My Education & Work Plans

In Canada, many high schools have a Capstone Project in Grades 11 and 12. It gives you time to look at what you’ve learned and plan for life after graduation, like school or a career. You may create a big project, such as a presentation or product, that shows your interests and skills. Read the list below and talk to your parents and people who care about you.

• Explore what you are interested in and how it could connect to your future, like school, a job, or starting something of your own.
• Build useful skills such as problem-solving, researching, planning, making choices, and sharing your ideas.
• Learn about real jobs and life after school so you feel more prepared for what comes next.
• Reflect on what you are good at and how you have grown as a person and a learner.
• Be realistic and without limiting yourself, consider any barriers to work that might be caused by your health condition or disability.
• Create a project or presentation that shows what you have learned and what you are proud of.
• Practice real-life learning through hands-on activities, community work, or creative projects.
• Celebrate your learning with a final project that brings together your school experience and your vision for the future.

• See if you qualify for an IEP in your school. Do you have a disability, special educational needs, and/or learning disabilities? Do you have mental health or developmental challenges?
• Know that many youth and young adults are not properly diagnosed and are missing supports that are available in the education system. If you are concerned – ask!
• Get an assessment or diagnosis from a qualified educator or professionals to start
• If you qualify, learn more about an “Individual Education Plan” and the supports, modifications, and technological aids that can be part of your IEP.

Looking for a job or working can feel harder if you have a chronic health condition, including mental health or substance use challenges, because stigma can make things stressful and confusing. You might wonder if, when, or how to share your health needs at work, especially if you’re worried about being judged or treated differently.

• Understand your health and how it affects your energy, focus, and ability to work. Know what you might need accommodations for.
• Remember your strengths—living with a health condition can build skills like problem-solving, creativity, and persistence.
• Learn about the job so you know what is expected and what support you might need.
• Know you don’t have to share everything—you only need to talk about your health if it affects safety or your ability to do the job.
• Decide when to share your health needs—before a job, after you’re hired, or only if you need accommodations.
• Ask for accommodations you need like flexible hours, quiet spaces, or work-from-home options if they help you do your best.
• Know your rights—in BC, employers must try to support your health needs at work.
• Protect your privacy—employers don’t need to know your diagnosis, just what support you need.
• Be confident—accommodations are tools to help you succeed, not signs of weakness.
• Consider reviewing the tool about “Disclosing Your Disability” . A disability can be defined as “a condition or illness—visible or invisible, episodic or continuous— that affects a person’s senses or activities. Examples include physical and sensory problems (mobility, vision or hearing impairments), mental illnesses including addiction, developmental and  learning challenges, brain injuries and chronic health conditions such as arthritis, hepatitis C, diabetes, morbid obesity and others.

If you are a youth with a disability, a transition guide can help you move from high school to college, university, or work. They are full of  helpful info about money support, school accessibility services, and community programs that can support you. These guides also give tips, checklists, and tools to help make the move to adult life easier and less stressful.

• Check out the “Transition Resource Guide for Students with Disabilities” from Ontario and used  in BC.
• Learn about accessibility rights and responsibilities, advocacy, and access to housing and more.
• Plan your next steps to college or University or training programs.
• Read others transition stories, successes, and advice.
• Learn if you are eligible for a government Navigator to support your planning and access to services.

Going away to school or to work is a big step toward independence, but you don’t have to do everything on your own. Think about who you want in your crew or to support you. These are the people you trust and who you can turn to when you need support. Revisit the activities in ‘My People’ for youth.

Choose people who:

• Respect you by valuing your opinions, choices, identity, and personal space.
• Communicate openly by listening, being honest, and working through problems with you.
• Respect your boundaries and understand that you can say no or ask for space whenever you need it.
• Show kindness and empathy and treat you with care, patience, and understanding.
• Support your independence by encouraging you to do things for yourself, while also being there when you need help.
• Make you feel safe to be yourself, share your feelings, and ask for help without fear or pressure.

Consider choosing one person you trust to be your health advocate. This could be a roommate, workmate, or trusted adult. Your health advocate needs to be able to respect your boundaries, maintain confidentiality, and help you get the help you need if you become unwell.

