who identify as having an intellectual disability to explore ideas for their future after high school. It matches students and mentors who share a common passion or interest. The goal is to enhance their capacity to make informed decisions about their future prior to leaving school and to support the natural development of relationships and connections to their community.
Student Links is tailored to meet the needs of each individual student and may include hands-on experiences, exploration of new interests, and an introduction to work, volunteer or community-based roles. Opportunities are created for students to meet with people who are currently engaged in, or who have substantial knowledge of, the identified interest. For example: a student interested in working outdoors might be introduced to someone who works for a landscaping company or a national/provincial park, enabling the student to experience and learn about different types of work roles and volunteer opportunities. If a student expresses an interest in dogs, they may be introduced to a groomer, staff at a veterinary clinic, a breeder, or the owner of a pet store. The possibilities are endless!
After completing the application, the first step is for the student to meet with the Student Links coordinator and together identify ideas, interests, passions and roles they are interested in. Families and guardians are welcome to attend the first meetings. Following the initial meeting, the coordinator will confirm a follow up meeting to spend time with the student to explore community contacts, resources, and community businesses that specialize in the student’s identified interest area. Student Links is a collaborative initiative and as such, students, families and guardians are encouraged to be part of the process. The next step is for the coordinator to seek out an individual who is actively engaged in the area of interest and who is willing to be a mentor and/or spend time with the student to assist them in gaining further knowledge and experience. The coordinator, the potential mentor, and student will meet to discuss their shared interests and get to know each other. If the potential mentor and the student are interested in continuing to meet, the coordinator will support this process and design a mentoring plan which will outline goals, learning objectives and timelines.
Student Links is offering in-person and virtual meetings as well as the option of a combination (in-person and virtual). Please discuss with your coordinator how to best structure your Student Links experience.
