The University of Newcastle will tomorrow co-host the annual Hunter School Leavers Expo to help students with an illness, injury or disability plan their next step after school, TAFE or University study.

The University's National Disability Coordination Officer, Kay Dean, said with the end of the year fast approaching, students needed to consider their options for future employment, training, and education.

"One in five Australians has a disability, and services in the region are keen to ensure there is a range of information available for students to move forward successfully into their chosen pathway.

"This Expo is a great way for students to see what is available, and talk personally to services able to provide assistance. Employers are also increasingly realising that participation in the workplace is about ability rather than disability, so there is a focus at the Expo on employment options."

The Expo is a collaborative event of the University of Newcastle, Hunter TAFE, and the Department of Education and Training who, along with a range of other disability services, form the Hunter School Leavers Committee.

"Department of Ageing, Disability and Homecare Program providers, Disability Employment Networks, Disability Business Services, Job Network, Centrelink, Australian Apprenticeship Centres, Career Links, TAFE and University of Newcastle disability staff will all be on hand," Ms Dean said.

"The Expo also provides teachers with valuable resources to help their students with a disability plan the next steps in their careers."

The position of National Disability Coordination Officer is an Australian Government initiative funded by the Department of Education, Employment and Workplace Relations. The position, hosted and supported by the University of Newcastle, covers the Newcastle and Hunter region.

Photo opportunity: Thursday 31 July 2008, 9am - 1pm
Auditorium, second floor, Mayfield Ex-Services Club