A Transition Guide for All Services - Transition Information Network

Access to WorkDisabled young people who are in work may be able to claim support fromthe Access to Work initiative, which can provide equipment and a widerange of other services to support them in their job. The disabilityemployment adviser (DEA) at the Jobcentre Plus office can put young peoplein touch with the closest Access to Work Business Centre. For moreinformation see www.jobcentreplus.gov.uk.Chapter 1: The transition processPost-16 optionsSources of careers advice• The Connexions service provides careers information and advice and isavailable for young disabled people between the ages of 13 and 24 years.www.connexions.gov.uk• The Nextstep service is funded by the LSC and is available to adults age20 and over. Eligibility may depend on current qualification levels. Servicesinclude information and advice on choosing a career and the provision ofguidance software such as Adult Directions. www.nextstep.org.uk• Learn Direct is a national organisation which provides a number ofservices, including information about course providers and qualificationsneeded to pursue particular careers. It can also direct young peopletowards further sources of careers advice. www.learndirect.co.uk• Disability Employment Advisors (DEAs) at Jobcentre Plus offices cancomplete a work assessment to help young people identify the type ofwork they would like and what they need to do to get it.www.jobcentreplus.gov.ukCurrent developmentsLearning for Living and Work, the LSC national strategy for its fundingand planning of provision for disabled learners was published in October2006. The strategy states that provision for disabled young peopleshould challenge them and provide a sense of achievement, increasetheir personal autonomy and ensure they progress to new opportunitiesand experiences. The LSC will also set up the first ‘national learners withdisabilities panel’ in 2007 to listen to learners and what they need. TheDCSF, DH and DWP have published Progression Through Partnership, ajoint strategy for shared funding and planning for disabled learners. Formore information see www.dcsf.gov.ukEffective practiceImproving Choice Pathfinder – LSC East of England RegionThe Improving Choice Pathfinder was established to enabledisabled young people aged 16–25 to access FE learningopportunities across the region. The project was set up inresponse to the lack of specialist provision in the area, whichmeant many disabled young people had to take up out-of-regionplacements rather than attending local colleges.18