The National Disability Coordination Officer Program
The National Disability Coordination Officer Program (NDCO) provides transition information, coordination, and referral services for schools, tertiary education providers, and individuals. To contact the NDCO for your region, go to www.ndcovictoria.net.au
Careers Resources
The following websites provide career and transition information designed to assist young people successfully move from school to further study, work, or other programs.
DET career moves
www.careermoves.net.au
Career tips
www.careertips.net.au/intro/framein.html
Broaden your horizons
http://resources.imvc.com.au/broadenhorizons/index_new.asp?NavID=1&a=1&b=0
Futures For Young Adults (FFYA)
Futures for Young Adults (FFYA) is available to permanent residents of Victoria, who are 18 years old and in the last year of school, who have been assessed as eligible through the Department of Education and Early Childhood Development's Program for Students with Disabilities or equivalent in the Catholic or independent sectors and currently receiving support at school.
The Futures for Young Adults (FFYA) program provides support to students with a disability who need additional assistance to make the transition to post-school options. The program is available to eligible students from when they are 18 and complete school until they turn 21 (3yrs).
Another component of the FFYA program is the Transition to Employment (TTE) initiative. Transition to Employment is focused on providing 12 months of support to young people with a disability who want to pursue further education, training and employment but are not yet ready to move directly into employment, or receive assistance through a Commonwealth Employment Service.
For further information visit http://www.dhs.vic.gov.au/disability/supports_for_people/being_part_of_my_community/futures_for_young_adults#what
Or contact the Department of Human Service’s Intake and Response Service on 1800 783 783.
VTAC and SEAS
School leavers with a disability who are applying for University or higher-level study in TAFE can apply through VTAC for the Special Entry Access Scheme (SEAS).
Students are eligible to apply if:
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the disability is long term and has impacted on the students’ education
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during years 11 and 12, students experienced adverse circumstances related to disability, medical conditions, injury, or mental health that impacted on their education.
For more information, go to www.vtac.edu.au/seas.html
Tertiary Education
Each TAFE and University in Victoria employs a Disability Liaison Officer (DLO). DLOs can facilitate a range of supports and adjustments to ensure that students are able to fully participate in their studies and campus life.
A list of DLOs for each Victorian Institute of TAFE and University can be found at www.vta.vic.edu.au/TDN/downloads.html
TAFE and University open days are also good opportunities for students to explore courses and discuss needs and options with disability liaison officers. Dates for open days can be found at www.vtac.edu.au/opendays.html
Testimonials from students with a range of disabilities who have participated in tertiary education can be found on the following CD's (please ask your regional NDCO for a copy) www.ndcovictoria.net.au/Information---Resources/Tertiary-Transition-CDs.aspx
Employment, Traineeships and Apprenticeships
Jobaccess is a comprehensive program for school leavers with a disability who are looking for work. Information and support includes:
For more information, go to:
Information for job seekers
www.jobaccess.gov.au
Australian Apprenticeships Centre
www.australianapprenticeships.gov.au
Australian Apprentice Pathways
www.aapathways.com.au
Access program
www.accesstraining.deewr.gov.au/
‘Beyond expectations’ is a series of stories about people with various disabilities in a range of jobs. To view these stories, go to
https://www.det.nsw.edu.au/media/downloads/communityed/disabilityacces/beyondexpvideos/index.html