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 important 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.

Talk to your friends, family, and support team about how change affects you. Your support network is important for helping you through 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 give you time to find the skills you need to grow. It will also help you decide what support services you need.

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 government services 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 setting goals. It can help you decide which skills to learn, practice, or improve. It also shows where you might need support.

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

Top tip: Start looking for service providers that match your needs while you are still in school. Don't wait 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.

We will work with your school to create a special program. You will have support and guidance from mentors and supervisors in a safe place.

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

Independent Living for People with Disability

Young people with disability can live independently in a variety of ways. For example, they may be able to live:

• A fully independent life
• In Supported Independent Living.

Your transition plan should include your goals for independent living.

It should also cover the life skills you need to live independently. These skills may include self-care tasks. Examples are cooking, cleaning, doing laundry, and shopping. They also include managing time, using public transport, and handling finances.

Remember, a transition plan is as individual as you are.

Top tip: Is moving out of home a long-term goal for you? Implement independent living skills into your routine now, to help with the transition. Read these handy hints for developing independence at home.

Community Engagement for People with Disability

Transition plans should include ways to keep friendships, meet new people, and join social activities you enjoy. This can be going to the cinema or taking exercise classes.

These activities can help you to build important community connections.

You might want to keep doing social, recreational, or community activities you liked in school, or try something new.

As part of your planning, it is a good idea to research local services for people with disability.

Services like Learning and Lifestyle hubs support you to learn new skills tailored to your needs and interests and develop and practise life skills.

Top tip: If you want personal help, look for services that offer Individualised Support. They focus on you and your goals.

Expert Help for an Easier Transition

There is a lot to consider when transitioning from high school to adulthood for students with disability.

It reinforces the importance of early planning, to ensure the change is as smooth as possible.

At Endeavour Foundation, we are experts at helping people with disability move from school to adult life. We offer leading support and services in employment, further education, independent living and community engagement.