For people with disabilities, the everyday tasks of independent living can present unique challenges, but with assistance and social supports in place, they can enjoy many of the same opportunities and control in their everyday lives that their non-disabled neighbors, family, and friends take for granted. This page will give a brief overview of several areas to consider with links to pages with more information, local service providers, and other web sites.

Every state has identified agencies that provide funding and support for people with disabilities, and the names of these agencies may be different in each state. People who receive government benefits such as Supplemental Security Income (SSI) may have more available resources for financial assistance and services than those who do not qualify for government benefits. They may also have access to more service providers. People who do not receive government benefits and are employed may access some services through community organizations such as independent living centers or councils. For more information, see Disability Resources and National Council on Independent Living (NCIL).

One big step of transitioning to adulthood can be the change in where the young adult lives. Planning for this should happen throughout the teenage years to give the young adult the skills to be ready to make this choice. Young adults should know that where they live will be based on many things.

Some young adults will stay at home, some will move into college housing, some will live with friends or family members, and some may move into assisted living or a group home. Some will even move to an apartment or house on their own without roommates. Things to think about when making this decision are:

• Physical and cognitive abilities
• Independent living skills
• Finances and financial aid
• Family and caregiver support
• Comfort with different living arrangements

Young adults who have problems with managing money, time, cooking, cleaning, and transportation should think about living at home with family members until they build these skills, no matter their ability or disability. Families with young adults that have behavioral problems that put themselves or family members at risk for harm may want to look at assisted living or group homes. Young adults who are going to college or work may want to look at shared living arrangements such as college dorms or shared apartments as starting points.

**Any young adult should have a support system in place to help in case of emergencies or when they need help.

Transportation, income and insurance, and activities should be considered when choosing where to live. No matter where they are living, young adults and their families should think over daytime activities for them near home (see After High School Options). For example, living at home may be cheaper than living in a college dorm but may have more costs for transportation and may take more effort to get to school. Some daytime activities are:

• Full-time or part-time employment
• College, vocational schools, or other training programs
• Day programs
• Volunteer programs
• Recreational activities

Living with Parents/Family

Community Living Supports

People with a disability have many transportation options, including public transportation, private services, or getting a driver's license. Whether mobility is achieved through accessing public transportation, using private services, or getting a driver's license will depend on the desires and abilities of each person. For more information, see Transportation Options for Young Adults.

Many people with disabilities can learn to manage their own money and there are options for those who need additional instruction and help. Money Management is a learned set of skills that includes many topics, such as:

• identifying the value of coins and paper money
• making change
• managing income from employment or programs like SSI
• paying bills
• writing checks
• saving money
• balancing bank accounts

Budgeting income and expenses, handling credit cards, applying for loans, and investing for retirement are more complex skills that many adults struggle with, but can be learned with more effort. For youth who are still in the school system, basic money management skills can be included in their Individualized Education Plan (IEP). There are also community-based resources such as Independent Living Centers and financial counseling organizations that teach money management skills. If a person is in a supported living situation, money management skills can be provided and/or taught within that setting. For people with complex disabilities, a fiscal agent can manage their money. For more information, see Financial Education & Counseling (see NW providers [7]).

If employment is an option, government agencies and community organizations offer services and programs to help prepare young adults for jobs. For more information, see After High School Options.

Many people with disabilities have difficulty with social opportunities outside of the home. However, it is important for young adults to have social outlets in areas of their interests, e.g., arts, crafts, dances and recreation. For more information, see Recreation Activities and Social Opportunities.

If we accept that sexual expression is a natural and important part of human life, then perceptions that deny sexuality for people with disabilities deny a basic right of expression. The perception of people with disabilities as non-sexual can present a barrier to safe sex education, both for health care workers who may be influenced by these views and for people with disabilities themselves, in terms of gaining access to information and acceptance regarding sexuality. For more information, see Healthy Relationships.

For youth seeking independence from family, spirituality may become more important, whether or not it is connected with any particular religion. For information, see Spiritual Needs.

When a child turns 18, he or she is considered a legal adult, which brings the rights, responsibilities, and consequences of their choices. For a child who, because of their disability, is unable to make decisions in their own best interest, parents should consider applying for guardianship when the young adult is approaching 18. As with any child, parents do not automatically remain the child's natural guardian when their child with disabilities turns 18. For more information, see Guardianship/Estate Planning.

Continuing health care coverage is essential for those with special needs. Some individuals may continue indefinitely on their parents' insurance policy. Others may qualify for Medicaid, Medicaid D (disability) or insurance from their employer. To apply for Medicaid, contact your state Medicaid agency. For more information see Health Insurance/Financial Aids.

Personal needs can include independent living supports such as transportation, skill training, job coaches, and personal assistants for completing activities of daily living. Independent living centers, state government services, and community organizations are available resources to help identify providers for the all kinds of personal needs. For more information, see Independent Living Arrangements & Skills (see NW providers [1]), Vocational Education (see NW providers [1]), and Supportive Housing & Residential Care Homes (see NW providers [0]).