Safer Steps My Way

Substance use support for adults with disabilities

How to register:

Who we support

Safer Steps My Way is for adults aged 18+ who:

  • Have a confirmed or suspected intellectual or developmental disability
  • Use drugs or alcohol
  • Are based in Toronto or Kenora-Rainy River

What to expect

Inquire

Once you inquire, we’ll be in touch to start the registration process.

Meet your multidisciplinary team

Once you’re registered, we’ll assemble your team and introduce you. Your team may include:

Intensive case manager

  • Person with lived and living experience
  • Registered behaviour analyst
  • Harm reduction counselor
  • Social Worker (on Toronto team)
  • Wellness Counsellor (on Kenora Rainy River team)

Start support

Participants will schedule appointments with their team to identify goals and work towards them at their own pace. Support is developmentally appropriate and culturally sensitive, shaped by the voices of people who have had similar experiences.

Non-judgmental community outreach for drug and alcohol use

Safer Steps My Way is a harm reduction program by Surrey Place for adults who use drugs or alcohol and may also be involved with the justice system. We provide flexible, mobile, community-based support in Toronto and Kenora-Rainy River.

Participants work towards goals like:

  • Safer choices around substance use
  • Building trust through non-judgmental harm reduction
  • Access to healthcare and community supports
  • Informed decision-making and independence based on personal goals
  • Navigating healthcare, social and justice systems

Safer Steps My Way is suitable for adults who:

-Are 18 years of age or older

-Have a confirmed or suspected intellectual or developmental disability

-Use drugs and/or alcohol

-May have involvement with the justice system

-Have found it challenging to access traditional substance use or developmental services

-Would benefit from flexible, community-based harm reduction support

Referrals can be made by individuals, family members, community agencies, service providers or through conversations with the Safer Steps My Way team. The program works closely with local organizations to make sure support is appropriate and responsive to each person’s needs. Families, caregivers, and professionals are welcome to reach out to learn more about eligibility and next steps.

Safer Steps My Way is currently available in Toronto and the Kenora-Rainy River region. These locations were selected to build on existing partnerships and address the needs of local communities.

Safer Steps My Way takes a harm reduction approach that supports people where they are at. Services are flexible, community-based and delivered by a team with different areas of expertise, with a focus on informed decision-making and practical support that fits into everyday life.

Safer Steps My Way is funded by Health Canada as part of a four-year initiative focused on improving access to inclusive, evidence-informed care.