Links for planning for an adult life with Diverse Abilities
https://www.communitylivingbc.ca/
https://inclusionbc.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/TransitionPlanningBooklet.pdf
Moving from School to Adult Services in British Columbia
When young people with diverse abilities finish high school in British Columbia, they begin a big change called the transition to adult life. This means they move from school supports into adult services, education, and community programs.
This is an important time because school supports do not continue in the same way after graduation. Planning for adult life usually begins early, often when students are around 14 to 16 years old.
Education and Skills Training at TRU and Moving to Adult Life in BC
One important part of adult life is continuing education and learning job skills.
Thompson Rivers University (TRU) in Kamloops is a public university in British Columbia. A university is a place where students learn after high school in programs like degrees, diplomas, certificates, and training programs. TRU also welcomes students from many different backgrounds and abilities, making it a diverse and inclusive campus community.
TRU is not only a university for academic degrees. It also offers community access programs, meaning people can learn practical job and life skills even if they are not in traditional university degree programs.
One example is the Education and Skills Training (ESTR) program.
Education and Skills Training (ESTR) at TRU
The ESTR program is a post-secondary program for adults with diverse abilities. It helps students:
- learn job skills
- practice independence
- build confidence
- gain real work experience in classrooms and community placements
Students learn in areas like:
- career exploration
- kitchen assistant work
- retail skills
They also practice real workplace routines, such as teamwork, communication, and showing up on time.
This program shows that adults with diverse abilities can go to college or university programs and continue learning after high school.
TRU as a University and Community Space
TRU is more than just classrooms. It is a community campus, which means:
- students learn on campus with others
- there are shared spaces like libraries, cafés, and study areas
- students can join clubs, events, and activities
- support services help students succeed
This creates community access, meaning people with and without disabilities can take part in the same campus environment.
Students in programs like ESTR can also experience:
- campus work placements
- social activities
- real community interaction
- inclusive learning environments
This helps students feel like they are part of the university community, not separate from it.
Inclusive Education in Colleges and Universities
Today, many colleges and universities in British Columbia are becoming more inclusive. This means students with diverse abilities can:
- attend programs like ESTR
- use accessibility supports
- take part in campus life
- learn in real post-secondary environments
TRU also provides accessibility services to support students with different needs so they can succeed in their learning.
Community Living Supports in Adult Life
After high school, many people also connect with community supports.
In British Columbia, one main adult service is Community Living BC (CLBC).
CLBC helps adults with:
- living in the community
- daily life skills
- job and volunteer support
- social and recreation programs
- housing and independence
These supports help adults build a meaningful life in their community.
Children’s Services vs Adult Services in BC
Before age 19, supports usually come from the Ministry of Children and Family Development (MCFD).
MCFD helps children and youth with:
- early learning and development
- therapy and family supports
- autism and disability services
- school-age supports
After age 19, many people move to CLBC adult services.
The difference is:
MCFD (children):
- supports growth and learning
- helps children and families
CLBC (adults):
- supports independence and community life
- helps adult living skills and participation
How Support Workers Help During Transition
Support workers help young people prepare for adult life by:
- teaching life skills like cooking and money management
- helping with travel and independence
- supporting job training and work experience
- introducing college programs like ESTR
- encouraging confidence and independence
Their role is to help people learn skills so they are ready for adult life.
Why Transition Planning Matters
Moving from school to adult life can feel like a big change. That is why transition planning is important.
Planning helps people:
- set goals for the future
- learn new skills
- understand adult services
- connect with community programs
Programs like STADD Navigators in BC help guide families through this process by connecting schools, families, and community services.
Summary
In British Columbia:
- TRU is a public university and inclusive community campus
- ESTR is a skills training program that helps adults learn job and life skills
- Colleges and universities are becoming more accessible and inclusive
- MCFD supports children and youth
- CLBC supports adults in the community
- Support workers help prepare people for independence
- Transition planning helps make the move from school to adult life smoother
Moving from school to adult services is about learning, growing, and becoming part of community life in new ways.
