Tip 2 – Get the big picture
- Support young people's development of self-awareness. Help them think about and learn to understand themself. What are their values, their goals, their strengths?
- It's important to help young people think about what they want for the future. What are their short and long term goals?
- Help students to practice expressing their values, goals, interests, skills and strengths to others. It is important for young people to be able to tell other people what they are aiming for so they can get the appropriate help.
- Encourage a holistic perspective to transition planning – support young people to consider a range of goals – not just career goals. Help them to think about their goals, interests and needs in a range of life areas and how these can fit together:
- education
- employment
- leisure
- life roles – What other roles do they have that might influence their life after school? Think about friends, family, relationships, responsibilities, and living situations.
- Take a lifespan perspective and encourage active involvement of young people, their family, friends and others in transition planning– have students discuss their goals and ideas and get others' ideas as well.
- The Career Moves website contains useful tips and resources to help young people with disabilities explore their interests and career options
- Help young people get to know their disability or chronic medical condition:
- How is it likely to affect their participation in different settings?
- What supports might they need?
- What help have they had at school?
- Are they likely to need this type of help at TAFE, university or work? Different environments will have different expectations and challenges to consider.
- Help them talk to others about support that is likely to be available to them in different settings – see Tip 7.
- Customise your support and the experiences you provide to match young people's goals, values, interests, and skills – be flexible and responsive to changing needs.
