ddwa icon Transition

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

Young adult smiling with her thumbs up

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

Information for Self Managers

By DDWA Team | May 16, 2024
If you are thinking about self managing your NDIS funding or are already self managing then there are some great resources you can access to help you understand your legal obligations. This is a quick guide on things to consider,…

How do I get support workers funded in my NDIS plan?

By DDWA Team | May 13, 2024
Please note this FAQ is currently being reviewed and updated If you’re new to your search for a support worker, here are some steps to consider getting funding for the assistance you need to support you/your family member with disability.…

Do I need a Carer Statement for a NDIS Application or Review?

By DDWA Team | May 8, 2024
This FAQ explains what a carer Statement is and how to write one.

How can I get support workers to help me with everyday supports or community access?

By DDWA Team | May 7, 2024
Support workers can be valuable allies for people with disabilities in Western Australia, offering personalised assistance to navigate various aspects of daily life. Here are some ideas for how your support worker/s can help with community access and participation: They…

Navigating an NDIS appeal for supports

By DDWA Team | February 26, 2024
This fact sheet is for people who have lodged an appeal in the Administrative Appeals Tribunal (Tribunal) about a decision by the National Disability Insurance Agency (NDIA). *This Fact Sheet is developed by Queensland Advocacy for Inclusion however the information…

AAC – from both communication-partner and AAC user’s point of view

By DDWA Team | December 18, 2023
Are you aware that people communicate in a variety of ways. If someone has little or no speech, they may need you to be more observant and offer alternative ways to exchange messages. Violet and her mum, Janet, share their…

The Parent’s Dozen – supportive wisdom for the school journey

By DDWA Team | September 12, 2022
This list of 12 tips was developed from DDWA’s experience supporting parents to advocate for their child in mainstream schools.

All About Me Book (What is important to and for me)

By DDWA Team | June 15, 2022
This is an information booklet to share with your teachers, support workers, family and friends, about the person with disability and their support needs and interests. You can ask your therapy team to help you create this or make it…

Where do I advertise for support staff?

By DDWA Team | June 15, 2022
There are various ways to advertise for staff. It could be word of mouth or written advertisements. You could use one or more platforms. You could choose to use services from service providers or if you are self or plan…

How do I advertise for support workers for my child with challenging behaviours?

By DDWA Team | June 15, 2022
Here are three important things to consider when advertising for support staff: Your child’s interests and strengths Your expectations of the support worker The qualities you would like from a support worker  Availability of support staff shifts Rate of pay…