Empowering Independence: Teaching ADLs to Adults with Disabilities

Understanding Activities of Daily Living (ADLs)

Activities of Daily Living (ADLs) are the essential self-care and life skills we perform every day. These include basic personal care tasks like bathing, grooming, dressing, and eating, as well as instrumental tasks such as cooking meals, managing money, cleaning the home, and using transportation (Caregiver Guide: Problems of Daily Living | HealthInAging.org) (Activities of Daily Living (ADLs) and Instrumental … – Cleveland Clinic). For adults with disabilities, mastering ADLs is key to greater independence and quality of life. Being able to take care of personal hygiene, prepare simple meals, or handle a budget boosts confidence and enables fuller participation in the community (A guide to developing life skills in people with disability) (A guide to developing life skills in people with disability). As caregivers, family members, or professionals, we can help individuals build these skills step by step, fostering autonomy while providing support as needed.

General Strategies for Teaching Daily Living Skills

Teaching ADLs to an adult with a disability works best with a patient, personalized approach. Start by assessing the person’s current abilities and goals—focus on the skills that matter most to them for daily satisfaction and independence. Once you have priorities, break each activity into small, manageable steps. For example, the task of “making breakfast” can be split into steps like gathering ingredients, using the toaster or microwave, and cleaning up. Practicing each step one at a time makes learning less overwhelming (5 Important Daily Living Skills to Have | Adults With Disabilities).

Use Visual Aids and Routines: Many adults learn well with visual prompts or checklists. You can create picture sequences (for example, illustrating each step of brushing teeth or dressing) and post them in the bathroom or bedroom. Consistent daily routines are powerful – performing a skill at the same time each day helps turn it into a habit (A guide to developing life skills in people with disability) (A guide to developing life skills in people with disability). Start practicing in a comfortable environment (like at home) and then, as the person gains confidence, help them try the skill in a community setting (such as practicing shopping in a real store) (Daily Living Skills).
Model and Prompt: It often helps if you demonstrate the activity first (e.g. show how to button a shirt slowly, hand-over-hand if necessary). Then let the individual attempt it with minimal guidance. Give clear, simple instructions and gentle prompts as needed (like reminding them of the next step). Modeling healthy habits – such as doing your own grooming alongside them – can motivate and reinforce learning (A guide to developing life skills in people with disability).
Positive Reinforcement: Encourage every effort and celebrate successes no matter how small. Positive feedback (“Great job washing your hands!”) and rewards (like a favorite activity after completing a task) can greatly increase motivation. Keep the atmosphere upbeat and patient – learning ADLs can be hard work and progress may be gradual. Avoid criticism; instead, focus on what they can do and build on it (5 Important Daily Living Skills to Have | Adults With Disabilities) (5 Important Daily Living Skills to Have | Adults With Disabilities).
Gradually Fade Support: As skills improve, step back little by little. For instance, if you initially needed to physically assist with shaving or cooking, transition to just verbal reminders, then to just supervision. Fading out help lets the person feel the pride of doing it more independently, while you’re still there to ensure safety (Daily Living Skills). Over time, these small increases in independence add up to big gains in confidence.
Adaptive Tools and Technology: Take advantage of free or low-cost assistive tools that can make ADLs easier. Simple adaptations – like a shower chair, a long-handled sponge for bathing, or an electric toothbrush – can empower someone to perform personal care tasks with less help (5 Important Daily Living Skills to Have | Adults With Disabilities). In the kitchen, devices like one-handed can openers, rocker knives, or color-coded measuring cups can enable safer cooking. There are also smartphone apps that provide visual schedules, reminders, or step-by-step prompts for daily tasks (many such apps have free versions). Utah’s Assistive Technology Program offers device demonstrations and a lending library so you can try out gadgets before buying (Utah’s Adoption Connection | Utah Assistive Technology Program). In fact, their mission is “to put assistive technology into the hands of people who need it” and to help individuals afford those devices (Utah’s Adoption Connection | Utah Assistive Technology Program). Don’t hesitate to reach out for an assistive tech assessment – oftentimes, a simple tool or modification can dramatically increase independence in an ADL.

By tailoring these strategies to the individual’s needs and consistently practicing, you’ll create an environment where learning daily living skills is achievable and even enjoyable. Next, we’ll look at specific areas of daily living – personal hygiene, dressing, meal prep, and money management – with targeted tips and local resources for each.

