Post-School Pathways

Depending on the abilities of your loved one, they may be suitable for open or supported employment. However, job hunting may seem daunting to your loved one. Here are some ways you can help them in their job search:

1. Preparing for work:
   • Introduce your loved one to the concept of work and various work options from a young age, with the help of their school where available, so that they will have more opportunities to explore their career interests and strengths. Interactions with working professionals who have similar conditions may boost the confidence of your loved one in adapting to their work environment and understanding their job scope.
   • Discover and understand your loved one’s strengths and interests.

   If your loved one is in a Special Education school, they may be assessed and considered for programmes like SG Enable’s School-to-Work Transition Programme to prepare them for employment.

2. Jobseekers:
   • Work with the school and professionals to assess the suitability of work options based on the skills, interests, strengths and support needs of your loved one.
   • Set realistic work aspirations with your loved one to minimise stress and disappointment. Be open to exploring various positions and industries.
   • Learn more about training required, qualifications, and job application procedures so that you can support your loved one through this process.
3. Job Support:
   • Empower your loved one to navigate the workplace independently by supporting them to articulate their needs and explore possible workplace accommodations. For example, you can practise with them on how to request for flexible work hours from the Human Resource team, so that they can do so if they need to attend scheduled medical or other important appointments.
   • Job support services are also available through SG Enable where needed, to help your loved one managed the transition to the workplace.
   • Workplace accommodations like ramps for wheelchair users and lighting adjustments for persons with partial vision may be arranged. Your loved one’s job coach can assist with assessing their needs and facilitate discussions on possible workplace accommodations. Employers can tap on grants and support services available to integrate persons with disabilities into the workplace.
   • Assistive technology (AT) devices and software can help lower barriers at work and enhance productivity for your loved one. Visit Tech Able to learn more about AT devices and obtain the necessary assessment services.
   • Your loved one may also be eligible for Workfare Income Supplement, depending on their average monthly income.

Open or supported employment may not be suitable for all persons with disabilities but there are other forms of employment or programmes that can engage your loved one meaningfully after they graduate. They may be assessed for suitability for Sheltered Workshops, which provide employment and/or vocational training, and Day Activity Centres which provide daily living and community skills training. You can also encourage them to participate in Activity-based programmes by Social Service Agencies such as Eden Activity Club, Me Too Club! and Young Adult Activities.

Where possible, you can support your loved one by:

• Obtaining information and preparing them on what to expect before they start their first day at a new centre. You might find social stories useful for this purpose.
• Being involved in discussing goals for your loved one together with your loved one and the social service agency or service provider
• Helping to reinforce skills that they have learnt before or are learning. Examples of skills they might learn:
  • Simple work skills and soft skills e.g. teamwork, time management
  • Self-care and health e.g. eating and drinking, personal hygiene and modesty, exercise
  • Home Living e.g. doing household chores, staying safe and connected at home, digital literacy
  • Leisure, community and mobility e.g. social skills and relationships, participating in leisure activities, commuting
• Encourage them to keep learning and to be as independent as possible

Even if your loved one is no longer receiving services, it will be beneficial to stay connected to social service agencies. This will help them to receive additional support, updates on latest events or training programmes, as well as professional advice.