Building on the extensive work of the Next Steps community of practice and learning, the Bridge to Community Initiative is a national, strategic effort to foster innovation, shared learning, and leadership in the development of rights‑based, person‑centred, and community‑integrated supports for people with intellectual disabilities, physical and sensory disabilities, and autism in Ireland.

Funded by the HSE and led by the National Federation of Voluntary Service Providers, this two‑year initiative (2025–2027) is designed to support the continued transformation of adult disability services, with a strong focus on inclusion, citizenship, and rights‑based practice.

Purpose and Vision

The initiative aims to foster and promote innovation in practice and leadership to support the full inclusion of people with intellectual disabilities and autism as equal and valued citizens. Central to this work is the continued progression of a rights‑based model of support and a shift towards a community and citizenship model.

Participation in the Bridge to Community Initiative is grounded in a shared commitment to reflective practice, person‑centred approaches, and aligning individual and organisational practice with a rights‑based framework.

Key Objectives

The Bridge to Community Initiative delivers its work through three distinct but interconnected objectives:

1. Leading for Innovation Programme

This programme focuses on leadership and capacity building across the sector by:

• Outlining the key elements of a community and citizenship model of support
• Exploring the strategic changes required within systems and policy frameworks
• Delivering sector‑wide learning engagements to build leadership capacity across disability services

2. Innovation & Capacity Building Strategy

This strand promotes shared learning and collaboration through:

• Community of Practice: An intentionally formed, rights‑based learning community that supports innovation through case‑based learning and interpersonal knowledge exchange. Membership is carefully nurtured to ensure safety and grows over time.
• Community Labs: A sector‑wide, online shared learning space bringing together people working in disability services to share stories, spark reflection, and explore what it means to support genuine belonging in everyday life.

3. Connection Point – Online Platform

Connection Point is a sector‑wide, creative online platform designed to:

• Share resources and foster collaboration
• Host Community Labs, online events, and a resource library
• Provide accessible spaces for connection, learning, and innovation across multiple devices
• Explore emerging technologies that may support enhanced self‑direction, citizenship, and inclusion

Who is Involved?

The initiative welcomes participation from:

• People with intellectual disabilities and autism, family members, and advocates
• Front‑line staff, managers, and senior leaders within disability services
• Community representatives and community enablers
• Key stakeholders, including the HSE, DCEDIY, and other government departments

How the Initiative Supports Change

The Bridge to Community Initiative supports service providers to continue transitioning to a community and citizenship model of support. Participants collaborate regularly to share information, co‑create innovative solutions, and invest in leadership and capacity building.

Recognising that meaningful transformation requires practical support, the initiative provides access to:

• Guest speakers and trainers
• National and international examples of best practice
• Practical guidance on change management
• Reflective practice opportunities focused on innovation, systems change, and rights‑based approaches