Started in 1976, TS is one of the oldest Independent Living Skill (ILS) programs in the state. Based on our mission and guiding principles, TS Instructors provide assessment, training, and support for people thinking about living on their own and for people already living independently. We provide consumers with choices and advise them of possible outcomes, but they ultimately make their own decisions. Consumers learn the benefits of making good choices, and poor decisions are used as a teaching tool.
How the Program Works
The first few months of service are the assessment period, in which the Instructor and consumer develop a professional relationship based on trust. At the end of the assessment, the consumer helps develop their Individual Service Plan and decides which objectives they want to work on during the next year.
Meeting 1 – 2 times per week, the Instructor will help the consumer with their ISP objectives. These can range from creating and following a budget, to managing medical appointments, to healthy cooking, to help navigating the Social Security Administration and benefits. TS Instructors help people learn skills in natural settings (i.e. the community and their home) and adapt tasks to fit their skill level. Every six months the objectives are reviewed and updated.
Areas of Training & Support
Money Management
- Budgeting Money and Shopping
- Paying bills
- Social Security benefits
Health Management
- Doctor/Dentist appointments
- Medical insurance/Medi-Cal/Medicare
- Managing medications
- Healthy lifestyle choices
Housing Management
- Talking to landlords
- Finding/applying for housing
- Section 8 and other housing programs
Areas of Soft Skill Training
- Problem Solving
- Interpersonal Relationships
- Anger Management
- Making Responsible Decisions
- Parenting Skills
- Literacy Training
- Sexual Responsibility
- Community Safety Skills
- Self-Advocacy
