Early Planning for Students with Disabilities

All students in secondary school need to start thinking about their post school options. Pathway planning can help students find out what they want to do and work out a plan to make it happen. For some students, starting this process earlier provides additional time to consider a range of options and ensure the student, with the support of those around him/her is working towards these goals.

Take opportunities to talk to your child about their future. Help them to identify their interests, abilities, skills and their values. Discuss what they like doing, what they are good at and what is important to them.

Talk about the world of work as you have experienced it. Share some of your work and life experiences with them and get other family members and friends to do the same. Discuss the achievements and pathways of other people with disabilities, including those with similar issues to your child.

Ask your child about what they’d like to do once they leave school.

Be open about your child’s possible future. They need to decide how realistic and possible their choice will be. Talk to them about what things they think will help them achieve their ambitions and discuss their options and ways of making this happen.

Ask questions like:

• What are you and your friends thinking of doing after leaving school?
• Have you thought about doing a traineeship or apprenticeship?
• Where can you go to get careers advice?
• Would you like to go to TAFE or university?
• Would you like to study or work?
• What things can you do now to help you get to where you want to go?
• What sort of program might you like to do? Would you like to do some work and some study?
• What help will you need to achieve your goal?