Disability Support Services provide transition services to help people with ORS (Ongoing Resource Scheme) funding who are between the ages of 16-21 years transition out of school. This includes planning for work, further study or community opportunities.
- Transition Service is a free Government service for students with VHN or HN ORS funding
- Non-ORS funded students can access a transition service (via Transition Co-ordinators or via an organisation like Flying Kites/Real World Living/Geneva), but there will be a charge for this.
- The transition service is for one year and is available between the ages of 16 years and the year in which a student turns 18 years (mainstream school) and/or 21 years (at mainstream or special school)
- Your school should help you find a Transition Service and/or Co-ordinator to work with – there are 6 Transition providers in Auckland
- You can choose who you want to work with and you can change if you are not happy with their service
- The funded transition service can be “paused” but there is generally a maximum of two years total
Opportunities for post school include:
- Mainstream community activities
- Vocational Day Community Service (day programme)
- Employment – supported or unsupported
- Tertiary Education – vocational/life skills/academic
- Volunteering
- Business Enterprises e.g. Altus, Attainable, Abilities
- Setting up a microenterprise
- Disability Information Advisory Service (DIAS) – Disability Connect – Newsletter
- Support Groups – Meeting other parents
Transition Service in Schools
Funded via Ministry of Social Development for ORS funded students – some students may also access Transition Coordinators without ORS funding as well via some of these agencies.
Autism New Zealand Inc.
Autism New Zealand provides support, education, and advocacy for autistic people and their whānau. It helps people learn about autism and connect with supports and services; services include workshops, social groups, information, and community support across the lifespan.
View Website 0800 288 476 Email FacebookDeaf Aotearoa NZ
View Website
Geneva Healthcare
Geneva Healthcare is a nationwide provider of home and community-based health and disability support, including services across Auckland. It provides home help, personal care, respite, disability support, rehabilitation, and other wraparound services designed to help people live safely, comfortably, and independently at home.
View Website 0800 436 382 Email Facebook Instagram
Hohepa
Hōhepa Auckland supports people with intellectual disabilities to live, learn, and work in community in an atmosphere of mutual care and respect. Its services include residential living, day programmes, and transition support for young adults leaving high school, with a focus on meaningful lives and as much independence as possible.
View Website 09 555 5052 Email Facebook Instagram
Spectrum Care
Spectrum Care is one of New Zealand’s largest disability support providers and offers services across Auckland. It supports disabled people and their whānau with services including community support, respite and planned breaks, advocacy, transition support, and employment support, with a strong emphasis on choice, freedom, and independence.
View Website 09 634 3790 Email Facebook InstagramEmployment Service in Schools
This is being trialed in 6 schools in Auckland – Henderson High School, Rutherford College, Papakura High School, James Cook High School, Alfriston College, Manurewa High School