Tip 6 - Get organised
- Help young people find ways of managing time and staying organised that work for them. Organisation and time management skills are vital in post-secondary settings. How well does your young person manage their time and keep track of their activities? Some things they might like to try include:
- using checklists or to-do lists to record tasks – it can be very satisfying to cross them off when they are done!
- prioritising tasks in relation to when they are due
- having a designated place for work or study where there are few distractions
- establishing a regular schedule
- keeping an up to date record of activities and tasks in a calendar,
- having a place to store files and records – so that things are easy to find in future
- Offer your young person suggestions about ways to stay organised that have worked for you.
- Many post-school settings, including universities, also offer workshops on employability skills including organisation and time management. Suggest that your young person explore whether the counselling or careers services at their institution, or prospective institutions, offer this type of training.
- Provide opportunities for your young person to practice taking responsibility for making and keeping appointments and following up requests – while you may often help with these things it is important that young people learn to be accountable to others and to take responsibility.
- Help your young person maintain good records – encourage them to keep copies of all documentation about their disability because they are likely to be asked to supply the same paperwork often. It will be much easier and less stressful for you all if you have easy access to these documents and details.
- Keep copies of any forms or paperwork that your young person completes during their planning for life after school.
