Key Points
- There are alternatives to open or supported employment that may be more suitable for some persons with disabilities.
- It is beneficial to remain connected to social service agencies even after your loved one has graduated from school.
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.