Helping students plan for their futures

By Dave Flaherty/The Oshawa Express

For secondary school students, taking the next steps after graduation can be a stressful journey.

Durham District School Board recently worked with nearly 50 community partners to provide information to students with disabilities and their families regarding their pathways to postsecondary life.

Community partners included Development Services Ontario, Durham College, UOIT, WindReach Farm and Ontario Disability Service Program.

Andrea McAuley, special education officer for DDSB, says the board “supports transition for all our students” but the focus of this event was on youth with development disabilities.

Discussion topics included possible career and education opportunities, social possibilities and other information.

“I think that pathway planning for all students is very important. That’s why special needs students, especially those with intellectual and development disabilities, it’s important that we start the planning earlier,” McAuley says.

McAuley says there is no one-size-fits-all approach to this type of planning.

“It’s really is based on the individual goals for the student and the family and setting them up for future success,” she says. “We are anchoring that to each of our individual students.”

While some students may not make a decision on their future until Grade 12, McAuley says planning for some special needs students may start as soon as they enter into secondary school, and even beforehand.
While the direction of each student is ultimately up to that family, McAuley says the school board wants to play a pivotal role as well.

“The classroom team and the school is really essential working on the front line (with students),” she says. “Communication and support are really important. We’re always looking refine and deepen a plan.”

Students should not be expected to make the decision on their own.

“The day-to-day life for students is quite complex. It takes that wraparound help from us, our students and parents.”

DDSB has been actively looking to improve and enhance its role in the process, and feedback is key.

“We are very appreciative to be part of each student’s long-term plan, and engagement is really essential and something that we deeply value,” McAuley says.