To be eligible for our services, you must have a valid Ontario health card number and have a diagnosis of arthritis.

For enquiries or appointment booking/rescheduling in French please contact 1.800.321.1433 ext. 1513.
We will do our best to accommodate your request.

As a government funded program, we are accountable to manage our funding responsibly to serve all Ontarians. We appreciate you playing your part in preserving the resources available in our health system. As your appointment is reserved specifically for you, we require 48 hours notice to cancel or reschedule. The penalty for failure to give 48 hours notice without significant reason (e.g. illness or emergency) may result in a $30.00 fee. For more details, read the Arthritis Rehabilitation and Education Program Cancellation Policy.