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Transition

Information and Resources to support people with intellectual and other developmental disabilities to navigate transition times across the lifespan.

SWAN (South West Autism Network)

Free Resources available online through the SWAN website covering; diagnosis, support services, health, transition times and much more. Click on the links below for more information.

Early Years

Information and resources for young kids with disability aged 0-6 years old

Assets – SWAN

Primary School

Information and resources for kids with disability aged 7-12 years old

Assets – SWAN

High School

Information and resources for people with disability aged 13-18 years old

Assets – SWAN

Adults

Information and resources for adults with disability aged 18 years and over

Assets – SWAN

Transitioning from High School

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Staying Connected After School Tool-Kit

This tool-kit was developed by DDWA as A Resource for High School Teachers to support students with intellectual disability in year 11 and 12, to reduce isolation when they transition from school.  It contains downloadable lessons, workbooks and supporting information like videos. DDWA worked alongside schools, students and local councils to develop a series of workshops that were delivered in schools. The resources from this project have been made freely available here.

*If you have any problems accessing or using these resources, please get in touch: ddwa@ddwa.org.au

Image description: Two people are facing each other in side profile. On the left, an older person smiles warmly, while on the right a younger person, wearing a baseball cap, raises their hands to their chin in a joyful gesture. Both are displaying broad, happy smiles.

Preparing for illness or death of a parent

This page has information to help people with intellectual disability, family and supporters to be prepared for when a parent or carer becomes ill or dies.

More DDWA Resources

An included life

Choosing What Matters

Approaching Adulthood

Working Together, therapy in the early years

Kick Starting Your Child's Career Journey

Autism Parents' Handbook 2025 e-Update

DDWA Services

Information sign
Transition

Information, Guidance and Support

We provide information to people with disability, family members, carers and supporters, across Life Transition Stages to help you to Self-Advocate and Navigate Systems including:

  • getting a diagnosis
  • navigating disability services and the NDIS
  • starting school and negotiating the school journey
  • making friends
  • turning 18
  • getting a job
  • staying safe and healthy
  • starting a relationship

We also provide information and guidance to support you to self-advocate in any area where laws have an impact on the person with disability's life, such as information about State Administrative Tribunal (SAT) in respect to Guardianship and Administration matters, Child Protection, Enduring Power of Attorney, Advanced Health Directives and preparing for illness/death of a parent.

For a full list of the areas we cover, see our Focus Areas Page Here.

Cost – This is a free service.

Side by Side

Side by Side Peer Community

Side by Side began as a project in 2012 for families experiencing behaviour which could be seen as challenging. The project connects families experiencing challenging behaviour with other families though a supported peer group, an active online community and in person events.  Side by Side is a safe place to receive support and help each other.

For information and how to join, contact:

Bronwyn Pike: bronwyn.pike@ddwa.org.au, or
Maggie Visser: maggie.visser@ddwa.org.au

Website: ddwa.org.au/services/family-peer-support-side-by-side

Independent Support Coordination

DDWA are a registered NDIS provider for support coordination.
We can support you to fully understand and implement the funded supports and services in your NDIS plan.

This service is currently at FULL CAPACITY.

FAQs

July 2026 Update: Self managing an NDIS plan

By DDWA Team | July 7, 2026
This FAQ contains updated information about self managing an NDIS plan. If you directly engage with support workers then this information might be helpful at the end of the financial year. There are certain legal obligations that must be met…

What funding support is available at your local school?

By DDWA Team | March 23, 2026
What additional funding support does your local public school receive for students with disability? “Public school funding is allocated to schools based on the learning needs of students and school characteristics”. For the most up to date information on funding,…

NDIS Check-ins. What are they and how to respond.

By DDWA Team | September 30, 2025
What Are NDIS Check-ins? You may hear that families are getting phone calls called check-ins. A check in is a call from a NDIS contact to have a conversation with you about the progress of your NDIS plan or your…

Understanding Guardianship and Administration: what you need to know when your child is approaching 18.

By DDWA Team | January 28, 2025
The Guardianship and Administration Act 1990 is the law that covers people who may need someone to make decisions for them in their finances (Administration) and other life areas (Guardianship). DDWA is often contacted about Guardianship and Administration. These are…

Transport Funding in NDIS Plans

By DDWA Team | October 7, 2024
When it comes to NDIS plans – you can get transport funding included once the person is a young adult. What is transport funding? Transport funding helps participants who can’t use public transport easily due to their disability. Typically, transport…

A Service for One

By DDWA Team | September 3, 2024
Have you heard about a Service for One ? This is a term used for a family member to become a registered NDIS provider for their loved one. Self managed or plan managed families may need to become a Service…

Self-Advocacy Guide for Parents and Carers in the WA Education System

By DDWA Team | June 26, 2024
What to do when negotiating with your child’s school. First Principles Next stages of escalation *Governance/oversight system representatives will vary according to the school your child attends State government schools State Government Schools have a ‘ladder’ of levels of oversight…

How can families provide training to support workers?

By DDWA Team | May 24, 2024
Training support workers can be a collaborative effort between families and the support workers themselves. Here are some ways families can provide training to support workers: By actively engaging with support workers and providing them with the necessary training, resources,…

What do I need to know about self managing my NDIS plan?

By DDWA Team | May 16, 2024
This FAQ contains information about many of the common questions we receive about self managing an NDIS plan. We suggest looking at the NDIS Self management guide for more information. The NDIS “Guide to self-management” can also be found here:…

How do I find support workers?

By DDWA Team | May 16, 2024
Finding the right support worker can help the quality of care and assistance for yourself or your loved one. There are a few different ways that you can find a support worker (SW), each with its own advantages and disadvantages.…