Inform issue 26 – Summer 2019

Your future
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For example, if you like technology you
might want to get a job in IT. Working
backwards from that end goal, you will need
training, either through TAFE or a university.
To get training you will need to apply and get
accepted. Before that, you might need a part
time job to support yourself. To get to your
part time job or to university you might need
travel training. You can get support through
each of these steps, so it’s important to work
backwards from your end goal, break the
process down into steps, and figure out what
assistance you might need along the way.
Types of assistance you can access:
• Job-ready training
• Assistance finding employment
• Assistance with independent living
• Travel training
This is not a complete list, but it might get
you thinking about what is possible.
What has changed for school leavers
Previously school leavers were supported
through the My Future: My Life program.
This program will continue to be available
until the NDIS rolls out in your area, at which
point you will move over to the NDIS. You
can apply for NDIS school-leaver support
up to six months before the NDIS rolls out in
your area.
How the new system works
If you are eligible for the NDIS you can
access School Leaver Employment Supports
(SLES) during your final two years of
schooling, or up to two years after leaving
school. The earlier you start this process,
the better your chances of getting all the
support you need.
in your NDIS plan. To access this, you need
to contact your Local Area Coordinator to
develop a plan. You can do this up to two
years before you leave school.
Before you go to your meeting, you may
wish to identify which supports you may
need. For example:
• assistance in getting work experience
while you are still at school, so you can
identify what sort of work you might want
to do
• undertaking job skills training, to improve
your employability
• undertaking travel training, so you can get
to and from work independently
• assistance in creating a CV or in applying
for roles
• assistance with your application for
further study or training
• assistance finding a community
organisation or volunteer position
Your Local Area Coordinator will help you to
think through the options, and help you to
develop a plan that’s right for you.
If you would like to read more, to help
you consider all your options, the Better
Health Channel has created a very
comprehensive resource, which can be
found at www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/
ServicesAndSupport/postschool-options-forpeople-with-a-disability.
If you’ve got a story about leaving school, or think you
could offer some advice to other school leavers based
on your own experience, we’d love to hear from you.
Email us at inform@iagroup.org.au
SLES is one of many supports available
through the NDIS. As with all things NDIS, it
is available if it is deemed reasonable and
necessary for the school leaver. Because
SLES is a support, it needs to be included