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Independent Living

Resources and guidelines for educators, parents and agencies that will assist transition age youth identify and move toward their postsecondary goals in independent living.

As students prepare to transition from the K-12 system into adulthood, it is important they acquire the skills to enjoy a quality life. Living skills are essential for all youth, including youth with disabilities.

The National Secondary Transition Technical Assistance Center (NSTTAC) has identified evidence-based practices in secondary transition planning that lead to positive post-school outcomes. Opportunities to learn independent living skills will lead to a smooth transition.

Transition Planning: The Basics External link opens in new window or tab. (PDF; 54MB)
Independent living experiences are referenced on pages 6-7, 18-19, and page 26.

These pages also provide information on how to comply with elements 1-6 of the Indicator 13 requirements of the California Annual Performance Report (APR) External link opens in new window or tab. .

Support for Independent Living

California Department of Rehabilitation External link opens in new window or tab.
This site provides information and links to resources related to mobility, assistive technology, employment services, and job readiness.

Independent Living Centers of California External link opens in new window or tab.
Information is also available at CA Department of Rehabilitation. The mission of the California Foundation for Independent Living Centers is to advocate for barrier-free access and equal opportunity for people with disabilities to participate in community life. This site links to information about health care, accessibility, assistive technology and other resources that contribute to living independently.

Independent Living Skills

Essential Skills for All Teens
21st Century Career Connections External link opens in new window or tab.
Activities to help students meet the demands of a new century and to assist them in assessing and developing essential skills.

Independent Living Checklist External link opens in new window or tab. (PDF)
National Collaborative on Workforce and Disability.

Assessment

Casey Life Skills External link opens in new window or tab.
Resources to Inspire Guide is an extensive evaluation of skills that can be used to develop independent living. The Casey Life Skills inventory is free to professionals working with youth.

Life Skills Survey Independent Living Skills Inventory External link opens in new window or tab. (PDF)
Washington State Department of Social and Health Services.

The Transition Health Care Checklist: Preparing for Life as an Adult External link opens in new window or tab. (PDF)
A resource to help youth and young adults with special health care needs and disabilities make a successful transition to adult living that includes their education, health and community living.

Transition Health Care Checklist: Transition to Adult Living External link opens in new window or tab. (PDF, 10MB)
Department of Health, State of Pennsylvania
A comprehensive transition planning tool that inventories readiness to transition and explores an array of transition issues, including health and wellness factors.

Legal Information for Teens Turning 18

When You Turn 18: A Survival Guide for Teenagers External link opens in new window or tab. (PDF; 1MB)
California Bar Association.
What every teen needs to know about the law as they become an adult.

Health and Wellness

Office of Disability Employment Policy External link opens in new window or tab. (PDF)
Healthy Transitions: A Pathway to Employment for Youth with Chronic Health Conditions and Other Disabilities. This policy paper examines strategies to achieve employment for youth with chronic health issues.

Financial Literacy

University of Massachusetts External link opens in new window or tab.
This site hosts tip sheets on an array of transition topics primarily directed to youth and their families. Tell Your Money What to Do is an example of one of the tip sheets.

The Mint External link opens in new window or tab.
Financial literacy games, tips and information for students, teachers and parents.

Jumpstart Coalition External link opens in new window or tab.
Financial literacy resources for youth, families and teachers.

WorkSmart External link opens in new window or tab.
Tips to help you prepare for and find a new job.

Questions:   Programs and Partnerships Unit | 916-327-0878
Last Reviewed: Wednesday, July 1, 2020
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