Skip to main content
California Department of Education Logo

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 Skills

Life Skills Checklist External link opens in new window or tab. (PDF)
Parent Educational Advocacy Training Center.

Assessment

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.

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

Disability Benefits External link opens in new window or tab.
Disability Benefits 101 gives you tools and information on health coverage, benefits, and employment. Users can plan ahead and learn how work and benefits go together.

CalABLE External link opens in new window or tab.
CalABLE is a savings and investment plan offered by the state of California to individuals with disabilities

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

Questions:   Programs and Partnerships Unit | 916-327-0878
Last Reviewed: Wednesday, June 26, 2024
Recently Posted in Special Education
  • Rightful Presence and Inclusive Early Education (added 13-Feb-2025)
    This letter reaffirms the commitment to rightful presence and inclusion in early education. It outlines expectations, policies, and research supporting equitable access for children with disabilities in preschool settings.
  • ACSE Agenda February 19-20, 2025 (updated 13-Feb-2025)
    Advisory Commission on Special Education (ACSE) meeting agenda.
  • SPP/APR Overview and Feedback (added 31-Jan-2025)
    The California Department of Education (CDE) would like to receive feedback and input on the targets and improvement strategies of the State Performance Plan (SPP)/Annual Performance Report (APR).
  • ACSE Membership and Liaisons (updated 30-Jan-2025)
    Directory of the Advisory Commission on Special Education (ACSE), including Commissioner, liaison and staff contact information.
  • WAI State Advisory Meeting February 27–28, 2025 (added 29-Jan-2025)
    Workability I (WAI) State Advisory Committee Meeting Agenda.

  • California Annual Performance Report (updated 13-Jan-2025)
    Describes the State's progress or slippage in meeting the measurable and rigorous targets established in the State Performance Plan.
  • Diploma Options for Students with Disabilities (updated 09-Jan-2025)
    Notification to local educational agencies (LEAs) regarding the diploma options available for students with disabilities who qualify for the california alternate assessment.
  • ACSE Impact Award (updated 24-Dec-2024)
    Advisory Commission on Special Education (ACSE) Impact Award background information and application.
  • WAI Executive Meeting January 8, 2025 (added 19-Dec-2024)
    WorkAbility I (WAI) State Advisory Executive Committee Meeting Agenda.