Setting goals as you move from school to further education and work.

If you’re planning to start your career or considering further education, the NDIS can support you through the transition.

It’s an exciting time of life that presents many opportunities. We’ve put together a guide from the information in our goals ebook to help you make decisions and plan for the next phase of your life.

Understanding how the NDIS can assist you during this period will allow you to set goals with confidence and help you make a successful transition into the world of work or study.

Study-related supports.

Supports for studying can be tricky to navigate. Most of the help you’ll get will come from your school, university or TAFE college. By law, these places must remove any barriers so you have the same access to study as a student without disability does. 

However, the NDIS may fund extra supports you need to study, volunteer or participate in work experience.

The NDIS may fund:

• Help with the transition from school to further study or work
• Personal care during study (e.g., help with eating or going to the toilet)
• Travel to and from study if you can’t travel independently
• Training for your teachers or employers about your support needs
• Support to join projects run by educational organisations for people with disability.

Setting study-related goals.

It is important for you to take an active role in choosing the path you will take on your journey through education and employment. You can find some suggestions for effective goal setting in our story Goal setting for teenagers and young adults. 

Once you have identified goals, here are some tips to help you get NDIS funding to support your study goals:

• Include a study-related goal in your NDIS Plan
• Be ready to discuss what support your school or training provider offers at your NDIS plan meeting or plan reassessment
• Make a list of any extra supports you think you need
• Gather school reports or related assessments
• Get a letter from your place of study that outlines any disability-related needs.

Finding your career path.

If you’re curious about what employment options are available to you and what type of work you’d enjoy, there are some steps you can take to help you find out what career might suit you. 

Explore your interests: Find activities, hobbies and subjects that you genuinely enjoy. This will help you identify a career that aligns with your passions.

Research different career options: Use online resources, attend career expos, and talk to people in jobs that interest you. Understanding the skills and qualifications needed for different careers will help you plan ahead.

Reflect on your strengths and skills: Identify areas where you have a natural talent and activities you enjoy. Aligning your career with your strengths can lead to a more fulfilling job.

Identify potential barriers: Entering the workforce can be challenging for some people with disability. Write down any barriers you might face and discuss them in your NDIS plan meeting. The NDIS can fund supports to help you overcome these challenges.

Talk to mentors and teachers: Seek advice from teachers, counsellors or professionals in your area of interest. Networking can also help you build valuable connections.

Research inclusive employers: Look for companies with inclusive practices and supportive work cultures.

Gain practical experience: Internships, part-time jobs or volunteer work can give you hands-on experience and help you get a truer sense of your career interests. 

School Leaver Employment Supports (SLES).

NDIS School Leaver Employment Supports help students with disabilities transition from school to work. SLES can help you learn more about your strengths, develop skills and build confidence. You may be able to access these supports during your last year of high school and for two years after you finish high school.

Examples of SLES:

• Time management and communication skills
• Job-ready skills, including travel preparation
• Personal development
• Decision making and problem-solving skills
• Computer literacy
• Preparing a resume and interview skills
• Understanding workplace rights and responsibilities.

You can find a more comprehensive list and more information on the topic, in our story on SLES.

 Other relevant NDIS supports.

In addition to SLES, other NDIS funding can help with your transition from school to work or further study. 

This may include personal care, capacity-building programs, assistive technology and support coordination.