Our Daily Living Skills (DLS) program is designed to support individuals with disabilities ages 5 to 17. We aim to help our kids build essential life skills to become more independent, integrate into the community, and ultimately increase their quality of life. Each child’s DLS plan is tailored to their unique strengths, interests, and areas for growth.
In-home: Our in-home DLS services are offered in a familiar and comfortable environment for your loved one. Under the supervision of our In-home Supervisor, a dedicated Daily Living Skills Instructor will visit your home weekly to work 1:1 with your loved one. In-home services allow the opportunity to work collaboratively with caregivers and include siblings(s) in goals.
Center-based: Our center-based DLS services are offered in our center to foster independence and skill development and promote the generalization of skills with peers in various settings. Under the supervision of our Center Supervisor, dedicated Daily Living Skills Instructors work with your loved one in a 1:1, 2:1, or 3:1 ratio, depending on the needs of your loved one.
Areas of focus may include-
Functional Communication: Building verbal or alternative communication skills to express needs and preferences effectively.
Self-Advocacy: Teaching children to understand their needs and confidently communicate them in various settings.
Social Skills: Learning to navigate interactions with peers, family members, and the community.
Employability Skills: Developing essential work-related habits and routines to prepare for future opportunities.
Hygiene Skills: Practicing personal care routines such as brushing teeth, washing hands, and dressing.
Simple Meal and Snack Preparation: Gaining independence in preparing and enjoying food safely.
Recreation and Leisure: Exploring hobbies and activities to promote healthy and enjoyable downtime.
Barrier Behavior Reduction and Redirection Strategies: Identifying and minimizing behaviors that interfere with daily activities and replacing them with positive alternatives.
Healthy Coping Skills: Developing strategies to manage emotions, reduce stress, and navigate challenging situations effectively.
FAMILY ENGAGEMENT
Beyond working directly with the individual, the team engages family members, including siblings and caregivers, to support a collaborative and inclusive approach. Involving the family creates a unified framework that strengthens relationships and fosters a supportive environment for the child’s growth and development.
This program is invaluable for families seeking practical, hands-on support to help their child gain confidence and independence.
Advocating for your loved one can feel overwhelming and isolating. We offer group and individual training to help families gain the knowledge, skills, and support they need to advocate confidently across all environments!
Format & Accessibility
Sessions are held in person at our center and available virtually for your convenience. Each session includes dedicated time for:
Asking questions.
Sharing experiences and concerns.
Accessing ready-to-use resources for home and community settings.
What You’ll Learn
Our trainings focus on providing practical strategies and support to help families:
Increase functional communication skills.
Establish structure and routine.
Promote independence and safety awareness.
Set high expectations for growth.
Determine effective strategies based on their loved one’s needs for success.
Topics May Include
Understanding your role and rights at IEP meetings.
Decoding IEPs, PTPs, BIPs, SOPs, and more.
Behavior management strategies for home and community.
Preparing for community-based employment.
Navigating outside agencies like ADRC and DVR.
Building financial literacy and exploring guardianship options.
Planning for life after high school
Our Discovery and Career Planning service is designed for youth ages 12 and up who are ready to take their first steps toward independence and future career success. This program gives participants the opportunity to explore their strengths, interests, and passions while gaining real-world experience in the community.
Through hands-on activities and guided experiences, participants:
Volunteer and job shadow in a variety of community and career settings
Cook, bake, and learn food safety and preparation skills
Shop for supplies to support our center and practice money management
Engage in career tours and field trips to explore local businesses and industries
Participate in career-focused educational activities and workshops
Learn communication, teamwork, and problem-solving skills
Build confidence in navigating new environments and interacting with community members
This service is about more than just career preparation, it’s about helping our youth discover who they are, what they love, and how they can feel like an active and meaningful part of the community. By blending practical skill-building with community engagement, Discovery and Career Planning helps every participant become career-ready, confident, and connected!