in the classroom
Angus , one of the School2atWork program success stories . Picture : Supplied
It ’ s important that we tailor the program to suit the individual .
Willing and able
Nationwide program helps students with disabilities realise their dreams .
By Wade Zaglas
It would be no surprise that finding and maintaining meaningful employment or study for young people with a disability has not always been a priority in the past . But with the increased awareness of human rights in recent times , more is being done to alleviate the stigma and disadvantage of living with disability in the community .
Research has concluded , for instance , that employment “ for young people living with disability can offer a source of independence , as well as increasing the likelihood for an improved standard of living and better physical and mental health ,” employment services provider atWork Australia says .
The recent People with Disability in Australia report , authored by the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare , highlighted the differences in employment outcomes . The research found that roughly 52 per cent of people aged 15 to 24 living with a disability participated in the labour force to some extent , while close to 72 per cent of people who don ’ t live with a disability are engaged in the workforce – a 20 per cent difference .
HOW CAN WE MOVE CLOSER TO EQUALITY ? atWork Australia argues that more needs to be done to improve the “ post-school transition ” for young people living with disability , which results in increased employment numbers .
“ Meaningful , or satisfying work is essential to the wellbeing of nearly everyone as it fulfils a purpose ,” says Steve Carder , general manager Disability Employment Services ( DES ) of atWork Australia .
“ It ’ s really important that information is provided on options for employment for those living with disability . Transitioning from school to work can feel overwhelming and it ’ s important to have the best transition possible . This is particularly important for school leavers who are uncertain about what future employment opportunities are available and are right for them .”
THE SCHOOL2ATWORK PROGRAM atWork Australia ’ s School2atWork program assists and supports students living with disability transition from the world of school to work or further education . Key to the program is a dedicated job coach , whose remit includes everything from supporting the student to find the right job for them , providing ongoing post-placement support in the role , and providing the students with tips like writing an effective resume and cover letter , as well as providing advice on how to approach an interview effectively .
The program is accessible in more than 300 locations across Australia and , in the last 12 months , in excess of 600 school leavers have secured workplace or further education opportunities atWork Australia states .
Dapto High School in New South Wales has witnessed how securing employment can boost such students ’ self-esteem and happiness .
“ Our student cohort and their broader community struggle with high rates of socio-economic disadvantage including unemployment , family dislocation , related stress and mental health barriers ,” the school ’ s senior student mentor Peter Johnson says .
“ This negatively impinges on the opportunities and support available to young people seeking employment and career pathways .
“ We have worked with the team at atWork Australia for more than a decade , assisting hundreds of students from mainstream education and those living with disability into full-time careers and / or training .”
AN ATWORK AUSTRALIA SUCCESS STORY Angus , who lives with an intellectual disability , left school at 17 . With the assistance of his job coach , Chelsea , from atWork Australia ’ s Disability Employment Services , he is now experiencing success in a field of his choosing .
“ Angus experienced social anxiety and was not confident about his future ,” Chelsea says .
“ My first step was finding out what Angus enjoyed in school and what his hobbies are so that together we could establish Angus ’ career dreams and goals .”
Chelsea helped Angus uncover a passion for carpentry , worked with him to improve his self-confidence and mental health , and ensured he was job-ready . Angus is now working as a first-year apprentice at a furniture and carpentry company – what he calls his “ dream job ”.
“ It ’ s important that we tailor the program to suit the individual . We work on a local level with the school , employers and the community as well as the student ’ s family and support network to find a job that suits the students ’ strengths , and helps them reach their career and life goals ,” Carder says .
“ We believe that everyone deserves the opportunity to enjoy meaningful work and that Australian businesses deserve to access the full talent pool . We also recognise that when it comes to disability , injury , a health condition or disadvantage , the very strengths and skills that help people live with their circumstances are also skills that are highly valued in the workplace , like determination , dedication , resilience and compassion .” ■
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