Supporting Teens to Transition Beyond School: Futures Planning With the NDIS

Leaving school is a big deal — exciting, overwhelming, and full of unknowns. For young people with disability, that transition often comes with extra challenges, especially when it comes to navigating adult life, accessing the right supports, and planning for the future.

That’s where futures planning comes in.

At Loving Life Support Services, we believe every young person deserves a clear path beyond school — one that’s shaped by their strengths, goals, and support network. Futures planning helps make that happen.

🌱 What Is Futures Planning?

Futures planning is all about supporting participants and families to map out what life could look like after school. It’s not just about getting a job (although that’s often part of it). It’s about building independence, growing confidence, and finding meaningful opportunities.

A good futures plan might include:

• ✅ Building everyday life skills (like catching the bus or managing money)

• ✅ Trying new things (like short courses or volunteer work)

• ✅ Exploring career goals with the right supports in place

• ✅ Connecting with the community through hobbies or groups

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Families Play a Huge Role

For many participants, families are their biggest advocates and strongest support. Futures planning works best when families:

• Start conversations early (even in Year 10 or 11)

• Encourage their teen’s strengths and interests

• Help explore different pathways, not just the “expected” ones

• Work closely with support workers, coordinators, and therapists

🧭 How a Support Coordinator Can Help

If you’re working with a Support Coordinator, they can guide you through:

• Understanding what supports are available (and what’s NDIS funded)

• Setting short, medium, and long-term goals

• Finding programs like SLES, job mentors, or therapy

• Coordinating the right mix of support around your teen

• Reviewing and updating the plan as your teen grows

Futures planning isn’t a one-time thing — it’s a flexible roadmap that changes as your teen’s goals evolve.

📘 NDIS Supports That May Help

The NDIS can fund a range of supports for school leavers, including:

• School Leaver Employment Supports (SLES)For teens who need extra support to get job-ready or transition into work.

• Capacity Building – Improved Daily LivingTherapy supports (like OT or psychology) to increase functional independence.

• Community ParticipationHelp to build social skills, explore hobbies, or try new activities.

• Employment Assistance or CounsellingFor teens aged 15–25 who are ready to explore or enter the workforce.

• Further Education SupportAssistance with study supports, personal care, or transport.

Not every teen will need all of these — your futures plan should reflect what’s relevant to your young person.

💡 Getting Started: What Families Can Do Now

Here are a few simple ways to begin:

• Start asking: What kind of life do we want after school ends?

• Collect ideas from your teen, their teachers, and their therapy team.

• Explore your options — don’t be afraid to think outside the box.

• Ask your Support Coordinator to help set some realistic steps and timelines.

The Takeaway

With the right futures planning, school leavers can step into adulthood with more confidence, choice, and connection. At Loving Life, we’re here to support that journey — every step of the way.

Would you like help creating a customised transition plan or learning more about how the NDIS can support your teen after school?

📍 Based on the Gold Coast

📝 Contact us here