WHAT IS THE TRANSITIONS PROGRAMME?
Research from Queens University Belfast, the Disability task force, Mencap, RNIB and the Norah Fry Institute highlighted that a large percentage of young disabled people leave school without:

• A career action plan
• Exposure to vocational training
• Carrer advice
• Job sapling
• Support need to continue into adult life

The transitions programme aims to address these issues, preparing young disabled people to play an active and inclusive role in their communities as adults. It may help to identify other opportunities available to young people as they move into adulthood.

PAN DISABILITY APPROACH
The Orchardville Society is a member of Agencies in Consortium for Education and Training (ACET). The partnership consists of a number of voluntary and statutory organisations, that work with disabled people in South and East Belfast.

The transitions project has adopted a PAN disability approach, whereby workingwith other partners of ACET and similar projects will help highlight some of the common barriers that disabled people face in day to day life.

TRANSITIONS OFFICER
A Transitions Officer will work both with individuals and small groups of young people to explore the world of work and explore the issues around the transition fom school to work.

Each young person will have an individual programme tailored around their needs and ambitions. The transitions officer will co-ordinate the programme which may include:

• Vocational Training
• Visits to different employers in different Vocational areas
• Job sampling
• Work placements with support

VOCATIONAL TRAINING
As part o fthe programme trainees may wish to access one of our accredited courses in:

• Health and Safety
• Profile of achievement
• Numeracy and Literacy
• NVQ Business and Administration
• NVQ Hospitality and Catering

Other training offered by the society includes, Independent travel, communication and interview skills.

WORK PLACEMENTS
Trainees will be given the chance to attend work trials, allowing them to have a basic insight into various jobs.

There are also opportunities for work placements whihc last for around 12 weeks, giving the trainee a chance to experience a specific job in greater detail.

Depending on individual circumstances, the transitions officer will stay or make frequent visits throughout the placements, supporting both trainee and employer.

TRAINEE DEVELOPMENT
Overall the programme aims to assist trainees to move beyond the school environment, helping them to develop:

• Independence
• Self-confidence
• Self-esteem
• A sense of achievement
• Build a CV

YOUTH FORUM
The trainees will have the opportunity to become part of a forum, The forum will discuss the programme and issues around the transition process. It will play a key role in future implementation and steering of the programme, ensuring young peoples voices are heard.

PARENT INVOLVEMENT
We encourage parents to actively be involved in the programme at every stage. The Transitions Officer may visit the home or regularly phone to discuss progress.

For those trainees who are able to travel independently, we ask the parents when ever possible to assist with transporting their son or daughter to work placements and training events.

WHO ELSE IS INVOLVED?
It is important that everyone involved with young people during the transitions period work collectively. We seek help and advice from:

• Parents
• School Teachers
• Colleges
• Social Workers
• Special needs Careers Advisors
• Health Boards
• Representatives from youth services
• Representatives from DEL/DENI/DHSS
• Professionals from similar projects

Some of these will have greater involvement that others, depending on individual circumstances.