Kyzer the therapy dog guides students with disability in leaving school and transitioning to adult life, in a new book launched recently. 

The beloved pooch, currently based at Chisholm College, has been immortalised as a cartoon character in the resource that forms part of the Transition to Adult Life Project, recently launched as a trial by Catholic Education Western Australia (CEWA). 

The project has brought together resources and processes from a range of sources including the National Disability Coordination Officer Program and Disability Services Commission for the first time, to inform and support families through the transition process. 

The launch of the project trial this year is the result of work by CEWA Students with Disability Consultant Christine Williams, along with a working group. 

It has already provided person-centred planning training to CEWA students with disability consultants and teachers, with support from partners Activ and Interchange. 

The recent launch focused on ‘Tool Kit’, an e-book written by Patricia Mason, a counsellor with notable experience in special education.  

The colourful and engaging book introduces the reader to tools and tips for negotiating life after school, with the help of Kyzer the therapy dog. 

Two more books will released in 2019, the first focusing on the social skills students need to get ready for work and the second will be about the independence required to work.  

A final book will provide teachers with guiding principles, templates, and a self–auditing tool for improvement.  

Ms Williams said parents should seek information about their child’s post-school future as early as Year 7 and encouraged them to attend one of CEWA’s information evenings, with the next being held on 2 April at the Catholic Education Centre in Leederville. 

For more information contact the CEWA Students with Disability Team. 

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