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 Supported Employment
Supported Employment is about assisting people with disabilities to work in the regular workforce and to provide ongoing support for as long as it is required. The focus of supported employment is on those people who have never worked, have interrupted work histories, or who are likely to require ongoing support to retain employment.
People with disabilities include people with a wide range of physical, sensory, psychiatric, learning and developmental impairments who are disabled by social, economic, political and environmental factors which restrict and/or exclude people from full time participation in their communities. |
Transition
Many young students with disabilities are, alongside their peers, looking forward to leaving school to join the workforce. Preparation for this transition is essential to the success of the student's chosen path or vocation. For students with disabilities this transition is often not as smooth as their peers, as they have not had after school or holiday jobs that non-disabled students experience.
There is a need for these students to learn about work in work settings where they can experience work place culture and learn a good work ethic. Phoenix Inc Supported Employment has been assisting students and their families, alongside the schools, with transition programmes for 10 years. A programme of career planning has developed through this relationship, which is based on collaboration and co-operation. This process means Phoenix getting involved in the IEP process and becoming part of goal setting at the IEP. A career planning meeting is held to highlight areas of interest enabling Phoenix to facilitate appropriate work experience placements. This is a key element to ensure the success of a work experience placement. Work experience provides reciprocal respect, social interaction and the opportunity to develop skills and confidence |
