Transition Planning – School Leavers

Transition to post-school education and employment

Young people who are deaf or hard of hearing (D/HH) need transition planning and career guidance that addresses deafness-related issues. Building knowledge and skills will give them the confidence to overcome the barriers they may encounter in training, at TAFE or university, and work. The following transition practices are recommended for secondary students who are D/HH:

• Career guidance from professionals knowledgeable about deafness-related issues
• Collaboration between teachers of the deaf, mainstream teachers and career counsellors on transition planning
• Preparation to identify and address potential difficulties in postsecondary education and employment
• Development of the student’s awareness of appropriate accommodations and the legal requirements of postsecondary education and employers to provide these
• Help in accessing the increasing range of technical assistive devices and systems available
• Self-determination instruction, including self-advocacy, negotiation, and assertiveness skills
• Discussion of how and when to disclose their hearing loss, explain its effects and inform employers of necessary accommodations and solutions
• Work experience with follow-up discussion to maximise learning
• Family involvement and empowerment
• D/HH adult role models and mentoring programs
• Strong links with agencies offering employment services and other post-school services.

Families, teachers, careers personnel, and teachers of the deaf should work with the student who is D/HH to support them in this transition process. One way to do this is to develop an Individual Transition Plan.

What is an Individual Transition Plan?

An Individual Transition Plan for a school leaver is a tool designed to assist students with disabilities and additional learning needs in preparing for life after school. It involves a collaborative planning meeting with the student, parents, teachers, and support teachers to gather information on the student’s post-school goals, pathways, and support needs. This can then be shared with organisations like the NDIS (for plan reviews), employment services, and other education and training providers to ensure a smooth transition for the student.

A typical transition plan would include the following questions and information:

• Date of plan
• Student details
• Expected date for completing school
• Parent/carer details
• School details
• Educational settings and supports
• Student’s disability and support needs
• Communication needs
• Travel skills
• NDIS Information
• Education details – pattern of study
• Post school goals
• Employment goals and experience
• Student’s strengths, goals and support needs

Employment Goals

Various types of assistance are available to students who aim to get a job when they leave school. Discussions with their family and school can give valuable insights into suitable options.

• Centrelink | Services Australia
• Disability Employment Services (DES) | Services Australia
• Workforce Australia
• Transition to Work | Department of Employment and Workplace Relations

For NDIS participants

As well as talking to their family and teacher/s, students should contact their planner or Local Area Coordinator (LAC) as soon as possible to discuss what supports might be suitable for them after they leave school.

• Community Participation Supports
• School Leaver Employment Supports (SLES)
• Australian Disability Enterprises (ADE)

Learn more about how the NDIS can support participants who are leaving school here. 

NDIS Plan Reviews

It is helpful for students to write their goals and what would help them to achieve them, especially if they are going to have an NDIS plan review. We have included a table (pdf) that gives some guidance on goals and supports in various planning areas. Download PDF.

More information

• Transition to post-school education & employment fact sheet | VDEI (Renee Punch PhD)
• Information & resources for students with disability |ADCET
• Beyond school
• Real Life Tip – Turning 18
• Working together: Moving through secondary school | Australian Government Department of Education
• How to advocate | Australian Government Department of Education