During Disability Action Week 2023, we look at how young people living with a disability navigate the transition between school and the working world. Lilliana’s story is an example of how post-school career and life goals can be achieved with the right support.
For many young people, leaving school can be a daunting chapter of their lives! This is particularly so when a young person lives with disability.
Encouraged by her school, Lilliana joined the School Leaver Employment Supports (SLES) program, delivered by BUSY Ability as part of her NDIS Plan. The SLES program assists young people who are living with disability and about to leave school to prepare and transition for the working world.
Highly creative, Lilliana is already a proficient and promising musician. Her main barrier was overcoming her lack of confidence, especially when meeting new people.
The team at BUSY Ability spent a great deal of time working with Lilliana to help build her confidence and communication skills. The goal was to empower Lilliana to find independence and a career path that suited her interests and strengths. Lilliana was keen to earn money through part time work as well as enter an area of creative study that she was interested in, potentially as an instrument maker or a screen printer.
The program also supported Lilliana to obtain her Learners Drivers Licence which will give her independence.
Lilliana said of her experience, “I found out about BUSY through my school. They thought it would be good for me as I needed help before I could get a job. BUSY helped with my confidence, meeting new people and communicating with them. I have also learnt good interview skills. Lorrissa and Kate were both very patient and put a lot of time into my needs.
For anyone considering the School Leaver Employment Support program, I would tell them to go! It was very helpful. I met a lot of nice people and made some great friends. We also had lots of fun learning, playing games, so it wasn’t boring.”
Lilliana is about to move with her family to Melbourne. With her new-found confidence she is now looking forward to the next chapter which includes gaining her drivers licence, enrolling in study for a creative career, finding part-time work – and continuing to slay the guitar!
A proficient musician, Lilliana is looking forward to moving to Melbourne, enrolling in post-school study and finding work.
The BUSY Group acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of the country throughout Australia and their continuing connection to the land, sea and community. We pay our respects to them and their cultures, and their Elders past and present.
