Post-School Options
Your guide to life after school. Helping you explore options, understand the NDIS and take your next step with confidence.
Starting the Next Chapter
Finishing school is a big milestone. It can be exciting, but also uncertain, especially when you start thinking about what comes next. For many families, this stage can feel overwhelming. There is a lot of new information, unfamiliar language and important decisions to make.
The Bridge is here to provide a clear starting point to help you understand your options and feel more confident taking the next step. Your journey will depend on your goals, interests and support needs, and it is okay for this to change over time.
Exploring Your Options
After school, there are many pathways to help you build confidence, independence and connection. Whether your goal is to develop new skills, participate in your community or work towards employment, the right option will depend on your interests’ goals and support needs.
These programs help you build independence and social skills in a structured setting. They can also provide opportunities to try new activities and connect with others.
Learn more about Day Programs
These supports are tailored to your personal goals and needs. They can help you build independence at home or support you to access your community.
Learn more about Individual Supports
Volunteering provides a chance to gain experience and build confidence. It can also help you develop skills and explore different types of work environments.
This pathway supports you to gain new skills and qualifications through further study. It can open up future opportunities in areas that interest you.
SLES focuses on building skills and confidence before starting work. It can help you develop independence, experience and work readiness over time.
Learn more about Job Skills Building
This option provides opportunities to work in a structured environment with ongoing support. It can help you build skills, confidence and routine at your own pace.
Learn more about Supported Employment
This involves applying for jobs in the general workforce when you feel ready. It can offer the opportunity to build experience in a wide range of workplaces, with varying levels of support.
Learn more about Open Employment
This pathway allows you to work while gaining a recognise qualification. it combines practical, on-the-job experience with formal training.
This option allows you to explore starting your own business. With the right support, you can develop skills in planning, communication and managing work.
Navigating the NDIS
The National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS), provides funding to support people with disability to build skills, increase independence and take part in everyday life.
This may include support with work, learning, social and community participation and personal goals. The NDIS is designed around the individual. Your plan is based on your goals, your situation and the supports you need.
Types of NDIS Supports
Understanding support categories in your plan.
Once you have an NDIS plan, you may see different support categories. These help organise the types of supports available to you. Understanding these categories can make it easier to speak with providers and make informed decisions.
Support to build skills and independence over time:
- Daily living and independence skills
- Social and communication skills
- Community participation
- Building work skills/employment skills
- School Leaver Employment Supports (SLES)
Support for employment goals (within Capacity Building):
- Exploring job pathways
- Work readiness skills
- Practical experience
- Support to find and keep a job
Support for everyday activities and participation.
Social, Community and Civic Participation:
- Day programs
- Access to community groups
- Group supports
- One-to-one supports
- Supported employment
- Recreational and social activities
Daily activities:
- Home and living
- Short term accommodation
May be included in your plan.
- Understanding your plan
- Connecting with providers
- Setting up supports
- Managing supports over time
- How to implement and utilise your budget
One Step at a Time
Planning for life after school can feel like a lot. Our Next Steps Checklist breaks things down into simple steps to help you get started.
Need support to get started?
If you would like support exploring your options, our team is here to help. Fill in your details and we will be in touch to discuss how to get started.
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FAQs
We provide a range of community, employment and home supports for people with a disability, tailored to your individual goals and needs.
Our supports are available to people with disability across different life stages, from school leavers (aged 16 yrs+) to older adults, including those with NDIS funding.
Getting started is easy, simply contact our team at enquiries@thebridgeinc.org.au or fill our intake form and our friendly team will guide you through your options and next steps.
We deliver services across Melbourne’s south-east and north-east suburbs, supporting people at home, in the community, and at our service centres.
Are you interested in a student placement?
If you’re interested in student placement, please tell us a bit about yourself, what course you’re studying and how many hours you require.