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

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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

How do I choose the right school for my child ?

By DDWA Team | February 28, 2022
Introduction Every child has the right to attend their local Government school, regardless of any disability they may have.  Research has shown repeatedly that when children with disability are included in their local school community, they and their peers without disability…

Advocacy in Schools

By DDWA Team | February 9, 2022
There will always be a role for professional advocates to support families to deal with difficult negotiations, particularly when a situation becomes stuck or an impasse is reached. The knowledge that a professional advocate brings, regarding the laws and standards…

How can families provide training to support workers?

By DDWA Team | January 13, 2022
There are many different ways to provide training on how to support your family member with challenging behaviours. The most important thing is to ensure the supporter gets to know the person really well and the person feels safe with…

What if I don’t have a behaviour support plan or funding, but I need help to support behaviour and aggression at home and school?

By DDWA Team | January 13, 2022
Even if you do not have funding for behaviour support there are lots of options to help you. DDWA You can access peer support through the DDWA peer support program called Side by Side. Side by Side also has a…

How do I find a behaviour support practitioner?

By DDWA Team | January 13, 2022
Support Suggestions Here are a few suggestions about how you can find a behaviour support practitioner that is right for you and your family. You can ask other parents for suggestions from their own experiences with behaviour support providers. You…

What is behaviour support & Why do we need it?

By DDWA Team | January 13, 2022
Behaviour support is a way of thinking through why someone behaves in ways that may be seen as challenging. Usually, this relates back to unmet needs that the person has. Behaviour support is about focussing on the environment and the…

What is challenging behaviour?

By DDWA Team | January 11, 2022
Challenging behaviour also known as behaviours which challenge, is defined as: culturally abnormal behaviour(s) of such intensity, frequency or duration that the physical safety of the person or others is placed in serious jeopardy, or behaviour which is likely to seriously limit or deny access…

NDIS Plan Reviews: I don’t agree with the NDIA’s decision! Where to from here?

By DDWA Team | May 27, 2021
This FAQ explains the 3 types of reviews that you can request when you want the NDIA to reconsider a decision.