School to Work – Introductory Webinars for secondary school students with a disability and their families.

This webinar will provide you with an introduction to this new initiative to assist your family on the path to creating a positive vision for the future, a vision that includes work.

This webinar will also focus on planning for work, developing positive mindsets and focusing on your student’s strengths. We will discuss possible barriers you may encounter on the school to work pathway, and how to handle these. We will also be highlighting the importance of involving your student in decision making throughout the school to work journey.

We will discuss why having high expectations is important, and share stories and examples to assist you to be able to ‘think outside the box’ in order to find or create work opportunities.

The webinar will include live Q&A.

About the Webinar:

This webinar will cover:

The importance of having a positive vision, including crafting a vision statement for employment
Planning for work
Developing positive mindsets –with a focus on the strengths and gifts your family member has to offer
Navigating possible barriers on the school to work pathway
The importance of the student voice –involvement in discussions about work and future
The importance of having high expectations
A range of examples to assist you to be able ‘think outside the box’ in order to find or create work opportunities
Exploring ideas for work experience, including utilising your networks
Investigating your student’s interests further to achieve work success

Download the Flyer here (pdf)

Download the Accessible flyer here (word doc)

About the Presenters:

Gina Barwell-Pickup started at CRU in August 2020 as a consultant in the ‘School to Work’ project. Since studying business at university, Gina has held a broad range of roles in a variety of industries including hotels, education and in State government and small business. Additional experience in recruitment will equip her well to assist students to get ready for work. Gina is passionate about the value of employment for people with disability and is currently supporting her own teenager on this journey.

Casey Northam is a Community Resource Facilitator with CRU. Casey has worked in community development and social justice focused roles and is an experienced group facilitator and trainer. After a brief stint as a Local Area Coordinator, Casey worked with individuals with disability and families and facilitated the co-design of information and resources by and for LGBTIQAP+ people with intellectual disability. Casey is passionate about all people having what they need to pursue a meaningful life as determined by them.

Who Should Attend?

This webinar is for secondary school students with disabilities and their families. Supporters and allies are also welcome to attend. This particular webinar is designed for families with a student in Years 9 & 10. Other webinars are being currently offered for Years 7 & 8 and Years 11 & 12.

What do I need to participate?

We will be using the video meeting platform Zoom to host the webinar.

You will need access to:
• a computer or iPad/tablet or smart phone with internet access;
• speakers/sound

Please contact us if you have any questions or concerns about your ability to participate.

About CRU:

For over 30 years, Community Resource Unit has been working across Queensland to help people with disability take control of their lives and take their place in their community.

CRU (QLD), Resourcing Inclusive Communities, an initiative of Family Advocacy (NSW) and Imagine More (ACT) will work together on a new three year project called ‘School to Work’.

'School to Work’ aims to inspire, increase confidence and motivate students with disability to seek and find meaningful employment with the help and support of their family and community.

The project is being provided as part of the Community Inclusion Capacity Development program through The Department of Social Services.