For young people with CP, one of the most important parts of transitioning to adulthood is making sure they have access to resources that provide information on higher education or job/vocational training. They also need the confidence and social skills to talk with others and take advantage of opportunities.
Preparing your teenager with CP for adulthood ideally should begin in their early teens, so they have enough time to gain the confidence and skills they need to transition to adulthood more easily. High schools will provide programs and information to help set goals and prepare teenagers for the next part of their life journey, whether it be finding employment or further education. Community groups and disability service providers also provide coaching, peer groups, workshops and supports to help consider all options available.
You can support your child or teenager early on by helping them to develop a good work ethic, even if it is just making sure they complete home chores or school assignments on time.
It may also be a good idea to suggest that your teenager talks to a career counsellor, either at school or privately, for advice about future training and employment options based on their aspirations, interests, skills and preferences.
Having an income can help young people with CP with social and economic independence. People with CP can access and sustain employment with the right supports. Now, with internet access and the COVID-19 pandemic, more people can work from home, and numerous employers offer positions that take a person’s potential rather than the disability into account.
Young people with CP may be able to find a job on their own and maintain the job without support. They can also access support to create a CV or find a job, and then have the support gradually reduced.
If they require increased support to find and apply for jobs, a support worker can help them to get there, or assist them to physically do their job with extra support, if they need it.
When a young person with CP starts a new job, it is a good idea for them to talk to their employer about what workplace adjustments they might require to be successful in the job.
An occupational therapist or physiotherapist can provide advice about assistive technology, modifications, aids and equipment. They also can suggest ideas to help with mobility, and make sure the work environment has the facilities and processes in place to support the needs of employees with CP.
Being able to manage money is an important aspect of adulthood and the sooner children and young people learn about it, the easier it will be when they reach adulthood. While they’ll learn maths at school, think about opening a bank account for them and showing them how to manage their account, including deposits and withdrawals.
It is also important to teach your child or teenager about how to pay bills to help prepare them for the future. There are numerous websites online that help with financial literacy, but your child or teenager’s healthcare team may be able to recommend someone who specialises in teaching children with CP about money management and bill payments.
Some of this information is provided and produced courtesy of The Future Thinking Project, Ability WA.
For further information, visit our resource on the employment journey for people with CP.