Independent Living Skills Training (ILS)

What is Independent Living Skills Training?

In the independent living skills program (ILS), people with disabilities learn essential life skills that can be applied to daily living and promote independence. ILS helps each consumer learn to live independently within the context of their level of physical, intellectual, and emotional development.

We provide personal training at the consumer’s residence or community daily or weekly, depending on what fits them best.

Who Benefits from Independent Living Skills Training?

Our ILS program is for anyone and everyone with developmental disabilities that create barriers to learning essential life skills.

Why are Independent Living Skills Important?

Individuals with disabilities often grow up with a supported living system, providing a safe environment and assisting them with daily tasks. Unfortunately, this isn’t always the case, and individuals gain little to no support in childhood.

Regardless of upbringing, there comes the point when individuals mature into adolescence and adulthood and need to learn skills to help them live more independently. Learning even the simplest tasks, such as basic math and reading, plays a huge role in daily life.

ILS teach these essential skills in an environment suited to the consumer with methods and a pace that best fits their learning style and needs.

What are Examples of Independent Living Skills?

ILS assists consumers in essential life skills so they can live as independently as possible and thrive in daily life. We take the most important practices and break them down into individual categories. This way, our consumers understand the program, its key points, and what to expect during the training.

We always consider the cognitive and physical developments of each individual to ensure they receive the best-fit methods for their unique needs. ILS helps adolescents and young adults develop skills in:

• Basic Math & Reading
• Communication Skills; Verbal, Non-Verbal, & American Sign Language (ASL)
• Community & Home Safety
• DCFS Support
• Driving Education (Written Only)
• Food Preparation
• Health & Nutrition
• Housing Assistance
• Job Asst/Department of Rehab
• Locating Generic Resources
• Medical & Mental Health
• Medication Management
• Mobility Training
• Money Management
• Organization & Cleaning
• Parenting Support
• Personal Care
• Personal Hygiene & Health
• Problem Solving
• Public Transport Assistance & Safety
• Recreation & Social Leisure
• Self Advocacy Training
• Social Integration Skills
• Social Security
• And More!

Customized ILS Plans

Our Independent Living Skills Training (ILS) is tailored to each client’s abilities, goals, and developmental needs. Through detailed assessments, our experienced trainers create customized plans focusing on skills like money management, personal hygiene, or job preparation. 

For example, an adolescent may work on public transit skills, while an adult focuses on medication management for independent living. We adjust plans as skills grow, ensuring progress at a comfortable pace.

Technology and Tools for Independent Living Skills

Technology plays a key role in our ILS program, making learning engaging and effective. We use apps like “MyLife” for organization, “Budget Boss” for money management, and video modeling for social skills. Assistive devices, such as smart home systems for medication reminders or communication apps for nonverbal clients, support independence. 

For example, clients practice grocery shopping with budgeting apps during community outings. Our trainers integrate these tools into training at home or in the community.

ILS for Young Adults

Our ILS program prepares transition-age youth for adulthood by teaching skills like cooking, budgeting, and job readiness. We align training with Transitional IEPs, helping teens move from school to independent or supported living.

For example, a young adult with autism might learn to navigate public transport or prepare for a job interview. We also offer housing assistance and self-advocacy training to build confidence.

Applying ILS in Real-World Settings

Independent Living Skills Training goes beyond the home, helping clients thrive in their communities. We teach skills like using public transportation, shopping independently, or socializing at community events.

For example, clients practice ordering food at restaurants or safely crossing streets during guided outings. These real-world experiences build confidence and promote inclusion. Our trainers provide support in settings like grocery stores or job sites, tailored to each client’s needs.

Family and Caregiver Support

Families are key partners in Independent Living Skills Training. We equip parents and guardians with strategies to reinforce skills at home, such as visual schedules for cleaning or role-playing for social interactions. Our workshops cover topics like health and nutrition or mobility training, and we offer one-on-one coaching to address challenges. We also connect families to resources like SSI/Medi-Cal assistance or DCFS support. By fostering independence while providing guidance, we help families balance support and autonomy.

How to Measure Progress

We measure ILS success through individualized benchmarks and tracking skills like personal care, money management, and community safety. Using tools like goal-setting charts and observational assessments, we monitor progress and share regular reports with families. 

For example, we might track how consistently a client manages a budget or completes hygiene tasks. If progress slows, we adjust strategies to maintain growth. Our data-driven approach ensures meaningful outcomes for independent living.

ILS for Specific Disabilities

Our ILS program adapts to the unique needs of disabilities like autism, Down syndrome, or cerebral palsy. 

• For autism, we emphasize social integration and communication, using visual aids and repetition. 

• For Down syndrome, we focus on practical skills like food preparation with hands-on practice. 

• Clients with cerebral palsy may work on mobility or adaptive tools for personal care. 

For severe disabilities, we use task simplification and assistive devices. Co-occurring conditions, like ADHD, are addressed with shorter, focused sessions.