For many adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDDs), independent living represents an important and empowering goal. It’s about more than just finding a place to live—it’s about developing the skills, confidence, and support systems that allow a person to thrive on their own terms.
Through California’s Self-Determination Program (SDP), independent living for adults with IDD becomes an achievable, personalized journey. The program empowers individuals to make choices about where and how they live, what supports they need, and how to build meaningful lives rooted in self-determination and community inclusion.
What Is Independent Living?
Independent living means different things for different people. For one adult with IDD, it may mean living in their own apartment and managing a job with some support. For another, it could mean sharing a home with friends while receiving assistance with cooking, transportation, or money management.
At its core, independent living isn’t about doing everything alone—it’s about having control over your life and the support to make choices that align with your personal goals and values.
Essential Independent Living Skills
Developing the skills needed to live independently takes time, patience, and practice. Many adults with IDDs benefit from structured learning and consistent support as they build their confidence in key areas such as:
- Daily living skills: Cooking, cleaning, grocery shopping, and doing laundry.
- Money management: Budgeting, paying bills, and understanding financial responsibilities.
- Transportation: Learning to use public transit, scheduling rides, or managing mobility supports.
- Health and wellness: Scheduling medical appointments, managing medications, and maintaining healthy routines.
- Social and communication skills: Building friendships, navigating community settings, and self-advocating.
While these skills can take time to develop, the Self-Determination Program allows individuals to access the right mix of coaching, training, and community-based supports to help them succeed.
What Does Independent Living Look Like for Adults with IDDs?
Independent living for adults with IDDs can take many forms. Some may live in supported housing, where staff provide help with specific tasks. Others might share an apartment with a roommate or live independently with occasional check-ins from a life coach or independent facilitator.
The key is flexibility. Each person’s plan should reflect their own goals, comfort level, and capacity for self-direction. For example:
- A young adult who recently moved out of their parents’ home might start with part-time support in budgeting and meal prep.
- Someone transitioning from a group home could use SDP funding to learn daily routines and connect with community resources.
- Others may want help finding employment, building social connections, or learning to manage their own healthcare.
Through the lens of self-determination, every living arrangement is an opportunity for growth, choice, and empowerment.
How SDP Services Can Help
The California Self-Determination Program (SDP) is designed to give adults with IDDs more freedom to design the lives they want. Rather than relying on a one-size-fits-all service model, participants can choose supports that reflect their priorities—including independent living goals.
Some ways SDP services can support independent living include:
- Hiring a life skills coach or mentor to help with cooking, budgeting, or organization.
- Paying for transportation training or adaptive driving lessons.
- Accessing social and recreational programs that build confidence and community connections.
- Funding home modifications or assistive technology for greater accessibility and comfort.
- Receiving job coaching or supported employment services to gain financial independence.
- Working with an Independent Facilitator (IF) who helps coordinate services and create a person-centered plan focused on independence.
The Self-Determination Program doesn’t just fund services; it helps participants build a life that reflects who they are and what they value most.
Learn More About Services & Supports for Adults with IDDs
Whether you or a loved one is just beginning to explore independent living for adults with IDD or already part of the Self-Determination Program, the right guidance can make all the difference.
At NeuroNav, our independent facilitation services help families and adults with IDDs navigate California’s Self-Determination Program with clarity and confidence. Together, we’ll help you design a plan that supports your independence—and your vision for the future. Schedule a free consultation today to get started.