As young people with disability approach their final years at school, it’s a good idea to think ahead to the next steps and what they might like to do after they finish disability get ready for life after school.
The earlier the better when it comes to planning – you can even start exploring the different options with your child as early as year 9.
From work experience to life skills training and careers research – there are many things you and your child can do while they’re still at school that will help set them up for a successful transition.
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Options After School
Whether your child knows exactly what they want to do after school or not, it’s important to understand the different options out there and where you might be able to get support along the way.
When thinking about the next steps after school, consider:
- Further study
- Paid work
- Volunteer work
- Work experience and workplace learning
- Apprenticeships and traineeships
- Supported work
Encourage your young person to think about their goals, interests and hopes for the future – including their career goals, financial goals and social goals.
Speaking with an employment consultant or careers advisor can help you and your child think through the different possibilities and pathways.
Work Experience and Workplace Learning
Work experience is a great way for your child to try out working life and see what types of industries or occupations might be a good fit for them.
It’s also a good addition to their resume when applying for paid positions, showing potential employers they’ve got the skills and experience necessary for the role.
You may be able to organise work experience yourself by reaching out to contacts in your community.
Your child’s school may also offer work experience or workplace learning opportunities or you may be able to access opportunities through programs such as the NDIS or Disability Employment Services.
Further Education
Gaining further education and training after high school can help young adults be more qualified when entering the workforce.
It also gives them an opportunity to make connections and refine their employment goals.
Options for further education after high school include:
- University
- TAFE – technical and further education
- VET – vocational education and training
- Registered training organisations
- Apprenticeships and traineeships
Most tertiary institutions have a disability liaison unit or disability coordination officer who can provide support for students with disability.
Their services may include things like counselling, scholarships, accommodation and financial advice.
Open Employment
Open employment is employment in the mainstream workforce that is open to everyone, meaning people with disability and people without disability work together.
For many people with disability, open employment is associated with better quality of life, higher pay and greater social connection.
Your child doesn’t have to be working full time hours in open employment to experience the benefits.
There are many avenues to get into open employment, including:
- Searching for jobs and applying directly with employers
- Asking people in your network about job opportunities
- Using the services of a recruitment agency
Australian employers are required to make reasonable adjustments in the workplace so employees can do their job properly.
They may even be eligible for funding for workplace modifications and assistive technologies to support employees with disability.
Employment Services
There are a number of services in Australia that can support your child as they transition from school into employment.
Students in year 11 and 12 may be eligible for Disability Employment Services for school leavers.
Providers of the program can assist with things like one-on-one coaching, personalised job seeker programs, access to work experience and ongoing workplace support. Find out more: What is DES?
If your child is an NDIS participant, they may be able to access School Leaver Employment Support (SLES) to get tailored support for their employment goals.
This may include things like preparing them for the workplace, building their confidence and independence or improving their communication and travel skills.
Find out more about how to access the NDIS for a child over 7 years old or NDIS for a child under 7 years.
Further information about employment and workplaces for people with disability can be found on the Job Access website.
Job Access is a national hub created by the Australian Government which provides information about employment for people with disability, as well as employers, carers and service providers.
Supported Employment
Supported employment is employment that has been specifically designed for people with disability.
It usually involves a higher level of support from a support worker. Opportunities in supported employment are often provided by Australian Disability Enterprises.
Supported employment may be a good option for people who need more support than what’s available in open employment.
Some people also use supported employment as a stepping stone to open employment in the future.
Funding Options
Funding services are available to help young people with disability transition out of school onto their next steps.
Your child may be eligible for a number of Centrelink benefits when they turn 16, including the Disability Support Pension.
The Disability Support Pension is a payment from the Australian Government for people living with a permanent disability that stops them from working or reduces the number of hours they can work. Find out how to apply for the disability pension.
Where to Get Help
- While your teen is still at school, you can seek help from teachers, careers advisors and education support staff.
- For specialist help about employment and disability, speak with an NDIS Local Area Coordinator, Disability Employment Services consultant or employment counsellors in your area.
- For information about financial support, you can contact Centrelink.
- Peer support groups and disability organisations may be able to provide practical and emotional support for you and your child.
Leaving school and moving onto the next steps can be both daunting and exciting. Planning ahead and taking time to research the different options available can help your child to have a positive and successful transition Read more
