Continuing Education

This section has information under the following headings:

  • Transition to Post-school Options
  • TAFE and University
    • Educational Access Schemes (EAS)
    • Mature age entry (21 years plus)
    • NDIS support to undertake further education
  • This section is still under development, would you like to contribute?
  • Resources

Transition to Post-school Options

Career education takes place in many forms throughout the school with a planned progression during the secondary years for all students. One of the goals of the student support group (eg SSG) is to prepare all students, including the vision impaired student, for further education or training after finishing school, leading to full time employment. Both parents and teachers assist the student to continually explore career choices, make suitable subject choices and gain any skills required, in order to independently undertake work experience / school based apprenticeship programs while still at school. Visiting tertiary institution open days and seeking mentors from selected careers (those with low vision) all builds knowledge about and confidence in, course or career selection.

During the final year of school, make an appointment to see the higher education disability liaison officer at any preferred institutions to discuss what supports will be available there. The liason officers may even be prepared to attend an SSG meeting to become part of the planning process.

For some, this transition may also include the development of independent living, personal communication and safety skills, new (adult) behaviors and attitudes, all required to operate in the less supervised and less supportive post-school environment. These issues can be included in both the SSG and NDIS plans, with specialist providers working together to support the student. Work closely with the Visiting Teacher and Senior School Coordinator to establish if you (the student) are entitled to any Special Entry Conditions when applying to the tertiary institutions.

There are often scholarships available to legally blind (visual acuity measured at greater than 6/60) or low vision students, some providing assistive technology or even mentors to students while they are studying.

Check out the websites of the major vision providers for this (eg. Vision Australia or Guide Dogs) or ask your visiting teacher. If you are considering an apprenticeship, check to see if you are eligible to allow your potential employer to receive financial support through the Employee Assistance Fund:

https://www.jobaccess.gov.au/downloads/employment-assistance-fund-guidelines

TAFE and University

By the time students complete secondary school they will have learned to use their adaptive technology and developed strategies and techniques to overcome most issues of low vision. The AFA and its members are a great source of information and support, while tertiary institutions have a Disability Coordinator and provide Special Conditions of assessment. Young people with albinism regularly complete both trade and academic courses at tertiary institutions successfully.

Starting at a tertiary institution is an exciting time for all students, no matter what age. People with albinism have been accepted into a broad range of courses across all departments (see the Careers section for examples). With developments in technology and the extracurricular training offered right through schooling, many courses at all levels are within reach. Students may have to advocate for themselves when they come across people who do not understand the condition and abilities of albinism, but generally tertiary institutions are supportive of those with low vision.

Once your enrolment has been accepted, you should meet with the disability liaison officer to discuss supports in place and arrange for lecturers, instructors and/or tutors to be informed of your vision issues and how they may affect your studies. The NDIS plan may include the services of an O&M instructor to allow familiarity with navigating the campus and buildings, especially if you are a cane or seeing-eye dog user. Any identified safety issues should be followed up with the TAFE or University.

Educational Access Schemes (EAS)

NB: These schemes may be called several other names across the different states and territories (SEAS, ACCESS, Educational Access Scheme)

Special consideration may be given to students who have met the requirements for entry but who have experienced disadvantage through the impact of disability. Check with the university or TAFE before you make your application for entry.

Mature age entry (21 years plus)

If you are a mature aged student and don’t have an ATAR, you may be required to sit the Special Tertiary Admissions Test (STAT) – this provides applicants who don’t have a recent or standard Year 12 qualification with an opportunity to demonstrate their ability to cope with tertiary studies. In addition you can apply for the EAS (see above) and selection officers will assess the type and level of difficulty you have experienced and adjust your selection criteria accordingly. Contact the institution to understand the enty pathways, special consideration and application process.

NDIS support to undertake further education

NDIS “Capacity Building Supports” help build your independence and skills to enable you to reach your long-term goals. Under the Lifelong Learning Category, this can include training, advice and support for you to move from school to further education, or back into education after a break, such as university or TAFE. It does not assist you with course work (the responsibility of institution) but can assist you to develop a range of study and organisational skills prior to undertaking the course.

This section is still under development, would you like to contribute?

We welcome contributions from current or past tertiary students on undertaking courses, or suggestions for links that you have found useful (it can be in dot point or in note form that we can work on together). Contact webmaster@albinismaustralia.org

Resources