SLES Guide for Parents and Carers

SLES Guide for Parents and Carers: Empowering Your Child's Journey to Employment

The transition from school to the workforce is a pivotal moment for any young person. For young people with disabilities, this transition can present unique hurdles. School Leaver Employment Supports (SLES) can be a game-changer, providing crucial support to build skills, independence, and confidence needed to find and maintain meaningful employment. This guide is designed to help parents and carers navigate SLES within the NDIS framework, empowering you to advocate for your child's future.

See our complete A Comprehensive Guide To SLES guide

What is SLES?

SLES is a specific type of support funded through the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS). Its primary goal is to assist young people with disability in their journey from school to work. It offers individually tailored supports aimed at developing the skills necessary to secure and sustain employment.

Importantly, SLES isn't automatically included in every NDIS Plan. You need to actively advocate for its inclusion if you believe your child would benefit. It’s usually accessed in the final year of schooling or shortly after leaving. The duration of SLES can vary, sometimes extending for up to two years, providing significant time for skill development and job preparation. The duration is based on the individual needs of the participant. Some individuals may achieve their goals quickly, while others require more time and support.

Key NDIS Considerations for SLES: A Parent's Guide

Navigating the NDIS can be complex, so let's break down the critical factors for accessing SLES:

• Inclusion in the NDIS Plan: The most fundamental step is ensuring SLES is explicitly stated within your child's NDIS Plan. This requires demonstrating to the NDIA that SLES aligns with your child's goals and aspirations for employment.
• Articulating Employment Goals: The NDIS focuses on person-centred goals. When preparing for Plan reviews or initial Plan development meetings, clearly articulate your child's employment goals. These goals should be specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound (SMART). For example, instead of saying "I want a job," a more effective goal would be: "Within the next 12 months, I will gain paid employment for at least 8 hours per week in a retail or hospitality setting, with support from a job coach to learn the required tasks."
• Understanding the Funding Category: SLES funding typically falls under the "Finding and Keeping a Job" support category within your child's NDIS Plan. Familiarize yourself with this category and how the funding can be used.
• The Importance of Early Planning: The best time to start thinking about SLES is well before your child finishes school. Initiate conversations with your child's school, NDIS Planner or Local Area Coordinator (LAC), and potential SLES providers early in the process. This allows ample time for assessment, planning, and Plan inclusion.
• Eligibility Requirements: To be eligible for SLES, your child needs to have an NDIS Plan that includes SLES funding and an employment-related goal. They should be in their final year of schooling or have recently left school.

Practical Steps to Accessing SLES: A Roadmap for Parents

Here's a step-by-step guide to help you navigate the process:

1. Gather Evidence: Before approaching the NDIA, gather supporting evidence to demonstrate your child's need for SLES. This might include:

   • School reports highlighting areas where your child requires additional support.
   • Letters from therapists (e.g., occupational therapist, speech therapist, psychologist) outlining the skills your child needs to develop for employment.
   • Your own observations and experiences of the challenges your child faces in preparing for work.

2. Contact Your NDIS Planner or Local Area Coordinator (LAC): Schedule a meeting with your NDIS Planner or Local Area Coordinator (LAC) to discuss your child's employment goals and the potential benefits of SLES. Present your supporting evidence and clearly articulate why you believe SLES is necessary.

3. Prepare for Your Plan Review Meeting: If your child already has an NDIS Plan, prepare thoroughly for the Plan review meeting. Emphasize the importance of SLES in achieving your child's employment goals and provide updated evidence to support your request.

4. Choose a Suitable SLES Provider: Once SLES is included in your child's NDIS Plan, research and select a provider that aligns with your child's needs and goals. Consider factors such as:

   • The provider's experience and expertise in supporting young people with disabilities to find employment.
   • The provider's approach to individualizing support.
   • The range of services offered by the provider (e.g., job coaching, resume writing, interview skills training).
   • The provider's location and accessibility.
   • Seek recommendations from other families, support groups, or your NDIS Planner.

5. Develop a Personalised Support Plan: Work closely with the chosen SLES provider to develop a personalised support plan that outlines specific goals, strategies, and timelines. The plan should be regularly reviewed and adjusted as needed to ensure it remains relevant and effective. The plan should address skill development in areas such as:

   • Communication and interpersonal skills
   • Time management and organisation
   • Job-specific skills
   • Understanding workplace expectations
   • Travel training

6. Monitor Progress and Advocate as Needed: Stay actively involved in your child's SLES journey. Regularly communicate with the SLES provider to monitor progress and address any concerns. If you believe your child is not receiving adequate support, advocate for adjustments to the support plan or consider changing providers.

The Ultimate Goal

The primary outcome of SLES is to help participants secure paid employment, ideally in an open employment setting. This may involve connecting with a Disability Employment Service (DES) for ongoing support once employment is obtained. It is important to remember that everyone's journey is unique. Depending on your child's individual goals and progress, other outcomes may include volunteer work, further education, or increased independence in daily living skills. The ultimate aim is to empower your child to achieve their full potential and live a fulfilling and meaningful life.

Conclusion

SLES can be a powerful tool in empowering young people with disabilities to achieve their employment goals and transition successfully into the workforce. By understanding the NDIS processes, actively advocating for your child's needs, and partnering with a supportive SLES provider, you can help them build a brighter future. Remember, you are your child's strongest advocate. Your involvement and support are crucial to their success.