Resources
There are many resources available to support and guide exploration and planning for the future, and it can be hard to know where to start. We have gathered some of our favourite toolkits, websites, and articles here;
Planning Toolkits
The Planning Network has put together three toolkits for future planning, the Early Planning Toolkit, Transitioning Into High School Toolkit, and the Planning For Beyond Graduation Toolkit. Not sure where to begin? These toolkits contain helpful checklists to get you started.
Skills For The Job of Living
We are growing and learning every day and through every experience, we are developing new skills. What are some of the skills you have, and what are you interested in learning next? Here are two resources that we find useful for starting that exploration,
The Growing Up Ready series from Holland Bloorview looks at all ages and stages from birth to adulthood with a chart and checklists that grow with you.
STEPS To Independence from Connectability.ca guides readers to identify their skills and strengths and think about what supports are helpful.
Friendships - Creating Connections
Each year Horizons team and TVCC Trailblazers host a workshop called Creating Connections! Navigating Relationships, all about family, friendships, and relationships. Watch the website and social media for details of next year’s event! Until then, click here to see some of the resources gathered for this workshop.
Future - Interest and Skill Exploration
Every day we learn a little bit more about ourselves. Every experience we have gives us clues about what we are interested in, as well as what we would rather stay away from. How do we gather all of that information to help us make choices for the future, and how do we find out more?
Learning from Past Experiences
What are some of the things you loved to do when you were younger? What makes you happy? What tasks and activities make you lose track of time?
Imagining Your Future
Try this activity from Career Insite and spend some time dreaming about your future and exploring what you really want.
Digging Deeper
There are many, many free tools available online to explore interests, values, skills, and strengths – these are some of our favourites. Remember, these are tools to help you explore, not to tell you what to do! If a careers test tells you something surprising, take a minute to think about what it is about that job that may actually be of interest to you. For example, if Flight Attendant is on your top ten careers list but you hate flying, think about pieces of that job that fit with who you are. Do you love people and making them feel comfortable, or keeping them safe? Do you like to work with a small team? Is an active job appealing to you? Sometimes it can be important to focus less on the career itself, and more on the characteristics of that career that appeal to you.
Interest and Career Exploration - Build your Roadmap
Knowing Yourself - The Learning Portal at Ontario Colleges Library Services
O*NET Interest Profiler at My Next Move
VIA Strengths Survey | VIA Institute
If you have taken Careers at school, or have access to Career Cruising and My Blueprint, don’t forget to go back and look at the activities you completed then!
Future - Employment and Volunteering
Whether you are looking for a career, a part-time or summer job, or an opportunity to give back and learn some skills through volunteering, there are lots of resources to help.
Start thinking about creating a resume so you are ready when it is time to apply! If you have some work or volunteer experience you may like to organize your resume by time. If this is your first resume, you may decide to highlight your skills and write a Functional Resume. Check out Which Resumé Type Fits You Best?
I may have to do some things differently, how do I figure that out?
We all need different things to be successful in our work! Think about what is helpful at home and school, and what strategies you use. Do you like to have tasks written down, or do you prefer to be given jobs one at a time? How do you like to learn new skills? Write down what works for you and check out the Job Accommodation Network for more ideas.
What do I need to tell my Employer?
It is your choice if, what, and when, you tell your employer about your disability. Check out the Ontario College Library Services website for information and resources to help you decide what works best for you, or try some of the worksheets available in the 411 on Disability Disclosure Youth Workbook
How to I find a Job?
Looking for a job takes time and work!
- Ask your friends and family about volunteer opportunities or job openings they may have heard about.
- Think about people you know that you could talk to about ideas and opportunities
- Visit different businesses to drop off your resume
- Check the Guidance Office at school to see if they have a job board.
You can also look for job postings online
For tips on making that first connection over email, on the phone, and in person check out this great resource Volunteer Etiquette Tool
Is there anyone that can help?
There are community programs that provide employment supports for youth and young adults. These programs and agencies can help with resume writing, job search, interview, and employment skills at no cost to you. Check the listings for your area and talk to them to figure out eligibility and who would be the best fit!
Elgin, Middlesex, London, & Oxford Learning for Life Tool or 211 Ontario
Huron & Perth SouthWest Healthline - Huron and Perth or 211 Ontario
Grey & Bruce SouthWest Healthline - Grey and Bruce or 211 Ontario
The Horizons team is available to talk about any questions you may have! Talk to your clinician about a referral, or email us at horizons [at] tvcc.on.ca (horizons[at]tvcc[dot]on[dot]ca)
Future - Passages
Passages is a yearly information fair hosted in partnership with TVDSB and LDCSB. Every November we bring together a variety of service providers and agencies that support youth and young adults in the London, Middlesex, Oxford, and Elgin area as they plan for the transition out of high school.
For more information click here Passages | Thames Valley Children's Centre (tvcc.on.ca)
