Between issues of Inspiring Possibilities, you can stay up to date on the latest family-friendly, transition-related news, information, and resources via our National Parent Center on Employment and Transition’s Facebook page. In addition to helping you stay informed, we also celebrate the successes of individuals, the broader disability community, and living in an inclusive community. Join us on Facebook!

New PACER Resources on Independent Living

PACER’s National Parent Center on Transition and Employment has developed new family-friendly publications to help families prepare their youth for independent living:

• The Transition to Independent Living: What Parents Can Do Now (pdf)
• Talk to Your Child About Independent Living: A Checklist for Parents (pdf)
• Set an Independent Living Destination and Map a Course to Get There (pdf)

PACER’s Skills for Independent Living series

Parents can help youth with disabilities develop independent living skills. These three tip sheets from PACER Center offer strategies and examples of how to work with youth at home and in the community to lead more independent lives.

• Skills for Independent Living: Parents Help Build Social Skills (pdf)
• Skills for Independent Living: Personal Care Skills (pdf)
• Skills for Independent Living: Is it “Public” or “Private?” (pdf)

ABLE Accounts Support Independent Living

Achieving a Better Life Experience (ABLE) accounts are savings accounts that allow individuals with disabilities to save for the future. Family and friends can also contribute to ABLE accounts. ABLE funds can be used to cover expenses related to a range of independent living activities including health care, housing, transportation, and daily living expenses.

#ABLEtoSave: Qualified Disability-Related Expenses

Supported Decision Making Video Series

The Minnesota Department of Human Services created a video series, Introduction and Guide to Supported Decision Making, that discusses the right of individuals to be integrated into their communities including the right to make their own choices, regardless of a disability.

Centers for Independent Living

Did you know that America is home to 403 Centers for Independent Living (CILs)? CILs provide independent living supports by offering peer support, information and referral, individual and systems advocacy, independent living skills training, and transition. Find your local CIL. Learn more from the National Council on Independent Living.