How to transition to post-school for students with disability

The post-school transition for students with disability can be daunting. With this article, we aim to make the process smoother and simpler.

Transitioning from high school to adulthood is a challenging time for anyone.

For people with disability, it can be even tougher.

Leaving school signals the immediate loss of your structured environment, and the substantial supports that often come with it.

Then, there is the question of ‘what’s next?’. It is not always clear.

But you deserve to have greater certainty about your future.

In this article, we detail useful steps that you can take to prepare yourself for that all-important next phase of your life.

We also outline key pathways and supports to consider post-school, covering critical areas of education, employment and accommodation.

Recognise how change makes you feel

Finishing school is a big deal. You may start to experience lots of emotions, all at once.

Before you start planning or weighing up your options, take time to check-in with yourself.

How does change make you feel?

If the idea of change heightens your anxiety, factor this feeling into your planning.

Start by talking to your friends, family and support team about how change impacts you, as your support network will play an essential role in helping you to navigate the next phase of your life.

It is a smart idea to set up regular check-ins as you go through the transition period.

Start planning early

To make the transition from high school to adulthood smoother, start planning for it in advance.

This will allow you time to identify the skills you need for development and to determine the support services that are required.

It is best to work with your school to better understand where you are at and what you need to learn before you finish school.

Top tip: Both the NDIS and the Queensland Government have handy online planning resources available.

Identify your strengths

Before you start planning, write your current skills down on paper. You can do this with the help of a support worker, teacher or family member.

Once you know your strengths, identify areas where you need to focus your development.

This is important for goal setting, as it can help you to decide which skills you need to learn, practise or improve on, and where you might need support.

You can compare these with the skills that you need to meet your goals.

Top tip: It helps to start searching for service providers that align with your wants and needs while you are still at school rather than waiting until you finish.

Consider your goals

Setting both short-term and long-term goals will help you to determine where to place your focus in your first few years after school.

Everyone is different, so focus on what you think is achievable and will most likely make you happy.

Your goals will form the basis of your transition plan. Your transition plan is about you and your future, so you have the choice and control of what you want to focus on.

Everyone’s transition plan is different, but all transition plans should cover:

• Employment
• Independent living
• Community engagement

Top tip: Think about who you want on your NDIS team. Your team can support you to develop your transition plan and make it happen.

Employment for people with disability

If the idea of working post-school appeals to you, consider what types of jobs might suit your interests and skills.

For example, if you love animals and are good with them, you may be suited to a job as a veterinary assistant or a dog walker.

We know that transitioning from school to work is a huge step, which is why we offer a dedicated work experience program.

The program is a wonderful way to develop skills, make new friends and get job ready.

In partnership with your school, we will create a tailored program – and you will be supported and guided by mentors and supervisors in a safe environment.

Top tip: Check out the various employment pathways that Endeavour Foundation provides.