Independent Living Skills - PA Secondary Transition

What are Independent Living Skills?

Independent Living Skills are critical components of secondary transition planning for students with disabilities, as they directly impact a student’s ability to live as autonomously and successfully as possible after exiting the school system.

Independent Living skills encompass a broad range of competencies that support post-school outcomes related to community participation, daily living, and self-sufficiency.

Research by Mazzotti et al. (2020) identifies them as a major in-school predictor of positive post-school outcomes, such as employment and independent living. Rowe et al. (2014) emphasize the importance of structured instruction and real-world practice in effectively teaching these skills and supporting long-term independence.

What are the Core Components of Independent Living Skills?

Students have the ability to manage, with relevant supports, their general, everyday non-work-related adult responsibilities, such as:

Personal health and wellness
Living environment and financial literacy
Social relationships, community engagement, and civic responsibilities

How Do Independent Living Skills Impact Outcomes Related to IEP Transition Goals?

Students who learn skills like managing transportation, time, and personal care are better prepared to meet the demands of competitive employment settings (Mazzotti et al., 2020).
Structured instruction and community-based experiences in Independent Living Skills (e.g., budgeting, using public transit) help students generalize skills needed to access and maintain employment (Rowe et al., 2014).

Citation

Mazzotti, V. L., Rowe, D. A., Kwiatek, S., Voggt, A., Chang, W.-H., Fowler, C. H., Poppen, M., Sinclair, J., & Test, D. W. (2021)
Secondary transition predictors of postschool success: An update to the research base. Career Development and Transition for Exceptional Individuals, 44(1), 47–64.

Citation

Rowe, D. A., Alverson, C. Y., Unruh, D. K., Fowler, C. H., Kellems, R., & Test, D. W. (2015).
A Delphi study to operationalize evidence-based predictors in secondary transition. Career Development and Transition for Exceptional Individuals, 38(2), 113–126.

Skills such as time management, self-care, and budgeting support students in navigating educational settings independently, which increases their chances of persisting and succeeding in postsecondary education (Mazzotti et al., 2020).
Teaching Independent Living Skills alongside self-advocacy and decision-making helps students manage their personal needs and communicate effectively in educational settings, leading to stronger postsecondary adjustment (Rowe et al., 2014).

Citation

Mazzotti, V. L., Rowe, D. A., Kwiatek, S., Voggt, A., Chang, W.-H., Fowler, C. H., Poppen, M., Sinclair, J., & Test, D. W. (2021).
Secondary transition predictors of postschool success: An update to the research base. Career Development and Transition for Exceptional Individuals, 44(1), 47–64.

Citation

Rowe, D. A., Alverson, C. Y., Unruh, D. K., Fowler, C. H., Kellems, R., & Test, D. W. (2015).
A Delphi study to operationalize evidence-based predictors in secondary transition. Career Development and Transition for Exceptional Individuals, 38(2), 113–126.

Instruction in skills such as transportation use, home management, and financial literacy is linked to greater independence and active engagement in the community after high school (Mazzotti et al., 2020).
Development of practical, culturally responsive life skills programs that include direct instruction and real-life application of Independent Living Skills help students build confidence and competence in managing everyday adult responsibilities (Rowe et al., 2014).

Citation

Mazzotti, V. L., Rowe, D. A., Kwiatek, S., Voggt, A., Chang, W.-H., Fowler, C. H., Poppen, M., Sinclair, J., & Test, D. W. (2021).
Secondary transition predictors of postschool success: An update to the research base. Career Development and Transition for Exceptional Individuals, 44(1), 47–64.

Citation

Rowe, D. A., Alverson, C. Y., Unruh, D. K., Fowler, C. H., Kellems, R., & Test, D. W. (2015).
A Delphi study to operationalize evidence-based predictors in secondary transition. Career Development and Transition for Exceptional Individuals, 38(2), 113–126.

Empowering Independence: Life Skills That Open Doors

Independent living skills are more than just everyday tasks, they are the foundation of autonomy, dignity, and confidence for students with disabilities as they transition into adulthood. By learning and practicing these vital skills in real-world settings, students gain the tools they need to manage their health, finances, homes, and social connections.

Who are the Key Partners in Developing Independent Living Skills?

Families, teachers, counselors, peers, and other service providers collaborate at different levels to enable students to acquire Independent Living Skills