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At Linking the Next Steps VIC, we warmly welcome you into a community that truly cares. We know that every journey is unique, and we are here to provide encouragement, tailored support, and practical guidance to help neurodiverse young adults and their families navigate life's transitions. Based in Victoria, we are passionate about helping individuals step confidently from education into employment, ensuring they have the tools, skills, and self-belief to thrive. We see strengths where others see challenges and are committed to creating a world where neurodiverse individuals are recognised, valued, and given every opportunity to succeed.

 

Our Mission

We believe in a world where everyone, regardless of neurodiversity, has the opportunity to pursue work they love—free from discrimination and supported with the right adjustments, made without prejudice. Inclusion isn't just a word to us; it's a way of life. By fostering understanding among families, employers, and communities, we create a welcoming space where neurodiverse talents shine. After all, the best workplaces (and the best societies) embrace differences and celebrate strengths.

 

Bridging the Gap – Our SLES Program

The School Leaver Employment Supports (SLES) program is designed to help neurodiverse young adults build the skills they need to confidently step into the workforce. Our Bridging the Gap initiative provides structured, supportive pathways for growth, encouraging individuals to develop confidence, gain hands-on experience, and refine the essential skills needed for a fulfilling career.

 

Some our focus topics are:

• Positive Self Identity and Self Advocacy

• Mastering workplace communication and social skills

• Creating standout résumés and preparing for interviews

• Exploring career pathways tailored to personal strengths and interests

• Gaining practical job experience with guidance and mentorship

 

How to Access SLES (School Leaver Education Support) Funding

SLES is available through the NDIS for young people who have left school and need additional support to prepare for employment. If you or your child are eligible for NDIS funding, we can help navigate the process so you receive the right support to participate in the program.

 

If you’re interested in our Bridging the Gap program but are not neurodiverse or on the NDIS, you’re still welcome to join! We offer a personalised payment structure and a concession rate (conditions apply), ensuring that everyone has access to meaningful support.

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Join Our Community

At Linking the Next Steps VIC, we take a holistic, wrap-around approach, working alongside families, schools, support workers, and allied health professionals to ensure that every individual receives the encouragement and assistance they need. We believe that support doesn't stop with the individual—it extends to their whole network, creating a ripple effect of positive change.

 

We are also dedicated to educating the broader community, including employers, about the incredible strengths and potential of neurodiverse employees. By shifting perspectives and providing the right resources, we aim to create a world where everyone has the opportunity to succeed. Imagine a workplace where talent is recognised beyond traditional expectations, where diverse minds bring innovation, creativity, and new ways of thinking. That’s the future we’re building—together.

 

Are you ready to take the next step? Contact us today to learn more about our programmes and how we can support you or your loved one on the journey to meaningful employment and independence.

 

With understanding, encouragement, and the right support, anything is possible. Let's work together to build an inclusive future where neurodiverse individuals are recognised for what they can do—not what they cannot.