Independent Living

Every young person looks forward to living as an independent individual. Youth often perceive independent living as being self-sufficient, able to live on their own, hold a job, or make their own decisions. However, independent living varies by individual needs and preferences.

Some deaf and hard of hearing students will need direct instruction in living skills or continuous support. Others may just need tutorials or one-on-one guidance.

During transition planning, review any assessments against independent living goals to identify areas that may need more support. Many components to independent living are not taught directly in school.

Browse resources below to learn about independent living. They can help you identify areas you want to focus on during transition planning.

Resources for Independent Living Skills

Centers of Independent Living

Texas Health and Human Services has a webpage on centers of independent living (CILs). CILs are centers without a residential option, focusing on providing support and training for individuals with substantial barriers to independent living.

Youth As Self Advocates

A project of Family Voices, Youth As Self Advocates (YASA) models leadership and the power of self-advocacy to promote youth involvement and leadership.

Navigate Life Texas

This website is especially for families and parents of children with disabilities or special healthcare needs and is designed to offer support, inspiration, resources, and links to services available.

https://www.casey.org/casey-life-skills/

A free assessment of independent living skills. While geared towards youth in foster care, the assessment can support overall development. Cooking, cleaning, study habits, or budgeting are some of the life skills evaluated.

Texas Council for Developmental Disabilities

The Texas Council for Developmental Disabilities is dedicated to ensuring that all Texans with developmental disabilities have the opportunity to be independent, productive and valued members of their communities. The Council makes available free videos and materials.

Texas Council of Community Centers

The Texas Council of Community Centers provides a listing of all of the offices around the state that provide services to individuals who have problems caused by mental illness, intellectual disabilities and substance abuse. Services may include: supported employment, career skills training, home and community based support, and case management.

Texas State Independent Living Council

The Texas State Independent Living Council (SILC) is a non profit organization that focuses on planning and coordinating funding for Independent Living Services. SILC is working to help Texas stay Independent.

Social Security Disability Guide for Texas

An online guide on Social Security, its application processes and different types of income benefits.

Transportation

Being able to get around to work , school, home or recreational areas is a key indicator of independent living. Depending on the student, they may want to learn to drive or use public transportation.

Students interested in driving

Students can enroll in their school district's driver education course, a private driving school, do a parent-led course or consider one of the two options below.

TDLR: Driver Education in ASL

The Texas Department of Livensing and Regulation (TDLR) released a driver education course in American Sign Language (ASL) for deaf and hard of hearing students! The course provides minors and adults the ability to fully participate in the classroom portion of driver education.

Educational Service Center, Driver Training and Education

TEA has a listing of approved online courses that are accessible to deaf and hard of hearing students. Those programs have the letter (H) after the course name.

Students interested in public transportation

Start by reviewing Texas Department of Transportation website. The Texas Department of Transportation provides a link to the transit systems in the state of Texas. The consumer can access the link online or by calling the provided telephone number. Information about fixed routes and special transit services for eligible individuals with disabilities is available.

Some cities offer a discounted public transportation pass for eligible individuals. Others may be able to provide door-to-door pick up.