Independent Living Skills
What is Independent Living?
Independent Living is a philosophy and a movement of people with disabilities who strive for self-determination, equal opportunities, and self-respect.
Independent Living does not mean that we want to do everything by ourselves, that we don’t need anyone else in our lives, or that we want to live in isolation. It means that we have the same right to choices and control in our lives that our non-disabled friends have. We want to grow up in and with our families, go to the neighborhood school, use the same bus as our neighbors, work in jobs that are in line with our education and interests, and have families of our own.
Living independently allows us to enjoy a high level of personal satisfaction, confidence, and reassurance. Millions of Americans who experience disabilities have an established foundation that allows them to lead lives of independence. They fulfill every imaginable role in their communities, overcoming the barriers of misconception and misunderstandings.
Ability 1st helps individuals with disabilities of any age and any type of disability to gain the necessary support, resources, and life skills to increase their independence. Many individuals participate in our life skills classes and social recreational activities, and learn many different ways to cope with their disability while learning necessary life skills that will increase their independence and self-sufficiency in their chosen environment. Participants also have the opportunity to socialize with their peers and learn different ways that their peers have also overcome barriers to increasing their independence.
Our sole focus is to remove whatever limitations currently exist in your life by providing the training, resources, and information to help you make the most of your abilities, increase your self-reliance and self-confidence, and enjoy an independent lifestyle.
How do I get started?
The first step is to call Ability 1st Utah at (801) 373-5044 and set up an appointment to meet with an Independent Living Specialist for a one-on-one personal intake assessment. During this assessment, you will be encouraged to set independent living goals and receive resources and support designed to help you reach your goals and increase your independence.
There is no cost for registering as an Ability 1st consumer, and all of our Independent Living services are offered free of charge.
We offer the following classes:
- Money management and budgeting
- Resumes, cover letters, and applying for jobs
- Time management
- Self care
- Personal and online safety
- Grocery shopping
- Emergency preparedness
- Basic computer skills
- Cooking and kitchen safety
- Self advocacy training
- Communication skills
- Stress management
- Healthy relationships
- Teamwork
- Boundaries
- Transportation skills
- …And many more!
To apply for our Independent Living Program, contact: