Our Programs & Services

This policy shifts data and information ownership, control, and choice to STEPS members. Our work sides with existing efforts to democratize data access, improve data privacy and research data management, and honours insights from Indigenous actions on data sovereignty . This critical work seeks to democratize ownership of and access to (research) data not only for “the public”, but specifically for the individuals participating in community-university research partnerships and/or where participants contribute their own personal data in (health and social) initiatives.

Our insights will be of interest and benefit to others operating at the boundary between community engagement and academia/research. STEPS will share this policy wording with other non-profit organizations and provide consultation services to tailor the source policy to each unique application. For example, we can adapt the policy for specific data and information management (control and ownership), levels and types of consent, and communication strategies that will promote the successful integration of these policies.

We are actively consulting with community organizations to gather voices and perspectives on this policy initiative. We also welcome collaborators with experience developing policy, particularly in relation to health care and social services, in partnership with Indigenous communities, or equity seeking groups.

Research shows that when aging adults experience small changes in their ability to complete complex and novel living activities, they face an increased risk of dementia and eventual transition to long term care.

The inspiration for Stitch in Time comes from the understanding that while aging adults may experience changes to their cognitive health and independence, many do not have access to timely education, assessment, rehabilitative services, or supportive care.

Family, friends, or private pay services are often expected to assist those who struggle with complex daily activities, but not everyone has a capable social network or the required financial resources. This creates inequities and places those with fewer resources at greater risk. Existing services are fragmented, complex to navigate, and have gaps along the progression of care.

We believe the missing levels of care for aging adults can be met through a stepped-care program of services. The goal of Stitch in Time is to reduce social inequities related to aging, identify and intervene with changes to independence at the earliest opportunity, and provide services that meet the unique and changing needs of each person over time.

We are piloting a component of Stitch in Time in partnership with a local social enterprise that provides community-based rehabilitation and supportive services. We are also conducting a scoping review of stepped-care models for aging adults, creating resource maps to situate Stitch in Time, and connecting with community partners.

Knowing what you know, knowing with whom to share it and how (and when), and using and applying that knowledge can make your organization – and your daily work – more effective and efficient.

STEPS has team members with extensive experience and capacity in knowledge management, in the domains of small businesses/organizations, governmental entities such as crown corporations, and publicly funded research partnerships. We have worked in local, national, and international contexts as well as alongside Indigenous organizations and communities.

Under the knowledge management stream, we are ready to engage with your organization around:

• Creating internal policy documents,
• Writing up employee handbooks,
• Developing internal training materials,
• Setting up file management systems,
• Sharing your knowledge with others through a variety of means and formats, and more.