What I Wish I Knew Before My Child with Disability Finished School
Unearth valuable first-hand tips about how to best support your child as they transition to life after school.
The post-school transition is often challenging.
For people with disability, and their parents, this change can be even more daunting.
But it does not need to be so intimidating.
With adequate preparation, the transition to life after school can be smooth – or at least as smooth as possible.
Also, this planning can help to maximise the value of the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS).
We spoke with a group of parents of people with disability who have ‘been there, done that’ when it comes to supporting their children as they prepare to begin a new life chapter.
They share crucial advice about how to best navigate this important period.
1. Prepare as Soon as Possible
Life is already hectic enough, so it can be tempting to put post-graduation plans in the ‘too hard basket’.
But it really does pay to be prepared – and to prepare early.
It starts with creating a life plan with your son or daughter. Think about their likes and dislikes, including the activities they enjoy participating in at school. Re-read school reports for insights.
Ask those around you for their thoughts, especially teachers, friends and family members. They are sure to have opinions.
Remember, though, that the most important opinion is that of your son or daughter.
Preparing for your child’s future benefits their NDIS plan, too.
Although the entire process can be overwhelming, doing your research and making plans is sure to pay off in the long run.
2. Trial Various Services
Chances are, you have a solid weekly routine down pat.
Once school finishes, that routine is likely to change significantly. This can be overwhelming.
To help adapt to a new routine, try out services in the final year of your child’s schooling that you think might benefit them after they graduate. Most service providers are open to trial runs.
This way, when the time comes to change routine, the leap into the ‘great unknown’ is far less intimidating.
3. Goals First, NDIS Second
The NDIS exists to help participants achieve their individual goals, not decide what those goals are.
So, the best thing you can do is work with your child to define their post-school goals and then determine how the NDIS can help to achieve them. This clear, targeted approach is more likely to lead to positive outcomes with the NDIS.
Let’s say Oliver loves flowers, and his goal is to start up his own floristry micro business, delivering fresh flowers to local businesses.
It is much easier for the NDIS to support Oliver with this vision than if his goal was simply to ‘get a job’.
4. Try New Things
Regardless of whether your child has a disability or not, encourage them to embrace different activities and experiences and consider various pathways in the lead-up to graduating.
This can help your child to work towards a future that is most appealing to them.
5. Celebrate the Wins
While the post-school transition is a challenging time, it can be exciting and rewarding.
It is easy to get swept up in the endless to-do lists and anxieties that manifest before any big life change. But it is important to enjoy and celebrate all the fun, rewarding and empowering opportunities along the way, too.
Pause to celebrate the wins big and small.
6. Embrace the Relationship Change
There is no denying it – your child is no longer a child. They are rapidly becoming an adult.
And your relationship with your child will likely change as they do.
Rather than viewing this as a negative, think of it as a positive.
Often, it means your child is becoming more independent and empowered. This can be a sign of a job well done by you.
The nature of your child’s disability will likely mean they still need extra support. But you may find that you take a step back in caring duties and a step forward moulding an adult friendship.
7. Pay Attention to Friendships
Post-school, friendships can be harder to maintain – but it is at this time that they are more important than ever.
When your child no longer automatically sees their peers every day, loneliness can quickly creep in. And that can lead to other issues.
Encourage your child to maintain their existing friendships and make new ones, as the benefits of social interaction are many and varied.
NDIS funding is available for social and community participation, where applicable.
8. You Are Not Alone
Overwhelmed. Excited. Confused. Anxious. If any of these feelings are relatable, it is comforting to know you are far from alone.
Your child’s post-school transition is an intense time, and you can be sure many parents are experiencing similar feelings and emotions to yours.
Reach out and lean on your support network. It can do wonders.
Here to Help
At Endeavour Foundation, we exist so people with disability can unleash their potential.
Our quality supports and pathways always put our clients first.
This is coupled with customised NDIS support focused on helping participants and their families to navigate this complex scheme and get the best possible outcomes.
Keen to see how we can help you?
Get in touch now.