For teachers and careers advisers
Transition planning is a student-centred, outcome-oriented process that facilitates the successful passage from school to community living and adult life.
Developing a transition plan should be a part of every student’s educational program and is particularly important for students with a disability. The plan may include input from teachers, careers advisers, parents and members of the local community.
The outcomes of transition planning include:
- increased involvement by students and parents/carers in planning for the future
- provision of appropriate curriculum
- a coordinated approach to service provision
- higher participation rates in post compulsory education and training
- increased awareness of community services and recourses.
The planning areas for transition are:
- curriculum and credentialing
- vocational education
- transport and mobility
- leisure and recreation
- personal management
- community living.
To make a successful transition from school to work or further education and training, all students need to begin planning for it in Stage 4.
Sample transition timeline
The sample transition timeline (.doc 158 kB) aims to provide an overview of the tasks that should be completed in each school year to help students with a disability to plan successful transitions from school to work.
Careers advisers can help students with a disability:
- prepare a transition plan
- choose school subjects that will enable them to meet their post school goals
- choose occupations and study options
- test their eligibility for financial support
- participate in assessment processes, where necessary
- gain work experience
- suggest vocational course options
- submit applications
- provide information and contacts on vocational courses
- search for jobs
- access disability employment services
- access other networks, which may be able to provide assistance.
Students with a disability should be encouraged to find out as much information as they can about potential careers from the Internet, their parents, careers advisers, teachers, business people and local community members.
Use the search tool on this web portal to find out more about careers advice for students with a disability.
