Webinar 1: Getting Started on a Journey to Meaningful Employment:
Monday 17th July 10.30AM - 12.00PM

This first webinar in the 2-part series will provide your secondary student and family with an opportunity to stop and consider what meaningful work is; why it is important and why it should not be dismissed as unachievable for people with disability. Practical steps and tips will be offered including starting to plan early, exploring strengths and interests, and looking to your community and connections for opportunities to get started. Exploration of a variety of pathways through senior school years and to work are discussed including linking an NDIS support plan goal to employment.

This interactive webinar will cover:

Exploring why having a job is important for everyone, especially people with disability.
The benefits of starting now
Understanding the importance of having a clear vision for your student’s future and learning how to write a Vision Statement.
Learn how to identify your young person’s interests and strengths, and how to map these to school and other work experiences, as well as potential future work roles.
Why understanding conditions of success will set your person up well in the workplace.

Webinar 2: Next Steps on a Journey to Meaningful Employment:
Monday 24th July 10.30AM - 12.00PM

This second webinar highlights the importance of reviewing each work experience and what your student liked/ disliked and why. The option of creating your own work role through customised employment will be discussed, as will developing a ‘positive pitch’ for an employer. How to approach employers and finding the right job support will be explored.

This interactive webinar will cover:

Learn how to consider a more in-depth discovery process related to your young person’s interests, strengths and attributes.
How to foster work experience and employment opportunities
How to engage employment supports
Exploring micro-enterprises and other options

Both webinars will include family stories of what is possible and live Q&A.

Download the flyer here (accessible word doc version)

About the Presenters:

Gina Barwell 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 and as a careers consultant 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

Sonja Elliott: Whilst studying to be a teacher, Sonja applied for a job as a support worker and unknowingly began a journey into learning about how people with disabilities should be supported to lead meaningful lives in their communities. She has since worked as a teacher for over twenty years, with most of this time being spent supporting young people with disabilities and their families to prepare for the transition to adult life. Sonja joined CRU in 2023 as a COnsultant on the School to Work Project Team.

Who Should Attend?

This webinar is for secondary school students with disabilities and their families. Supporters and allies are also welcome to attend.

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.

School to Work aims to inspire and equip students with disability through the support of their families to seek meaningful, paid employment in the community.