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York Catholic educators work to support students with an Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) or learning disability each and every day. They also know that parents and students have many questions about the options and opportunities available to them after graduation. On October 19, over 300 people attended the “Planning for the Future” conference hosted at York Catholic’s Catholic Education Centre.
The “Planning for the Future” session showed parents options for their children after graduation, including attending university, college or learning a skilled trade.
Special Education Advisory Committee (SEAC) Chairperson Paul Whittam welcomed guests and was pleased to see so many in attendance.
“I’m so pleased at the turnout tonight,” said Mr. Whittam. “It shows the commitment to your children and their life after York Catholic. The success of the transition from high school is dependent on the involvement and collaboration of parents, students and postsecondary institutions.”
Parents and students had the opportunity to attend three sessions to hear from representatives from different colleges, university and trades who spoke about the admissions process and the types of careers that a student could expect to have when choosing one of these postsecondary routes.
William Howe, Liaison Officer with Skills Canada, spoke about the predicted future shortage of skilled workers and how learning a trade can help to secure a job in tomorrow economy.
“By 2020, Ontario will be short 190,000 skilled workers,” said Mr. Howe. “The average age of a skilled worker today is 52. They will be retiring in the next little while and we will need a new generation of skilled workers.”
Mr. Howe showed parents and students a slideshow of different types of skilled job positions, such as a power line technician, a social media expert, or a miner.
One student and his parents were excited by the session and the different types of skilled jobs available in Ontario. When asked what field he’s interested in trying, the student said, “Carpentry!”
Guests also had the opportunity to hear from the university sector, with presentations by Carol Ferguson, Disability Advisor from Durham College and the University of Toronto; Pat Harris, Supervising Psychologist of Accessibility Services from the University of Toronto; and Maureen Haig, Disability and Counselling Services from York University. These presenters spoke about the possible opportunities for students with a learning disability or ASD to have certain accommodations made to assist them while at school
These accommodations would make learning easier, and could include things like the use of a computer, a private room to write an exam, or the use of an ergonomic chair. They also stressed that parents should make sure that students know exactly what their disability is, along with their legal rights.
College representative Carla Gray, a Disability Counsellor with Centennial College emphasized that self-esteem is a key area students may need support in to feel comfortable at a new school.
“One week before classes, we run a five-day workshop on campus to help students feel less isolated and to help them succeed,” she said. “Usually, the mentor is someone in the same program as the student, and often one year ahead.”
Daniel, a Grade 11 student at St. Elizabeth Catholic High School, was excited to hear about the different technology options available to assist students with exceptionalities.
“There are lots of options available for technology, such as the use of a laptop or an iPad,” he said.
Daniel is hoping to attend university and study Physical Education and Health.
Parents agree that the “Planning for the Future” event provided them with useful information to help make decisions.
“It’s a great idea and has really helped us understand all the different options available for my son,” said one father.
“I wish I had known about this information with my older daughter who now goes to Brock University,” said a mother of two daughters with exceptionalities. “I would highly recommend this session to all parents in the same situation.”