National Learning Network – Carrick-On-Shannon

The ACCESS Programme is a rehabilitative, learner-centred programme designed for graduates of special schools and young adults who require additional supports to develop personal, social, and work-related skills. The programme is funded by the HSE, underpinned by the New Directions framework, and is open to participants aged 18 years and over.

The aim of the programme is to support individuals to work towards greater independence by building confidence, developing essential life skills, and creating opportunities for participants to make informed decisions and choices. The programme promotes social inclusion, community participation, and preparation for future employment or progression to further education or training.

Each participant is supported through a structured individualised personal planning process, leading to the development of an individual Support Plan and Person-Centred Plan. These plans guide and shape each learner’s journey on the programme, ensuring supports are tailored to individual goals, abilities, and needs.

NLN works closely with parents and carers to support the practice of skills outside the centre, helping to embed learning into everyday life.

Course Duration: 3 years

Modules:

• Health and Hygiene
• Functional Numeracy
• Planning for Work Experience
• Social Communication
• Using Technology
• Independent Living Skills, including:
  • Travel Training
  • Cooking
  • Money Management

Evolve is a flexible, personalised bridging and transition service designed to support adults with a mild to moderate learning disability to progress in education, employment, and daily life. Guided by the HSE New Directions framework, the programme focuses on developing independence, confidence, decision-making, social participation, and community engagement skills.

Participants build vocational, personal, and social competencies while strengthening natural supports and forming meaningful, sustainable community connections. Through an individualised planning process, each participant works towards clearly defined personal goals. Outcomes include increased independence in everyday life, progression to further education or employment opportunities, enhanced social networks, active citizenship, and greater inclusion within local communities.

Course Duration 3 Years

Modules

• Making Choices and Developing Plans
• Maximising Independence
• Transitions and Progressions
• Personal and Social Development
• Personal Expression and Creativity
• Vocational Training and Employment Opportunities
• Community Inclusion and Participation
• Health and Wellbeing
• Developing Meaningful Social Roles
• Citizenship and Active Participation

CARA Outreach is a community-based, neuro-affirmative autism support service for adults, delivered in line with the HSE New Directions framework. The service supports autistic adults aged 18 and over to build independence, confidence, and self-advocacy skills while developing social communication, employment readiness, independent living, digital literacy, and health and wellbeing skills. Through an individualised planning and goal-setting process, participants work towards meaningful personal goals in education, employment, and community life. Outcomes include increased independence, improved access to further or higher education and employment opportunities, stronger social and community connections, enhanced self-determination, and improved overall quality of life. Supports are flexible and may be delivered in community, education, or workplace settings, depending on individual needs.

Course Duration: 3 years

Modules

• Employment Preparation, In-Work Support and Career Development
• Access to Further and Tertiary Education
• Independent Living Skills (including accommodation and housing supports)
• Community Participation and Social Inclusion
• Relationship Building and Social Communication
• Online Safety and Digital Skills
• Health and Wellbeing Supports (Physical and Psychological)