How to Transition Adults With Disabilities to Independent Living Situations

If you are a family member or a professional who is helping a disabled consumer work towards a goal of living on their own, there are several things you can do to help them successfully make the transition to greater independence. Whether the consumer has a physical, mental or developmental disability, it's important to give him support by acknowledging the areas in which he excels and helping him to develop competency in areas where he needs improvement.

Things You'll Need

• Independent living skills assessment

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Instructions

• 1

  Print out an independent living skills assessment (see Resources) and help the consumer fill out the assessment. Using an independent living skills assessment will provide an objective measurement for growth areas as well as areas of strength for the consumer. It would also be a good idea to solicit input from the consumers support network, such as caregivers or family members.

• 2

  Identify appropriate living options that allow the consumer the greatest amount of independence, considering her current level of functioning. Living options should be considered based on how well they match the consumer's current level of functioning, with the understanding that other options can be considered as the consumer develops more independent living competencies. Some options that might be considered are group homes, a shared apartment or an individual apartment.

• 3

  Develop a detailed independent living transition plan. As part of the plan, you may include a list of activities to be performed by the consumer independently as well as a list of activities where the consumer will need support from others. Be specific about the type of support the consumer will need from others. For example, she may need someone else to perform a particular task for her, or she may be able to perform the task herself with appropriate prompting.

• 4

  Revise the independent living skills assessment with the consumer as needed. The consumer should continue to learn and develop competencies over time. Her independent living skills assessment should be updated to reflect these gains. Once sufficient gains have been achieved and the consumer is ready to transition to a living arrangement of greater independence, congratulate the consumer and begin the preparing to transition her to the new, more independent living arrangement.