Transition to Work and Community Participation
Q1. What is the difference between Transition to Work and Community Participation?
A1. Transition to Work is a two (2) year program with the aim of achieving employment for young people with a disability. The program trains young school-leavers with disabilities to become “employable” through a special course and through hands-on experiences of different workplaces.
The overall aim of the program is for the young participants to successfully secure and keep employment.
Community Participation is a post-school program for young people with a disability with moderate to high support needs who require an alternative to paid employment and further education. It focuses on life skills training and increasing the independence of the participants.
Q2. Who decides which students can join the Transition to Work and Community Participation Programs?
A2. The Department of Ageing Disability and Home Care (ADHC) decides who is eligible. Each year, while students are still at school, ADHC does an assessment of individual students and determines who has eligibility, and which of the two (2) programs is the most suitable.
Q3. How can the young person get an assessment?
A3. Speak to the young person’s Teacher or Career Advisor. Staff from Essential Personnel can also give you information to assist you in the process.
Q4. What is the assessment all about?
A4. The Post School Programs Eligibility Assessment includes: questions about the person’s abilities in daily living, self care and their behaviour, and any additional information about the needs of the young person.
Q5. When does the assessment take place?
A5. Between May and June, a trained assessor will conduct the assessment. Consent by the young person or parent/guardian must be given before an assessment can take place.
Q6. When do you find out if you have been successful?
A6. The Department of Ageing Disability and Home Care will advise you of an outcome in September/October.
Q7. If you are successful - then what?
A7. Then it’s time to choose a Service Provider. Essential Personnel provides Transition to Work Programs in Wollongong, Bomaderry, Mittagong and Goulburn. The Community Participation is available through Essential Personnel in Wollongong and Goulburn.
Q8. Where can I get additional information?
A8. Have a look at the flyer attached which gives you information about Essential Personnel and the service we can offer. We welcome you to phone our office and speak to one of our helpful staff. Information is also available on the ADHC website at www.dadhc.gov.au and follow the links to People with a Disability / Post School Programs.
