Building Self-Sufficiency through Postsecondary Independent Living Goals

Independent living goals in an Individualized Education Program (IEP) are pivotal when preparing students with disabilities to lead meaningful and self-directed lives. Independent living goals emphasize practical skills that foster self-sufficiency, including:

  • Housing: Finding and securing appropriate housing, paying rent and utilities, managing household maintenance and tasks.
  • Finances: Managing money, learning to budget, overseeing expenses, understanding banking, and utilizing debt responsibly.
  • Work: Preparing for employment, resume writing, job interviewing, time management, and teamwork.
  • Self-Care: Managing routine healthcare, hygiene, daily routines, and prioritizing safety.
  • Social Skills: Building relationships, effective communication, conflict resolution, and community involvement.
  • Transportation: Navigating public transit, managing personal transportation, or planning travel routes.

Postsecondary independent living goals:

  • acknowledge abilities beyond academic performance, and prepare students for adulthood while enhancing their self-sufficiency.
  • encourage self-confidence and reduce dependence on others, while promoting a sense of accomplishment and personal responsibility.
  • bridge the gap between school and post-school obstacles, and ease the transition into postsecondary education and employment.

Prioritizing postsecondary independent living goals in an IEP empowers students to make informed decisions, embrace calculated risks, actively engage in their communities, and enhance their overall quality of life.

Bonus Tips:

October is packed with learning opportunities. Our fall series includes:

  • Developing Quality Transition IEPs
  • Using the Transition IEP to Focus Education and Build Relationships
  • Portfolios and Profiles: Portals to Competitive, Integrated Employment (CIE)

To register for these upcoming webinars, visit the INSTRC Training and Technical Assistance webpage.

The Family Employment Awareness Training (FEAT) kicks off in Batesville this October. Help us spread the word! Share this free learning opportunity with families, students, and colleagues. To register for this and other events, visit the CCLC FEAT webpage.