Resources
The contents of this page are also available here as a downloadable file (you may need a PDF reader, such as Adobe Reader DC, to view this file).
Additional information on post-secondary programs at various institutions around the Lower Mainland is available here as a downloadable file (again, a PDF reader may be necessary).
Counseling and Transition Support/classes:
The school assists in the following ways with Transition support:
- Counseling about career options (counseling)
- Visits to preferred colleges/programs of interest and Career Fair (counseling)
- Community Based work experience (Transition teacher)
- Resume writing (Transition teacher)
- Sky train/bus training (Transition teacher)
- Strategic Planning for future employment if possible (Transition teacher)
- Work on Independence (Transition teacher and OT Staff)
Resources:
Programs for students leaving school with an Evergreen Certificate:
There are many programs available for students leaving with the Evergreen Certificate such as:
Douglas College: Career Prep (Careers and employment prep and Transitions Program) , Skills Training (Basic Occupational Education, Customer Service and Cashier Training, Warehouse Training). https://www.douglascollege.ca/programs-courses/explore-programs-courses/faculties/applied-community-studies/vocational-education-and-skills-training
Capilano University: Education and Access Certificate https://www.capilanou.ca/programs–courses/program-profiles/education-and-employment-access-certificate/
Vancouver Community College: Career Awareness, Food Service Careers, Retail and Hospitality Careers https://www.vcc.ca/programscourses/students-with-disabilities/adult-special-education/
Kwantlen : Access Program: Work exploration, Job exploration https://www.kpu.ca/acp/ap the Literacy & Communications (LCOM) Program at KPU. The program focuses on literacy, numeracy (basic math skills) and communications for adult learners. The program runs from Sept – April and it’s 2 days per week, 4 hours per day.
ACT BC also a great resource: https://www.actcommunity.ca/education/post-sec-asd-opportunities
YCafe Training program: “Over a 12-week journey, you will gain hands-on work experience in a real cafe setting, a solid skill set and connections with employers eager to hire you. In addition, you get paid while participating.” Here’s the link to the website: https://www.gv.ymca.ca/ycafe
Applying for Disability Pension: https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/family-social-supports/services-for-people-with-disabilities/disability-assistance
To be eligible, you must:
- Show that you meet financial eligibility to receive assistance
- Be 18 years old (you can start the application process when you are 17 ½)
- Have a severe physical or mental impairment that is expected to continue for more than two years
- Be significantly restricted in your ability to perform daily-living activities
- Require assistance with daily living activities from
- Another person
- An assistive device, or
- An assistance animal
Teens with an intellectual disability
You may also be able to use a simplified PWD application process if you:
- Are 17½ to 19 years old, and
- Have a confirmed intellectual disability
This means you can submit an existing psychological assessment and diagnosis rather than completing a full PWD application.
Here is some information about MCFD Navigator Services: https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/family-social-supports/services-for-people-with-disabilities/transition-planning-for-youth-young-adults/navigator
- To assist with transition planning for youth 16 years and up
- FYI – we are in the process of changing our program name (it will not be called STADD)
- Can hand out attached document – “What a Navigator Can Do For You”
- Must have CLBC eligibility confirmed before being assigned to a Navigator
- To make a referral please contact the Program Coordinator at Kumar@gov.bc.ca
WHAT CAN A NAVIGATOR DO FOR YOU?
| SAFETY IN HOME AND COMMUNITY |
| Help you explore housing options Connect you to housing outreach programs. Connect you to BC Housing if needed Explore getting a driver’s licence Explore bus transportation and connect you to a support that can help with transit training. Explore supports and services for street safety, accessing community programs Help connect you to the government agencies for identification Explore life skills training like cooking, doing laundry, budgeting, buying groceries, time management, personal hygiene etc. |
| COMMUNITY CONNECTIONS |
| Explore and connect you to support and services in the community Local clubs Recreation programs Churches Libraries Sports programs Social opportunities Food banks Clothing drives Connect you with advocacy services Provide information for community, provincial and federal initiative and programs. Outreach providers Respite providers Connect you with supports who can assist you to complete important documentation |
| DECISION MAKING AGREEMENTS |
| Help you explore Representation agreement Ensure you have the appropriate consent forms signed for different agencies Provide the family information on educational opportunities regarding financial and medical decision making. |
| EMPLOYMENT |
| Connect you to employment programs Explore volunteer placements Connect you to WorkBC Explore customized employment options with CLBC |
| EDUCATION |
| Attend IEP meetings at the school Explore post-secondary opportunities and help connect you to the local colleges and universities Provide details for information sessions at the post-secondary schools. |
| HEALTH AND WELLNESS |
| Connect you to services with physicians, dentists and mental health supports Connect you to counsellors Connect you to agencies for Occupational Therapy, Physiotherapy, Speech and language Help you connect to medical supply supports |
| FINANCIAL SECURITY |
| Connect you to the services who will help you with applying for PWD Connect you to financial advisors who will help you apply for the Adult Upgrading grant Explore services available to help you budget and save for your future Provide information for government tax saving programs and savings accounts |
MCFD Children and Youth with Support Needs (CYSN) – https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/health/managing-your-health/child-behaviour-development/support-needs
- To get a Social Worker and receive services under 19 yo
- To request funding, medical assistance, respite and assessments
Community Living of BC (CLBC) – https://www.communitylivingbc.ca/
- To receive adult services after the youth turns 19 yo
- To request funding for community inclusion programs, homeshares, employment support, caretaking needs, respite, outreach/lifeskills workers
MSDPR Persons with Disabilities (PWD) benefits – https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/family-social-supports/services-for-people-with-disabilities/disability-assistance
- To receive income assistance, transportation supplement and extended medical benefits after 18 yo
- Families can do the simplified application if they are already eligible for MCFD or CLBC services
- See this document for application instructions to provide to families at 17.5 yo
Adult Upgrading Grant (AUG) – https://studentaidbc.ca/explore/grants-scholarships/adult-upgrading-grant-application
- For youth applying to post-secondary institutions to assist with tuition costs for specific courses and programs