Step Up Case Study - Disability (DARE) – Successful transition from supported school environment to Step up
Focus on people who have a disability, are aged 16 years or over and are unemployed or economically inactive. The stories highlight the impact of support provided to enhance opportunities to gain qualifications and progress into work or stay in work.
The participant enrolled on the Step Up project following his transition from a supported school environment where he achieved Entry Level qualifications.
He had a strong interest in drawing but was unsure of the pathways available to pursue this interest. It was also felt he would benefit from encouragement to build his confidence in a new environment and when working with others.
The Step Up project provided a supportive and structured environment in which he could continue his development. He enrolled in essential skills in Numeracy, Literacy and ICT at Level 1 with additional support in place to meet his individual needs. He also took part in a variety of vocational tasters, where he showed a particular interest in Creative Media, making digital media content.
He made steady progress and settled well into the college, made a core group of friends and became more confident and made significant progress in all areas of essential skills.
He has progressed onto the Skills for Life and Work programme, where he is continuing to build on his essential skills while exploring work placement opportunities.
The participant said:
“I am so glad I came to Step Up. I enjoyed my essential skills classes, especially IT. I also really liked hanging out with my friends”.