Pathways Beyond School

A guide to support young people with disability plan for what comes next.

Finishing school is a big milestone, and a mix of excitement and uncertainty is normal. There’s no single “right” pathway or timeframe, some move straight into work or study, others need time to work out what fits. Planning ahead helps, and it’s never too late to start.

Start the conversation early

If possible, start thinking about life after school around Year 9 or 10, and keep the conversation going through the final years of school. Starting early gives you time to:

• Explore different options and opportunities
• Build skills while school supports are still in place
• Visit providers and see what’s a good fit
• Understand what disability support will be needed once school ends
• Check whether the NDIS plan reflects future goals
• Talk through changes to routine before they happen

Some gaps in support only become clear once school finishes, so keep planning, and keep reviewing, as things change.

Keep the young person at the centre

Planning should start with what matters to the young person, and they should be included in decisions in a way that works for them. Useful questions to explore together:

• What matters most to them?
• What are their strengths and interests?
• What would they like to try or learn?
• What support would help them take part?
• What would a meaningful week look like?
• What would a good life look like to them?

Life after school can include…

• Employment, or preparing for work
• Further education or training
• Volunteering
• Community participation
• Building friendships and social connections
• Learning travel, communication and daily living skills
• Greater independence at home and in the community
• Exploring future living arrangements and healthcare needs

A pathway shouldn’t be chosen just because a program is available. It should fit the young person’s goals, interests and support needs. Visits, trials and work experience help make an informed choice.

How NDIS supports can help after school

Depending on the specific goals and plan, funded supports may help a young person to:

• Prepare for and move into employment
• Build workplace skills, routines and confidence
• Develop social and communication skills
• Travel more independently
• Build daily living and household skills
• Participate in community activities
• Access assistive technology
• Explore home and living options

NDIS supports work alongside education, employment and health services. They don’t replace them, but can fund extra disability-related support that meets NDIS criteria.

School Leaver Employment Supports (SLES)

SLES may be available in a young person’s final year of school, or after leaving, to help build the skills, confidence, and experience needed to move towards employment. It should be tailored to the person, not delivered as a standard program. Support can include:

• Exploring different types of work and undertaking work experience
• Workplace communication and social skills
• Following instructions and completing tasks
• Understanding workplace expectations
• Time management and organisation
• Travel training
• Resume and interview preparation
• Developing the skills needed to find and maintain employment

SLES isn’t the only employment support available through the NDIS, and it won’t be right for everyone. The best option depends on the young person’s goals, skills, and support needs.

Preparing the NDIS plan

Funding for post-school support isn’t automatic. If the current plan doesn’t reflect the young person’s goals or support needs, it’s worth starting preparation early. It helps to have clear information about:

• Goals, strengths and current skills
• How disability affects everyday life
• Barriers faced at home, work or in the community
• What support is already in place, and what’s worked
• What’s being recommended, and why
• What skills or capacity the support is expected to build
• What outcome the support is expected to achieve

If there’s been a significant change, you don’t need to wait for the scheduled review. You can ask the NDIA to update the plan sooner.

How CoAct Support Coordination can help

A Support Coordinator can work alongside the young person, their family, and the people they choose to involve throughout the transition.

They can help you:

• Understand the NDIS plan and post-school options
• Understand NDIS-funded employment, capacity-building, community participation and independent living supports
• Turn broader goals into practical next steps
• Identify gaps that may arise when school supports and routines change
• Research providers and arrange visits, trials and referrals
• Compare options and make informed choices
• Coordinate communication between family, school, therapists and providers
• Gather evidence for a plan reassessment or change
• Set up new services and support a clear handover
• Review whether supports and funding are working

A Support Coordinator won’t choose a pathway or provider for you, or make funding decisions, but they’ll help you build the knowledge and confidence to make those decisions
at your own pace.

Ready to start planning?

Whether you’re just starting to think about life after school, or need support putting a plan into action, CoAct Support Coordination is here to help. Get in touch to talk about your options.