If you have a disability, chronic health condition, learning difference, mental health condition, or vision or hearing impairment, you may be able to get extra support at school. No matter what the condition is, it is the student’s responsibility to ‘self-identify’ to get any accommodations. Most colleges and universities have an Accessibility Services, Disability Services, or an Access Office. They can help you understand your options and arrange support for classes, exams, housing, and campus life.

• Connect with your school’s Accessibility or Disability Services office as early as possible, ideally as soon as you are accepted.
• Ask what supports are available and how the process for accessing them works at your school.
• Complete the school’s accessibility or accommodation registration forms.
• Gather the documentation you need – this may include information from your physician, psychologist, or specialist about your condition and how it impacts your learning or daily life.
• Ask if you are unsure what documentation is required – each school may have different requirements.
• Meet with an accessibility advisor to talk about what support would work best for you.
• Consider accommodations such as extra exam time, a quiet exam space, note-taking support, assistive technology, reduced course loads, accessible classrooms, or other learning supports.
• Discuss on-campus transportation options, distance between classes, and rest areas.
• Talk about housing needs early, if you need an accessible room, private bathroom, quiet space, service-animal accommodation, or other housing support.
• Check whether housing accommodations have a separate application or deadline.
• Share your accommodation letter with your instructors to ensure learning supports can be provided.
• Keep copies of your accommodation documents and important contacts in case your health, courses, housing, or needs change.
• Speak up if an accommodation is not working or you need additional support.

If you’re leaving BC to attend post-secondary school in another province, take these steps before you go:

• Contact Health Insurance BC (HIBC) before you leave if you are attending post-secondary school or a work placement outside of BC.
• Know that full-time students are eligible for the Medical Services Plan (MSP) coverage while studying elsewhere in Canada, and know that if you remain in BC, you are covered as a full-time student.
• Check out what MSP covers and does not cover while you are out of province.
• Learn about medical benefits outside of BC on the Government of BC website.
• Carry your BC Services Card or Driver’s Licence with your health number and keep your PHN (personal health number) in your phone.
• Inquire into your schools or work’s health plans to see if prescriptions, dental care, vision care, counselling, physiotherapy, or other services are covered.
• Consider additional travel or medical insurance to help cover costs that may not be covered by MSP or your student plan.
• Keep copies of your health insurance information, medication list, and important health documents somewhere secure and easy to access.

Going away to school or for work can be exciting, but figuring out your new normal can also be hard. You may be away from family and friends, adjusting to different schedules and routines, sharing space with others, eating different food, and having less privacy. While people often talk about how great it is to go away for school, it can also feel lonely, stressful, overwhelming, or difficult, and that’s not just because of your studies. Many students struggle with the changes that come with living away from home. Give yourself time to adjust and find a routine that works for you. Your health and well-being are just as important as your schoolwork.

• Recognize the changes you are going through and give yourself time to adjust.
• Take care of your emotional and mental health, especially when things feel overwhelming.
• Explore Mywell’s emotional and mental health strategies to support your well-being.
• Create a routine that balances school, studying, sleep, healthy food, exercise, social activities, and time to relax.
• Stay connected with family and friends at home, especially when you are feeling lonely or overwhelmed.
• Reach out for help when you need it. Talk with someone you trust, whether they are at school or back home.
• Connect with campus supports, such as student health services, counselling, accessibility services, or academic support.
• Take your time getting to know people and building new friendships, but don’t stress about it – you don’t have to find your group right away!
• Set boundaries around your time, privacy, social life, and relationships.
• Make space for things you enjoy and activities that help you feel like yourself.
• Be patient with yourself as you adjust and create your new routines.

• Learn how your health affects your energy, focus, and daily routines.
• Choose school or work options that match your health needs and strengths.
• Ask about workplace accommodations, like flexible hours, breaks, remote work, or changes to your workspace.
• Read the tool called “Accommodations in the Workplace” from BC Human Rights.
• Know your rights around accessibility and support at work or school.
• Decide if, when, and how much to share about your health condition—only share what feels right for you. Know your rights and responsibilities as an employee.
• Talk with a trusted person at work or school (like HR, a supervisor, or accessibility staff) if you need support.
• Plan your schedule to balance work, rest, health care, and fun.
• Set healthy boundaries so you don’t push yourself too hard.
• Check in with yourself often and adjust your plan when your health changes.
• Ask for help when you need it—you don’t have to manage everything alone.