When leaving school young people with a disability are faced with many difficult decisions as they make the transition into adult life.

When considering post-secondary education and training, young people need to think about what they like doing; their skills and career choices and how the skills and knowledge they have developed at school may assist them with course entry or understanding the course content. Also, remember to think about the pre-requisites for the course, amount of work that the course will involve, and jobs available at the end of the course.
Your decision to study should be made based on your area of interest, your capacity to undertake academic study and your future employment or other goals in life.
To assist students with a disability to plan for their transition into post-secondary education and training, the DCO has provided a range of information and resources to assist you and your family to understand and plan for the transition into further studies.

For further information on how to plan your transition go to: 2007 Future Pathways Guide

The 2007 Future Pathways Guide is designed to assist students with a disability in Years 9, 10, 11 and 12 to make informed decisions and plans for life after school. The resource provides useful information and tips to assist students and their family plan for life after school.

The Difference between High School and TAFE or University

When making the transition into post-secondary education, there are some differences between studying at high school and studying at a TAFE or university for students to consider. The attached table will assist you to understand some of the key differences between school and post-secondary education and training and assist you to plan for your transition into TAFE or university

`Choosing Your Path. Disclosure: It's A Personal Decision'

The `Choosing Your Path. Disclosure: It's A Personal Decision' guide is a web based resource that addresses the challenges disclosure of disability raises for people with disabilities, employers and educators. The website provides substantial information about options and pathways that people with disabilities can use in disclosing their disability in post secondary education and employment environments.

University

There are many different Universities in Australia, each offering a range of degrees and courses to students who study at their institution.

Universities also provide a range of general support to students with a disability who undertake study at their institution.

Students with disabilities should contact the Disability Liaison Officer unit at their provider for information about assistance that is available.

Students commencing courses are also advised to contact the Disability Liaison Officer prior to the beginning of their first session of study.

Enrolling at University

Unlike primary and secondary education, Institutes of TAFE or universities do not allow everyone to enrol. Gaining a place at TAFE or university involves a three-stage process:

• application for admission to one or more courses/programs
• selection for entry to one of your course/program choices

Enrolment ProcessTo apply for admission you complete and lodge an application with the specified fee (if applicable). For university undergraduate course/programs and some postgraduate course/programs you apply through the ACT and NSW Universities Admissions Centre.

Universities Admissions Centre
The Universities Admissions Centre (NSW & ACT) Pty Ltd (UAC) is the central office that receives and processes applications for admission to most undergraduate degrees, advanced diploma, diploma and associate diploma courses at participating institutions.

For further information on alternative entry schemes visit the ACT and NSW Universities Admissions Centre website

General enquiries: 9752 0200
UAC Office Location: Quad 2, 8 Parkview Drive, Homebush Bay, NSW
Postal Address: UAC, Locked bag, 112 Silverwater, NSW, 2128.

If the ACT and NSW Universities Admissions Centre does not represent the provider where you want to undertake your course you should contact the provider directly about their application process.

Educational Access Scheme Special enrolment conditions apply under the Educational Access Scheme for students whose education performance has been significantly affected by circumstances beyond their control over a period of time. The types of circumstances include:

• Disrupted Schooling
• Financial Hardship
• Home environment and responsibilities
• English language difficulty
• Personal Illness / Disability
• School environment.

To apply under the Educational Access Scheme ask your careers advisor for a copy of the Educational Access Scheme booklet. You will be required to complete the application form and to provide further information of your circumstances which will be considered by the University Admissions Centre.

For further information visit the UAC website

Registered Training Organisations (RTOs)

Registered Training Organisations (RTOs) are formally approved by Government to teach, assess and issue VET qualifications that are recognised all over Australia.

There are two types:

• TAFE institutes. These are public sector organisations and provide a range of post-compulsory education and training.
• Private RTOs. These are private organisations that provide:
  • Government-funded training
  • fee-for-service training

TAFE

TAFE Institutes deliver a range of short and long courses which result in a number of different qualifications. The courses are designed to provide a range of training opportunities to assist people develop the skills and knowledge they will require to transition into further education or employment.

At TAFE NSW, trained Teacher/Consultants provide students with a disability with a range of supports and services in areas such as deciding on which course to study, assisting with enrolment or fee exemption, as well as assisting to arrange classroom support, adaptive technology or assessment modifications if required.

TAFE NSW support services are free and confidential to students with a disability.

Students are encouraged to meet with the Teacher/Consultant prior to enrolling to discuss their proposed course of study and any assistance that may be required. Adjustments for students are negotiated on an individual basis.

Information required to register with Disability Support Services can include:

• Documentation of disability
• School reports
• A statement from you regarding your
  • Interests or goals
  • Strengths and weaknesses
  • Reading, literacy and numeracy levels
  • Supports / adjustments / management techniques used that assisted you at school
  • Other options for study or employment that you have considered

Private Registered Training Organisations

Private Registered Training Organisations (RTOs) are training providers formally approved by Government to teach, assess and issue VET qualifications. They include adult and community education providers, private providers, community organisations, schools, higher education institutions, commercial and enterprise training providers, industry bodies, and other organisations that meet registration requirements.

Private RTOs offer a wide range of accredited and non-accredited VET courses ranging from certificate I through to diploma and higher-level qualifications.

Many courses will require you to pay a minimal amount up-front for your training whilst some courses, which are run at commercial rates, will be more expensive.

Students with a disability may be eligible for a concessionary rate but you will need to check with the individual provider when you enquire about their training programs. Additional costs may apply to some courses for uniforms, licences or reference materials.

For further information about Private RTO's and details of available courses, visit the website

Adult Community Education

Adult and Community Education (ACE) centres offer a diverse range of training options where people can learn new skills for work, develop new areas of interest or expand their creativity.

ACE providers offer a wide variety of courses for lifelong learning in a community setting that are either:
formal (accredited - which means you end up with a certificate or recognised qualification) or
informal (non-accredited)

ACE courses offer a wide range of areas including employment and business related subjects that may assist people to develop the skills they require to move into a new area of work or to enter further study at TAFE and eventually university.

For further information about courses and details of available supports, contact one of the Adult and Community Education (ACE) providers listed below.

Centrelink Career Education Centres

Centrelink's Career Information Centres provide a `one-stop-shop' to all Australians requiring assistance to make informed decisions about education, training and employment options and pathways. Staff are available on site to assist students, the unemployed or people who are looking at changing jobs.

For further information about Careers Information Centre and the services available visit the Centrelink web site and go to "Individuals" - "Are you planning to study or undertake training?" and select the "Information for School Leavers" option.