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Teens and young adults with unique learning needs can develop some daily living skills but struggle to gain independence with others. Whether it’s language and communication difficulties, slower processing, low motivation or another learning barrier, the foundational communication and daily living skills aren’t strong enough to support more advanced behaviors.
For some people with Autism, daily living skills can plateau progressing towards more complex skills. Or for others, they may continue to develop more advanced daily living skills at a much slower pace than we’d expect from their same-age peers.
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Many studies support that it’s possible to overcome these barriers. Targeted learning interventions for teaching daily living skills are well-documented in research, including behavioral skills training, visual schedules and supports, and positive reinforcement.
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The important thing as parents and teachers of unique learners is not to give up. Progress can always be made towards greater independence.
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Resources:
Check out this Youtube Channel called Life Skills 2 Learn to see video social stories of important life skills to learn.
73 Measurable Self Advocacy IEP Goals and Objectives: Elementary to High School
78 Social Skills IEP Goals for all Ages, including Autism and High School
75 Personal Hygiene IEP Goal Ideas (effective and measurable!)
100 Independent Functioning and Independent Living IEP Goals (Life Skills)
68 Money IEP Goals including Functional Math, Budgeting and Banking
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Providers:
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Access Services
Where: 3975 Township Line Road, Bethlehem, PA 18020-4200
Call: 877.896.6667
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CARES
Community Day program includes volunteering, pre-vocational, health/wellness, and recreational.
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Lehigh Valley CONCEPTS Day Habilitation and Supports Services
Services: Older Adults Daily Living Center
Where: 54 S Commerce Way, Suite 170, Bethlehem, PA 18017
Call: 610-866-7600
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Haven House
Where: 1411 Union Blvd., Allentown, PA 18109
Call: 610-433-6181
iKor Life Care Management
Life management services to our clients that are feeling overwhelmed and need extra support in their lives in order to maintain their desired level of independence.
Where: 3477 Corporate Parkway, suite 100, Center Valley, PA 18034
Call: 855-367-4567
JCHAI Independence
Provides support for independent living, social connections, career success and independent living.
Website
Lehigh Valley Center for Independent Living
Independent Living Skills Groups help each other find community resources, accessing transportation, emergency/personal safety, health skills, money management, maintaining your home, and simple meal preparation.
Adaptations Lehigh Valley is an exciting social group program for adults in their 20s and 30s with developmental and/or learning disabilities, who have a high level of independence.
Where: 713 N 13th St, Allentown, PA 18102
Website
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S2L Group is a yearlong program for young adults with disabilities (14-25 yrs). Monthly meetings focus on the development of independent living, social, vocational, leadership and other skills. The group also volunteers throughout the community and undertakes a variety of projects. Fees apply.
Where: 713 N 13th St, Allentown, PA 18102
Call: 610-770-9781
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OMNI
Peer specialists assist individuals in establishing meaningful social connections, accessing education and employment support, and navigating the system.
Locations: PA: Colmar, Allentown, Bristol, Bethlehem, Chester, Hazelton, Kingston, Scranton, Tobyhanna, Upper Darby, Wilson Borough
Call: 215-997-2000
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Peal Youth Leadership Development
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Pennsylvania Developmental Disabilities Council
Where: 2330 Vartan Way, Suite 130, Harrisburg PA 17110
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Self Advocates United as 1
People with developmental disabilities and their families are united to share knowledge, empower others and use their voices to transform their communities and people’s lives.
Where: 984 Water St, Meadville PA 16335
Call: 724 588 2378
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Camp VIA
For teens and young adults ages 12-21 with varying abilities. Provides instruction on a variety of skills to help participants achieve their personal goals. Runs from 9am-2pm in the summer.
Where: 336 W Spruce Street, Bethlehem, PA 18018
Call: 610-628-2326 x504
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Valley Youth House
We provide supervised, small-group housing with residential transitional living services that create a positive experience for youth.
Where: 3400 High Point Blvd., Bethlehem, PA 18017
Call: (610) 820-0166
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Vision for Equality
We believe advocacy is vital to improving and sustaining the quality of life for all persons with autism and intellectual disabilities.
Call: 215-923-3349
