The Shift: A New Approach to Harm Reduction in Developmental Services

A smiling man with a grey beard, backward black baseball cap, and glasses.

Are you a service provider looking for a better way to support people with developmental disabilities? The Shift Harm-Reduction Training and Tool Kit is here to change perspectives and improve lives.

Based on four key principles – Humility, Awareness, Sensitivity, and Safety – this evidence-based framework supports service providers to shift their views and empower people with customized, person-centered care.

Text that reads, "The Shift", in white, capital letters over a stylized blue and green background the depicts clouds in the shape of a man looking downward. The Shift challenges assumptions, encourages holistic views of people, and promotes informed choice-making, even when risks are involved. It provides tools for long-term learning, critical reflection, and meaningful partnerships across sectors. With free training modules and a downloadable toolkit, The Shift offers practical solutions to reduce harm and build trust.

When service providers embrace these principles, they end cycles of hopelessness and helplessness, supporting people to lead lives of dignity and self-determination.

Community Living Huntsville is proud to be a founding partner of The Shift, alongside Community Living Temiskaming South, Community Living North Bay, Community Networks of Specialized Care North, and Hands TheFamilyHealthNetwork.ca.

Let’s make The Shift together – for better understanding, better support, and better outcomes. Learn more and access resources at TheShiftTraining.ca.

Community Living Huntsville is a not-for-profit, registered charity that supports and advocates alongside more than 300 children and adults, and their families, to promote and advance meaningful choice and real inclusion for people with developmental disabilities, so people, families, and our community can thrive. Learn more at clhuntsville.ca. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn.