Independent Living Skills

About our Independent Living Skills (ILS) program

The goal of our Independent Living Services (ILS) program is to help clients learn and practice the skills they need to live independently in their natural environment. Services are provided in the client's home and in their community, so clients can actively apply the skills they learn to their daily lives. 

Within the first month of service, an Individual Service Plan (ISP) is developed that reflects the client's needs and abilities and establishes individualized goals. PTC staff use these goals to plan and coordinate personalized training to help clients reach their highest potential. 

ILS services are provided based on assessment and goals for up to 35 hours per month. After the first two years, ILS services can be provided at a minimal level (up to 15 hours per month) to ensure the client maintains the skills acquired. 

ILS services include curriculum-based instruction in any or all of the following functional skills components:  

• Cooking 

• Cleaning 

• Shopping in natural environments 

• Menu planning 

• Meal preparation 

• Money management, including check cashing and purchasing activities 

• Mobility training for use of public transportation in public environments 

• Personal health and hygiene 

• Self–advocacy 

• Independent recreation and participation in natural environments 

• Use of medical and dental resources, as well as other community resources 

• Community resource awareness such as police, fire or emergency help 

Home and community safety ILS programs may also, in lieu of the above, provide the supports necessary for a client to maintain a self-sustaining, independent living situation in the community. The definition of self-sustaining is being able to provide for one’s own needs without help from others. 🔗

Our ILS program serves Alameda and Contra Costa counties. For questions, please contact our ILS director Nadia.