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So far this resource has set out steps to take to develop your plan for life after school. Plans are essential and important but will only be effective if you put them into action. Your responsibility is to put your plan in action. Someone once said "It is only the first step that is difficult." So grab your plan, your family or friend and set your plan in action, make that phone call or visit that agency. Action on your plan can be done by looking at one item a day, and ticking them off as you go.
Post school planning is also your time to:
- Think about your goals
- Think about the lifestyle you want for yourself
- Seek to further understand yourself - your personality, attitudes, abilities, values, wishes and potential
- Build up your independence and autonomy
- Develop your personal skills - self assertiveness and communication skills - you are your own advocate
- Develop your entrepreneurial skills
- Maintain contact with your friends from school
- Be comfortable about talking about your disability and the supports you need
When choosing a service - ask questions
When you contact a disability service you (or a friend, family member or advocate) can ask as many questions as you like. For example
About the service
- What does your service do?
- How does your service help people with a disability, illness or injury?
- How soon can your service help me?
- Are there any other services like yours in this area?
- What type and amount of support will your service provide to me?
- What training and/or experience does your staff have to help me?
- Will I need to pay any costs for your service? For example, job preparation, job search and employment, travel to and from an interview or workplace, course fees, training and work clothes?
- Do I have to come into your office to see someone from your service? If I do, how often?
Rights and responsibilities
- What rights and responsibilities do I have as a user of yourservice?
- You will come to know a lot about me:
- what will be written down?
- where will information about me be kept?
- who will be given this information?
- do I have a say in what information and to whom it is told?
- How much of a say do I have about the service you provide me?
It is a good idea to
- Make an appointment with each of the services you want to check out
- Ask for information you might need. For example:
- transport and/or parking
- ramps and toilet facilities
- the availability of an interpreter, if required, for languages other than English both spoken or signed
- the hours the service is open
- Remember to take to the appointment any letters or information that the service may need to determine your eligibility for their service. This information will also provide advice to them on the best way to support you to achieve your goals.
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