New Directions is the HSE's approach to supporting adults with disabilities who use day services in Ireland. New Directions (PDF, 2.2 MB, 244 pages) sets out twelve supports that should be available to people with disabilities using 'day services'. It proposes that 'day services' should take the form of individualised outcome-focused supports to allow adults using those services to live a life of their choosing in accordance with their own wishes, needs and aspirations. An eLearning Module for New Directions - Putting New Directions into Practice has been developed for all management and staff working in HSE funded Adult Disability Day Services.
There is a structure set up within the nine HSE Community Healthcare Organisations (CHO) nationally to implement New Directions. These CHO New Directions Implementation Groups have representatives from every HSE funded adult day Service Provider within the CHO area.
Read more about the Background of Disability Services and review the New Directions Benchmarking Report 2016 (PDF, 762 KB, 112 pages).
What is New Directions - Easy To Read Leaflet (PDF, size 259.7 KB, 2 pages)
New Directions - Easy to Read (PDF, size 2.3 MB, 25 pages)
Latest updates
Read more about the latest updates from the local and national New Directions team
Access to day services for adults with disabilities
Adult day services are HSE funded programmes to provide day services supports to people age 18 and over, with intellectual disabilities, autism, or people with complex physical disabilities. The programmes assist people to make choices and plans and to be an active, independent member of the community.
Referrals for adult day services should be sent to the local HSE disability day service office.
Find out more about accessing adult day services
Contact a service in your area
Person-Centred Planning Framework
In 2018 the HSE published A National Framework for Person-Centred Planning in Services for Persons with a Disability.
To support the roll out of the Person-Centred Planning Framework to all day services a Webinar Series was broadcast in 2021 to introduce and explain the PCP Framework. Service providers are currently self-evaluating their service to establish if their practice is in line with the framework. This series featured people who use services, staff and management and outlines the key elements of the Person-Centred Planning. Webinar recordings are available on HSeLanD for day service providers.
The National Person-Centred Planning group have developed a PCP Information Module for Persons with Disabilities and their Circles of Support along with an eLearning Training Module for staff in Adult Disability Day. These resources were launched by Minister Rabitte on 29 May 2024.
Read more on the Person-Centred Planning Framework Implementation
Interim Standards
The Interim Standards for New Directions Services and Supports for Adults with Disabilities Report requiring service providers and key stakeholders to involve people with disabilities in the design, delivery, monitoring and evaluation of the services and supports provided. The Interim Standards aim to be a catalyst for community inclusion and self-determination in the lives of people with disabilities. They also aim to provide a framework to assist stakeholders to deliver services and supports in accordance with the vision and stated objectives outlined in the New Directions and the Transforming Lives Programme.
Read more about the Interim Standards for New Directions
The Interim Standards and Monitoring - Easy to Read Leaflet (PDF, size 358.9 KB, 4 pages)
Interim Standards for New Directions - Easy to Read (PDF, size 2.4 MB, 21 pages)
Easy to Read Consultation Report on Day Services Monitoring (PDF, size 2.1 MB, 23 pages)
Day Service Monitoring Consultation Summary Report (PDF, size 510.2 KB, 14 pages)
Contact Information
Email newdirections@hse.ie
Further Information
eLearning Module for New Directions
New Directions Report (PDF, 2.2 MB, 244 pages)
New Directions Guidance Document - Defining New Service Locations
