Depending upon your level of Intellectual Disability, transition to supported employment may be an option for you. If you have associated learning disabilities, such as Autism Spectrum Disorder(ASD) or Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder(ADHD), these may require further consideration when thinking about your employment opportunities.
Supported employment enables you to have another adult with you for a period of time to assist you to understand the functioning of the workplace, the requirements of the work tasks, how to manage the daily requirements of work and to answer questions with you or on behalf of you with your boss.
When thinking about supported employment you need to consider the longer term outcomes and whether this is realistic for you. By now you will have a good understanding of the effect of your disability and you will have set yourself short and long term goals.
Your school may have already put in place work experience programs that could continue into a supported employment opportunity for you. When considering a transition to supported employment you need to think about the support (reasonable adjustments) that will be required for you in the workplace. Consider also the skills you have in things like communication, problem solving, planning and organisation and time management. If you need to work on these skills ask your teachers and family to practice these skills with you while you are still at school.
Supported employment can come in a number forms. It may mean that you work in a less demanding work environment for people with additional learning needs and it could also mean that you have a support person work alongside you to help you with your work tasks.
When taking on new workers employers consider your ability to work in a team and by yourself. An employer needs to know that you will be a positive person who can get along with other people. Every employee wants to be happy at work and contribute, so you need to find the right supported employment workplace for you, and remember that this may not happen the first time or you may decide you want a change after a period of time.
