Independent Living Services
Independent Living Services (ILS) provide structured, one-on-one support for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities who want to build greater independence in their daily lives. Services are tailored to each participant’s goals and focus on developing practical skills within real-world environments.
What Independent Living Services Include
Personal Care & Health
• Establishing consistent hygiene routines • Developing meal planning and cooking skills • Medication organization and reminder systems • Attending and preparing for medical appointments • Practicing communication with healthcare providers • Maintaining regular health routines and checklists • Learning basic nutrition and healthy lifestyle habits
Home & Daily Living
• Establishing structured cleaning routines • Developing laundry skills, including sorting and folding • Grocery shopping with budgeting and list planning • Safe and appropriate use of household appliances • Practicing home safety awareness and routines • Organizing household items using visual supports • Learning proper cleaning techniques for independent living • Creating and maintaining emergency contact information
Money Management
• Developing simple budgeting skills using visual tools • Learning basic banking routines and financial literacy • Understanding bill payment processes and account alerts • Practicing financial decision-making and problem-solving • Recognizing financial scams and predatory practices • Organizing benefit documentation and renewal timelines • Using tools or apps to support financial organization • Building savings goals with structured tracking systems
Housing & Tenancy Skills
• Searching for and evaluating housing options • Reviewing lease agreements and understanding tenant responsibilities • Setting up utilities and essential services • Developing roommate communication strategies • Practicing effective communication with landlords • Completing housing and subsidy applications • Establishing systems for timely rent payment • Accessing affordable housing resources and waitlists • Developing basic home maintenance routines
Transportation & Mobility
• Accompanying individuals on public transportation until routes are mastered • Learning how to read transportation schedules and maps • Practicing trip planning and purchasing transit passes • Using navigation apps and transit tracking tools • Developing appropriate communication skills for public transit settings • Building safety awareness for various transportation scenarios • Completing applications for reduced fare or paratransit services • Practicing safe street crossing and navigating busy areas • Developing emergency transportation backup plans
Employment & Education
• Developing resume writing and interview preparation skills • Practicing job interview and workplace communication scenarios • Exploring workplace accommodation options and disclosure strategies • Connecting with vocational rehabilitation and employment services • Understanding appropriate workplace expectations and professional behavior • Enrolling in educational or training programs • Building study skills and time management strategies • Practicing self-advocacy in employment and educational settings • Developing plans to address workplace challenges • Identifying personal strengths and career interests
Communication & Social Skills
• Developing effective phone and digital communication skills • Practicing appropriate responses in social situations • Building conflict resolution and problem-solving skills • Preparing for difficult conversations using structured approaches • Participating in social opportunities in supportive environments • Learning appropriate boundaries and relationship skills • Understanding and interpreting social cues • Practicing self-advocacy in various settings • Engaging in social groups based on personal interests • Developing strategies for navigating uncomfortable social situations
Community Participation
• Exploring and accessing community resources • Obtaining library cards and learning how to access local resources • Understanding civic engagement opportunities, including voting registration • Using community recreation facilities safely and independently • Connecting with interest-based groups and clubs • Participating in cultural and community activities • Attending community events based on individual interests • Developing community-based problem-solving skills • Learning about local disability advocacy organizations • Exploring volunteer opportunities aligned with personal interests
Parenting & Family Responsibilities
• Connecting with parenting resources and support groups • Developing child care routines and structured schedules • Learning child safety procedures and emergency responses • Organizing home systems that support parenting responsibilities • Understanding age-appropriate activities and developmental milestones • Accessing parenting classes and educational resources • Balancing parenting responsibilities and self-care • Managing children’s appointments and schedules • Building nurturing and healthy parent-child relationships • Connecting with family support services as needed
Emergency & Safety Skills
• Developing clear emergency procedures for various scenarios • Practicing emergency communication, including contacting 911 • Creating personalized safety plans with key contact information • Learning how to use safety equipment appropriately • Building appropriate responses to emergency situations • Preparing emergency preparedness kits • Learning basic first aid awareness and safety skills • Identifying potentially unsafe situations • Understanding fire evacuation procedures and meeting locations • Setting up emergency contact information in accessible locations
Legal & Support
• Understanding disability rights and legal protections • Reviewing legal documents in clear and accessible language • Connecting with disability rights organizations and legal aid resources • Practicing self-advocacy in legal and administrative settings • Attending legal appointments for support when appropriate • Organizing and maintaining important legal documentation • Developing strategies for addressing legal challenges • Understanding rights under the ADA and Fair Housing Act • Understanding Lanterman Act services and entitlements • Learning legal rights and responsibilities in accessible formats