By Ashleigh Fielding | posted on September 1, 2017
SECONDARY students with a disability and at-risk students participated in an interactive conference in Albany on Tuesday, to learn more about their future living and education possibilities.
Year 10, 11 and 12 students from Albany schools who either suffer from a physical, sensory, intellectual or psychiatric disability, or are at risk of not making a successful transition from school to future endeavours, attended the event at the Albany Entertainment Centre.
Local Menang elder Carol Petterson kicked off proceedings with the Welcome to Country, and encouraged students to do their best to reach their goals.
“Learn to be led by your dreams,” Ms Petterson said.
“Don’t let rejection be your master.
“Focus on what you can do today, to make a better tomorrow.”
Students then heard from Darrian Graham and Jess Hughes, two successful Great Southern Personnel pupils who worked hard to earn their current jobs, with work experience and assistance from GSP.
“I may have taken a longer road, but work experience and GSP gave me the confidence I didn’t think I could achieve,” Ms Hughes said.
A range of workshops, displays and presentations followed about independent living, mental health, achieving educational goals, personal safety, employment preparation and self-advocacy.
“The main objective of this conference was to get students meeting the people who will be supporting them in their lives,” event organiser and Albany Secondary Education Support Centre teacher Deb Guest said.
“We have brought together the resources we feel can help students with their journey.
“There’s a fantastic network of people ready to help; students just need to ask.”
