The ability to care for ourselves physically, financially, and socially is a powerful thing. When it comes to those living with a disability, independence in any endeavor, big or small, is even more important. Fostering independence for people with disabilities means helping them find freedom in making choices about their lives, from social activities and hobbies to housing and employment. We’ve collected some resources that can help you understand, support, and empower your loved one.
What Does Independence Mean?
Independence is a broad, dynamic idea—and it can look different from person to person. Independence is what helps us find meaning, pursue our interests, and go through life as our most authentic selves.
People with disabilities are often robbed of the chance to make decisions about how, where, and with whom they spend their time. Fortunately, there are things you can do to help!
How to Support Independence: Quick Tips
Here are some things you can do to encourage and empower your loved one:
- Offer choice in daily activities
- Encourage interactions with others
- Support friendships and community involvement
- Provide educational and training opportunities
- Actively listen when they express their preferences
- Advocate on their behalf and educate others
13 Resources for Supporting Independence for People with Disabilities
Below are some of our favorite resources for families, caregivers, and friends looking to support a loved one’s independence.
Financial Resources
Financial literacy and independence are valuable assets for any adult. Here are some programs and organizations that support these goals:
- Self-Determination Program (SDP): California’s SDP gives individuals with disabilities and their families more choice and freedom when it comes to the services they receive. They are given a budget to be used on programs, resources, and activities that support their independence.
- ABLE Accounts: These are special accounts for eligible individuals with disabilities that allow them to save money without impacting their eligibility for SSI or SSDI benefits.
Educational Resources
Learning is a lifelong process for us all. Developing skills and increasing our understanding of ourselves and the world around us are key to a more independent, fulfilling life. Here are some that might be valuable:
- The Arc: As the largest community-based disability rights advocacy group in the country, they provide support and resources for education, employment, technology, health, housing, and more.
- The Trevor Project - Gender Identity: Understanding our gender identity is an important part of knowing and loving who we are. This page offers helpful information for those looking to understand the diversity of gender and expression across the spectrum.
- The Self Advocate: An arts and culture-oriented podcast series with a focus on the disability community. Host Alison Klein interviews authors, directors, artists, and members of organizations looking to spread awareness, inclusivity, and accessibility.
Housing Resources
Safe, secure housing is a human right that can, unfortunately, be hard to access—especially for people with disabilities.
- Autism Housing Network (AHN): This offshoot of the Madison House Autism Foundation provides a wealth of information for those looking to find, create, and access resources regarding accessible housing for autistic people.
- California MENTOR - Family Home Agency: The FHA provides a variety of services that support independence and enrichment for individuals with disabilities. They seek to connect individuals with “Mentors” who serve as caregivers, helping develop skills and build meaningful relationships.
Disability Rights Resources
Get more insight into your loved one’s legal rights with resources like these:
- Disability Rights in California: This guide covers the state-specific laws, acts, and regulations that may affect adults with disabilities. It provides some key rights to be aware of and brief explanations of specific laws you should know.
- Supporting Voters With Disabilities: Adults with disabilities sometimes need extra support to exercise their right to vote. This page covers registration, potential challenges, and accommodations to help make their voices heard.
Discover More Self-Determination Resources
At NeuroNav, we strive to provide you with helpful information and quality resources so you can support your loved one in making the decisions that matter.
The Self-Determination Program (SDP) is a way for eligible Californians to find more freedom in the services they receive. Through our independent facilitation services, we serve as advocates and partners for our clients, helping them choose the services and tools they need to meet their goals. Schedule a consultation today to learn more.