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 of disabilities include physical and sensory disabilities (quadriplegia, vision or hearing loss, etc.), mental health disabilities (including addiction), developmental disabilities, learning disabilities, 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 but BC supported.
• 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.
• Check out the “Transition Planning Checklists”. So many things to think about!
• Learn if you are eligible for a government Navigator to support your planning and access to services.

• 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.