YOU are responsible for YOU!

These are  important things you can do to become more independent.

Self-Advocacy Skills

v     Learn about your disability and how to ask for the supports you need.

v     Role play different situations with someone (e.g. interviews, standing up to a friend)

v     Understand your rights and responsibilities.

v     Know your medical needs and if necessary ask a support person to help facilitate discussions with your doctor.

v     Follow through with their responsibilities it is very important to be accountable.

v     Learn the value of natural consequences, learn from your mistakes!

Self-Help Skills

v     Learn to master self-help tasks such as clothing selection, grooming and personal appearance.

v     Take some responsibility in home decorating and shopping for yourself and the household where your live

v     Learn to  budget your money and about financial planning.

v     Take responsibility for chores at your home

v     Be medically aware by identifying common illnesses and how they can be treated, choose a physician, identify and report medical emergencies and get some first-aid training. Know how to take care of yourself when you are ill, or call someone for support!

v     Know all the traffic and safety rules along with accessing the local public transportation, Para-transit, and or how to acquire your drivers license.

Personal and Social Skills

v     Develop satisfying relationships across all domains (work, school, church, community)

v     Empower your self to pursue relationships by discussing and role-playing (with a friend or support person) basic skills such as information gathering, self-initiation and choice–making. 

v     Explore the different types of community activities available in their area.  Focus on activities that are of personal interest or value to you. 

v     Get to know adult role models with disabilities, you can learn a lot from your elders!.

v     Get involved with local, state, and federal government. Gain a  knowledge of civil and citizen rights and how to register and vote.

Vocational Skills

v     Think about the type of work you envision for yourself.  Going through this website might help you in your thought process!

v     Talk to others about your job interests and the types of supports you might need to work in an occupational field of choice. It is always good to network with other people.  Let it be known that you are looking for a job!

v     Capitalize on the strengths and work skills you need to acquire a job. Brag about them on your resume!

v     Get help with your job search.  You don’t have to do it alone.

v     Network for job leads.

v     Find a person who is positive and will support you in your goals for employment.

v     Determine what accommodations you may need on the job.