What happens in school is key to the long term economic and social participation of people with disability. Career development can change the life trajectory of all students but especially for young people with disability. This is because students with disability often face a pervasive culture of low expectations resulting in a lack of opportunities that hampers their ability to take the journey from school to meaningful work. Studies have shown that the number one indication of post-school employment is the experience and exploration of the world of work while at school.
National Collaboration on Employment and Disability
The National Collaboration on Employment and Disability (NCED) are keen to assist schools to be aware and implement evidence-based policies and practices that improve the life chances of young people with disability.
Inclusive career development benchmarking tool
With the support from Gandel Foundation, the NCED partnered with the Australian Centre for Career Education (ACCE), the University of Newcastle, and three schools to co-design and test a benchmarking tool.
The tool is informed by contemporary research and designed to support mainstream and specialist schools to enhance their career development service and practice to improve life outcomes for Australian students with disability.
The tool is free to access and includes step-by-step instructions and guidance for use.
More resources for schools
The NCED also have other fantastic resources for schools, including:
- A podcast on the Inclusive Career Development (ICD) project, narrated by past Ticket to Work participant Jack Anderson.
- Access to the literature review and evaluation report from the ICD project.
- Posters featuring young people with disability at work.
- A Community of Practice for career practitioners, school personnel, and others interested in improving inclusive career practice.