Preparing for Your Child's Transition From School

Navigating the School-to-Adult-Life Transition

For families of young people with disability, the transition from school to adult life is one of the most significant milestones you will face. It brings big questions: What will my child do after school? Where will they work? How will they spend their days? Will they have the support they need? At InLife, we understand how important this transition is, and we are here to help families plan ahead and explore the many possibilities available.

When to Start Planning

It is never too early to start thinking about the transition from school. Many families begin planning two to three years before their child finishes school. In most Australian states and territories, students with disability can remain in school until they are 21, which gives families time to prepare. However, the earlier you start, the more options you will have.

Your child's school may have a transition planning process or coordinator who can help. If not, your NDIS support coordinator or Local Area Coordinator (LAC) can assist with planning and connecting you to the right services.

Options After School

There are many pathways available to young people with disability after they leave school. The best option depends on your child's interests, strengths, and goals. Some possibilities include:

• Employment: Many young people with disability go on to find meaningful work, whether in open employment, supported employment, or through an Australian Disability Enterprise (ADE). Our employment and training services and Disability Employment Services (DES) can help with job searching, training, and workplace support.
• Further education and training: TAFE courses, university programmes, and community college classes are all options. Many institutions have disability support services that provide accommodations and assistance.
• Day programmes and community participation: For some participants, structured day programmes or community access activities provide a fulfilling way to spend their time, build skills, and maintain social connections.
• Volunteering: Volunteering can be a wonderful way for young people to develop skills, gain experience, and contribute to their community.
• Micro-enterprises and self-employment: Some participants start small businesses based on their interests and talents, supported by their NDIS funding and community networks.

How the NDIS Supports the Transition

The NDIS can play a significant role in supporting your child's transition from school. Relevant NDIS-funded supports may include:

• Support coordination to help navigate the transition and connect with services
• Employment support, including the School Leaver Employment Supports (SLES) programme
• Life skills training, such as cooking, budgeting, and using public transport
• Community participation funding to access activities and social groups
• Allied health services to support ongoing therapy needs

The School Leaver Employment Supports (SLES) programme is particularly worth exploring. SLES provides tailored support to help young people with disability build the skills they need for employment, delivered in the community and workplace over up to two years.

The transition from school is not an ending. It is the beginning of a new chapter full of opportunity, growth, and possibility.

Tips for Families

Here are some practical tips to help your family prepare for the transition:

• Involve your child: Their voice should be at the centre of all transition planning. Ask them what they want for their future and listen carefully.
• Visit potential services: Tour day programmes, employment services, and community groups before making a decision. Meet the staff and ask questions.
• Build independence skills now: Use the remaining school years to practise skills like travelling on public transport, managing money, and self-care.
• Connect with other families: Peer support from families who have been through the transition can be invaluable. Look for local parent groups or online communities.
• Plan for your child's NDIS review: Make sure your child's NDIS plan includes funding for transition-related supports. Bring evidence and reports from school and therapists to the review meeting.

How InLife Can Help

At InLife, we support many young people through the school-to-adult-life transition. Our team works with families to understand your child's goals, explore options, and put the right supports in place. We offer community participation, life skills development, employment support, and support coordination services that can make this transition smoother and more positive for your whole family.

If your child is approaching the end of their school years, reach out to InLife today. We would love to help you plan for the exciting journey ahead.