- become aware of options & transition planning process
- think about potential community experiences, graduation date, adult options
Students have the right to attend school until they graduate, or until June of the calendar year in which they turn 21, whichever comes first.
- provide information on strengths/ interests/ dreams
- As you enter high school, all kinds of opportunities await: meeting new people, joining clubs and activities, choosing your courses, to name a few.
- At the same time, you begin to make plans for your future and need to start thinking about the question, “What am I going to do after graduation?” You and those who know you may be asked what your strengths/ interests and dreams for the future are.
- Sounds like a lot all at once, right? Don’t panic. There’s plenty of time to consider your future. However, it’s a good idea to begin exploring your future career options so that you can make informed decisions along the way. Career means something different to everyone. For some, it’s a series of jobs. For others, it’s what they will do for the rest of their lives including work, learning, and leisure activities.
- Part of planning is to understand the requirements for high school graduation. Luckily your high school is able to help you figure this out. Your school counselor and teachers may discuss requirements with you as you prepare for the coming year.
- Generally to graduate from high school, you must successfully complete certain compulsory courses, but you will also have opportunities to select optional courses that appeal to your interests, abilities, values, and career goals. Beginning in Grade 9 and continuing through high school, you will earn credits toward high school graduation through the courses you take. To obtain your Manitoba (English Program) high school diploma, you must accumulate a minimum of 30 credits from a combination of compulsory courses and optional courses.
- Students who require their courses to have the Modified (M) course designation also receive marks and require the same combination of 30 credits to graduate. Students who are interested in post secondary education need to understand that in colleges and universities course modifications are almost never allowed.
- Some students’ cognitive disabilities are so severe that they require learning outcomes that are very different from the Manitoba curricular outcomes. The Individualized (I) programming designation is not course-specific but identifies a full year of individualized programming. Students do not receive marks; their progress is documented through the student-specific planning process.
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- Explore the residential support services of personal preference or plan to reside in family home
- understand the implications of leaving school before completing graduation requirements, or availability of adult supports
- Some students, guardians and families will need to consider changes in where to live. Many students feel fortunate to be able to continue to live with family in order to finish their education and become established on their own. For others to get the help they need they may move in with people who can give them that support when the student turns 18.
- Although it’s challenging, most occupations require the minimum of a complete high school education. Most vocational counselors would advise a client to complete their high school education to improve their chances of finding employment. This is one of the reasons why Manitoba has created a number of high school courses designed to help you explore the world of employment, health and wellness and practical life skills. Use your time in high school to find out what you like (and what you don’t like) and are good at (and perhaps not so good at). It is often easier to discover your strengths and needs while you are still in high school.
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- At age 18 a person takes on legal responsibilities for themselves that their parents once had. Of course you will probably always want to have you parents help you and give you advice with all your important decisions. However your parents’ cannot make decisions for you about post secondary education, employment and many other aspects of your life for which you as an adult are responsible.
- Adults are also sometimes expected to be able to produce appropriate identification (ID) and proof of age. If you don’t have a driver’s license it is important to apply for another type of ID card.
- In order to enroll in university or college you, as a student, are expected to attend your own appointments and respond yourself to interview questions asked of you. A college or university student must be able to explain needs that they have related to a disability and request reasonable accommodations. You, not the instructors or your parents, are responsible. The same expectations would apply at almost any job. This is called self determination.
- Before leaving high school you will want to practice being your own advocate, explaining your strengths and needs, participating in planning meetings, providing input and taking on more responsibility.
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- Whether you consider working or continuing your schooling after graduation remember that the best possible option is the one that most suits your skills, needs, and goals, now, and in the future. It is important to stay open to the many possibilities that exist in the rapidly changing and exciting world of work. There are organizations in communities throughout Manitoba that can support people with disabilities with their education and work.
- Now that you are just one year away from graduation you are probably also getting a sense of what your strengths and interests are and sharing this with your transition team members. You may have several of these strengths…
You may be:
- very physically co-ordinated
- a good musician
- appreciate colour, shapes and art in general
- skilled at solving problems and puzzles
- especially good at working with people and have lots of friends
- skilled or interested in literature and languages
- someone who loves the outdoors and appreciates nature
- able to understand yourself, your capabilities and emotions and set personal goals
You can also explain your interests to others
“Things I really enjoy doing are...”
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- make informed decission about
- employment
- move to post-secondary education/training, work/community opportunities
- accessing a variety of supports/services from community based service providers.
- Wow! This is it. When you’ve planned ahead you can really enjoy graduation and the exciting challenges ahead. You’ve tried out some different types of jobs and maybe even prepared academically to continue your education. You know how to communicate your needs and are on you way to being your own advocate.
- You’ve planed ahead to access support and or services in your community. You have meaningful things to do, places to go and people to see everyday.
Congratulations!
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