People with disabilities are able to learn and function in life, but they may need help from parents or other caregivers to develop skills that are needed to live on their own. These skills include self-care, like dressing or bathing, as well as money management, social skills, and work skills.
Some people with disabilities can learn these skills and live on their own without help from others. For many people with disabilities, learning the skills is the easy part—but using them in real life situations is not always easy. That’s why it is important for parents and other caregivers to help people with disabilities practice the skills they need to live on their own. This way, people with disabilities can be more independent and have more control of their lives.
This includes everything from cooking meals at home, budgeting money and shopping wisely, using public transportation safely, navigating social interactions appropriately, learning about personal hygiene habits (including oral care), as well as other useful skills that will enable them to participate in society more fully.
When it comes to teaching children, many of the things you might teach are intended to be incorporated into their daily lives in the long-term and serve them for decades to come. For example, if you teach a child how to brush their teeth, you expect that they’ll continue doing so well into adulthood.
If you teach an adult with a disability how to brush their teeth, the expectation is that they will continue brushing, but the goal is not necessarily for them to do so independently or without assistance. The end goal may be that they are comfortable and clean enough to leave the house and get a job, which could involve accepting assistance from others.
I also want people who work with adults with disabilities to think about what it’s like for them when someone tells them what they need or don’t need in order to be successful in a given situation.
Whether it be assistance for job placement or housing, there are plenty of programs available to those who are interested in pursuing their goals. Our mission is simple: to help our clients achieve their goals by educating them on how they can take advantage of these services while also providing valuable life-skills training.
This includes everything from cooking meals at home, budgeting money and shopping wisely, using public transportation safely, navigating social interactions appropriately, learning about personal hygiene habits (including oral care), as well as other useful skills that will enable them to participate in society more fully.
Being a part of something bigger than yourself is great for meeting new people, expanding your horizons, and building new skills. You might even get to travel! Think about what kinds of things you’re interested in (art, music, animals, sports) and search online for clubs or organizations near where you live. If there’s not an existing group that’s right for you, consider starting one.
Many adults with disabilities are able to live independently and successfully, but they may still need some assistance. Adult care providers need to understand how to assist adult clients in their homes.
Adult care providers should be trained in emergency procedures, medication administration, and first aid. They should also be trained in assisting their clients in developing life skills, such as using the telephone, paying bills, doing laundry, and cooking.