Transition to employment

Introduction|The transition from school to young adulthood|Good transition planning|Employment options|Finding a job|Conclusion|References|Appendix: Web resources

Discusses in a straightforward manner the range of situations that young people with Down syndrome face when they leave school and seek further education and employment. Considers some practical checks and strategies that can be looked for in transition programmes and lists some key questions that should be asked when looking at further education courses. A social skills and work support programme that has been successful across Italy is described in detail. Examines a wide range of employment options and their pros and cons.

At the outset the authors acknowledge the difficulties faced by families, both for the parents and the young people themselves, with this stage in life – leaving school and entering employment. They discuss the “letting go” process and how to strike a balance. They explain good transition planning processes and include information about further education possibilities. Finally they look at employment options and work experience going beyond the sheltered environment of a workshop or training centre.

Throughout this publication there are coloured photographs, highlighted boxes with brief overview of the pages content, stories telling people’s experience of the process and references to other appropriate books in the same series.

This is an easy read, written for parents, as well as for professionals and teachers, and is full of practical guidelines and sound advice.