Almost everything we do requires some kind of skill. We are always learning, whether we realize it or not. When we focus our time and attention on something new, we can expand our world and develop exciting new skills that help us achieve great things!
Skills training for adults with disabilities can help them set, meet, and exceed personal goals, taking strides towards greater independence and a higher quality of life. Here’s what you need to know about the value of skills training, along with some resources that can help you find new ways to grow.
What is Skills Training?
Skills training involves practicing and developing a variety of independent life skills to help adults with disabilities be more self-sufficient in their day-to-day lives. This can include anything that helps a person navigate the world.
Nurturing an ability to learn, think, care for, and support themselves is crucial in fostering independence and leading a more empowered life.
What Skills Training Can Do for You
Skills training depends on a person’s specific goals, strengths, and areas for improvement. It can include developing social skills, personal care, cooking, money management, job skills, and much more.
Skills training can support independence in the home, the workplace, and in the world at large. It’s all about giving someone the knowledge and tools they need to be successful. Whether they are looking to have more personal freedom by preparing meals, navigating public transit, or handling their own money, these are all skills that can be practiced and mastered.
Job skills can help adults with disabilities find meaningful employment and greater opportunities. These can be job-specific or more generalized, arming them with the skills they need to pursue and meet their goals.
More on Skills Training for Adults With Disabilities: Resources
Because skills training can cover a wide range of topics, the way you choose to do it all depends on your specific goals. Every skill takes time, patience, and perseverance to master, so it’s important to find the right support system. Depending on what you want to learn, skills training can happen in the privacy of your home, online, in a classroom, or out in public.
The possibilities for growth are endless, so we’ve collected a few resources that might help you get started.
Daily Living Skills
Daily living skills include social and emotional development, as well as personal care tasks like grooming, dressing, shopping, cooking, and other areas of knowledge that support independence in everyday life.
Here are some programs that can help you find daily living skills training and resources:
- Self-Determination Program (SDP): California residents with disabilities can use this program to pay for services that support independent living. SDP funds can be used to help cover the cost of skills classes, coaching, and social activities that support autonomy and personal success.
- Daivergent: This is an online learning platform that offers personalized training plans for people with disabilities. Through video calls with qualified trainers and an online library of materials, you can set specific goals and work on the skills that matter most to you.
- The Arc: Many local chapters offer in-person training programs for adults with disabilities. They also have a virtual program library with resources and webinars covering a wide variety of topics for people with disabilities and their families.
- Centers for Independent Living (CILs): These are federally-funded organizations throughout the country that offer services to support independence, self-determination, and advocacy. Find your local center to see what programs and resources are available for you.
Job Training & Employment
Beyond skills that help with daily tasks, job skills can include any abilities or knowledge that help a person find, get, and keep a job. Resume building, communication, interview skills, and industry-specific training can all help someone become more confident and self-sufficient.
Here are some ways to learn more about training and employment opportunities:
- U.S. Job Training & Employment Programs: This page lists information about training and work placement programs, including links to local services, government programs, and job listings for adults with disabilities.
- What Can You Do?: This campaign by the Center for Disability Employment has an extensive collection of resources and tools for adults with disabilities. From training programs and job search tools to information about legal rights and workplace accommodations, it’s all here!
Get Help Accessing Life Skills Training
Skills training is the bridge that helps us get from where we are to where we want to be. From learning how to care for ourselves to filling out a job application, skills are the building blocks of an independent, empowered life. NeuroNav is here to support you every step of the way.
Our independent facilitation services can help you get the skills training support you need through California’s Self-Determination Program (SDP). We’ll help you make a plan and find the services that support your goals, big and small. Schedule a consultation today to see how we can help make your dreams a reality.
