When young people with disabilities reach the “age of majority,” they gain the right to manage their own affairs, including where they will live and what they will do. In most states, this happens at age 18. Legally considered as adults, they may take charge of their own housing and daily-life decisions, both large and small. But will they be ready to make such decisions for themselves? Will they have the skills and basic information they need to live as independently as possible? This tip sheet considers steps that you (as parents) and others (such as teachers or transition specialists) can take to help your young person with disabilities learn and practice the basic skills that underpin independent living, skills that will certainly come in handy in the future. Quick-Jump Links The Importance of Starting Early Areas of Daily Living to Consider What About Guardianship? Strategies for Providing Support Helpful Resources Materials Used in Developing This Tip Sheet Other Tip
Family Voices Indiana is a family-led organization that provides information, education, training, outreach, and peer support to families of children and youth with special health care needs and the professionals who serve them.