Diverse Pathways Life Skills SLES Program?

Michelle Silberman
May 27
3 min read

What is the Life Skills School Leavers Employment Support Program?

Our Life Skills Program is part of Diverse Pathways School Leavers Employment Support (SLES) program and is open to young people with disabilities who are transitioning from school to work. It runs across four themed blocks of 10 weeks, using real-world, practical learning to build the foundations for adulthood.

Each block includes in-person and online delivery options, visual aids, hands-on activities, and flexible assessments tailored to individual goals and support needs.

From cooking and cleaning to laundry and time management, each week @DiversePathways Life skills SLES program focuses on skills that help NDIS participants feel confident managing their own space and routines.

🟦 Life Skills SLES Block 1: My Daily Life

Weeks 1–10: Building routines, independence, and confidence at home

This block is all about setting young people up with the daily living skills they need. From cooking and cleaning to laundry and time management, each week focuses on skills that help participants feel confident managing their own space and routines.

Highlights include:

Cooking simple, nutritious meals
Personal hygiene and health routines
Safety at home and online
A fun “Living Day” simulation to bring it all together

🟨 Life Skills SLES Block 2: Speak Up, Step Up

Weeks 11–20: Social confidence, communication, and community participation

This engaging module develops the soft skills young people need to thrive in social and community settings. Through roleplay, peer interaction, and practical exercises, participants learn how to express themselves, set boundaries, and build lasting friendships.

Skills covered include:

Conversation and phone etiquette
Digital citizenship and online safety
Navigating conflict and understanding personal boundaries
Public behaviour and community manners

Neurodiverse young people engage in a structured, supportive group session designed to build social communication and life skills as part of an NDIS School Leaver Employment Supports (SLES) program. This inclusive activity promotes neurodiversity employment support by helping participants strengthen conversation etiquette, digital citizenship, conflict resolution, and community behaviour. Through roleplay and real-world scenarios, they develop confidence and readiness for independent living and future workplaces on the Central Coast NSW. — Building real-world confidence, autistic young people explore communication, online safety, boundaries, and community behaviour through roleplay and peer connection — gaining the tools they need to thrive socially and independently.

🟩 Life Skills SLES Block 3: Life on the Go

Weeks 21–30: Money, mobility, and real-world readiness

This is where the program steps into the broader world — helping participants handle money, budgeting, transport, and accessing services like doctors, banks, and community centres.

Real-life activities include:

Budgeting and shopping in the community
Banking basics and using ATMs
Travel training (including Myki/Opal or local transport cards)
Planning and navigating a trip
Learning about tenants’ rights and accessing services

Preparing for independence, this phase of our NDIS School Leaver Employment Supports (SLES) program equips autistic young people with essential real-world skills — from budgeting and banking to travel training and accessing community services. It's practical, hands-on learning that supports neurodiversity employment readiness and independent living across the Central Coast NSW. — Preparing for independence, this phase of @DiversePathways NDIS School Leaver Employment Supports (SLES) program equips neurodiverse young people with essential real-world skills.

🟥 Life Skills SLES Block 4: Dream, Plan, Do!

Weeks 31–40: Career exploration and work-readiness

The final module brings everything together by preparing participants for the world of work. From identifying strengths to creating resumes and practicing job interviews, participants leave with the tools and confidence to pursue meaningful employment or volunteering.

Career-building experiences include:

Exploring different types of jobs
Building resumes and job portfolios
Job search support and interview practice
Access to work trials and volunteer placements
A celebration and showcase of achievements!

🛠️ Tools and Equipment

We provide a fully equipped learning environment with everything from cooking tools to budgeting kits, laptops to hygiene products — ensuring all learning is hands-on, practical, and engaging.

Participants use:

Assistive technology
Simulated workspaces and travel training kits
Personal care items for hygiene practice
Real-world budgeting and shopping materials

💬 Ongoing Support Makes the Difference

At Diverse Pathways, every participant receives personalised, wrap-around support:

Dedicated job coaches and mentors
Flexible learning pace and one-on-one support
Group activities to build social confidence
Work placement assistance, including volunteer or retail roles
Progress tracking and NDIS-aligned reporting

🎯 Outcomes You Can See

By the end of the program, participants will:

Feel more confident and independent
Navigate public spaces and services on their own
Manage a budget, plan meals, and maintain a living space
Communicate clearly and respectfully
Prepare for work or further education with real-life skills

💡 Why It Matters

This program is more than just skill-building — it’s about believing in young people’s potential. We provide a safe, supportive environment where participants learn by doing, grow alongside peers, and step into the world with a sense of purpose and possibility.

🔗 Ready to take the next step? To learn more about the Life Skills SLES Program at Diverse Pathways and how it fits with your or your young person’s NDIS goals, contact us today or speak to your support coordinator.