Personal Hygiene and Grooming

Good personal hygiene is vital for health and self-esteem. Adults with disabilities may need extra support to develop routines for bathing, oral care, hair care, and toileting, but with patience and the right approach, they can learn to manage their own grooming as much as possible. Here are some practical tips:

Establish a Daily Routine: Consistency helps make hygiene habits stick. Work with the individual to set up a daily schedule – for example, brushing teeth twice a day, washing hands before meals, and bathing in the evening (5 Important Daily Living Skills to Have | Adults With Disabilities). Visual schedules in the bathroom can remind them of each step (e.g. a picture of a toothbrush, then a picture of mouth rinsing). If needed, use a timer or a favorite song to encourage spending enough time on each task (like two minutes of toothbrushing).
Adaptive Equipment: There are many low-cost adaptive tools to make grooming easier. For someone with limited reach or mobility, a long-handled bath brush or a handheld showerhead can help with bathing (5 Important Daily Living Skills to Have | Adults With Disabilities). For those with limited hand dexterity, consider an electric toothbrush or a toothbrush with an enlarged handle for better grip. Bathing benches, non-slip bath mats, and grab bars improve safety and confidence in the bathroom. Such items are often available through medical supply loan closets or independent living centers. You can also ask an occupational therapist for recommendations on specific grooming aids.
Teach Step-by-Step: Break down each hygiene activity into simple steps and teach them one at a time. For example, handwashing can be broken into: turn on water, wet hands, apply soap, scrub for 20 seconds, rinse, dry hands. Guide the person through the sequence verbally or with pictures. Over time, pause and let them recall the next step on their own. Repetition and gentle correction (if they miss a spot or forget a step) will help the routine become natural.
Respect Preferences and Privacy: Allow the adult to choose their preferred hygiene products (a shampoo scent they like, or a fun toothbrush color) to increase buy-in. While caregivers may need to supervise or assist for safety, it’s important to also respect privacy and dignity. For example, using a bathing suit during shower training can help maintain modesty until they are comfortable. Always explain what you are doing and get consent before assisting with any personal care task.
Health Benefits and Positive Reinforcement: Remind the individual why these habits matter – e.g. “Brushing your teeth keeps your mouth healthy and your smile bright!” Seeing tangible benefits (like fewer cavities or compliments from friends about smelling nice) reinforces the importance of hygiene. Praise their efforts consistently. As one guide noted, good hygiene practices boost self-confidence and social acceptance (A guide to developing life skills in people with disability) (A guide to developing life skills in people with disability). Over time, you may see them take pride in their appearance and need fewer prompts to stay on track.

If cost is a concern, note that many personal care items can be obtained at low cost from dollar stores or through community drives. Local charities sometimes offer free hygiene kits – for example, community resource centers in Weber and Davis counties occasionally distribute soap, toothpaste, and other essentials for those in need. Check with organizations like the Davis County Health Department or local churches for any available personal care item programs. Above all, patience is key: celebrate small victories (like washing face independently) and gradually encourage more responsibility as skills improve.

Dressing and Clothing Management

Getting dressed each day is a routine many people take for granted, but it involves a sequence of motor and cognitive skills – choosing appropriate clothing, putting garments on in order, fastening buttons or zippers, etc. Adults with physical or developmental disabilities might struggle with some aspects of dressing, but there are plenty of ways to foster independence in this area:

Organize the Environment: Simplify the closet and dresser to set them up for success. Arrange clothing in a consistent order (shirts in one drawer, pants in another) and consider labels or color-coding. For example, use picture labels on drawers to show what’s inside, or tag outfits that go together with the same color dot. Laying out clothes the night before (perhaps as an evening routine together) can help the morning go smoother.
Adaptive Clothing and Aids: Take advantage of adaptive clothing designs and dressing aids. Many stores offer garments with Velcro closures or elastic waistbands that are easier to manage than buttons and zippers. Shoes can be adapted with elastic no-tie laces or replaced with Velcro-fastening styles. Simple tools like a buttonhook (to pull a button through a hole) or a sock aid (to help pull socks on without bending) are inexpensive and can be game-changers for someone with limited dexterity or range of motion. These items might be available through a local assistive device loan program – for instance, the Utah Assistive Technology Program or Roads to Independence center can often help residents in Davis/Weber find dressing aids on loan (Utah’s Adoption Connection | Utah Assistive Technology Program) (Daily Living Skills).
Step-by-Step Teaching: Just like other ADLs, break down the dressing process. It may help to practice one garment at a time. Start with easier clothing items (like pulling on a t-shirt or sweatpants which have no tricky fasteners) before tackling things like buttons or shoe-tying. You might begin by teaching undressing (which is often easier) to build confidence, then move to dressing. Use clear verbal cues (e.g. “First, put your right arm in the sleeve”) and, if needed, gentle physical guidance. Over time, prompt less and let the person initiate more of the task themselves.
Use Mirrors and Visuals: A full-length mirror can help individuals check their clothing and learn to orient it correctly (seeing if a shirt is inside-out or if it’s on correctly). Visual sequencing cards showing each step (shirt on, pants on, socks, then shoes) can remind them of the order. Some people also benefit from a reminder checklist on the door (e.g. “Did I zip my fly? Did I put on deodorant?”) to review before they head out.
Timing and Patience: It’s important to allow plenty of time for dressing practice, especially in the beginning. Rushing can increase frustration. Try to schedule training sessions (or the daily dressing routine) for a time of day when neither of you feels hurried. If mornings are tough, practice dressing skills in the afternoon or on weekends, then gradually integrate those skills into the morning routine. Encourage any progress and don’t worry if it’s not perfect—maybe they put their shirt on backward today, but they did it themselves and that is progress! With repetition, the process will become more natural and speed will improve.

Finally, keep in mind personal style and preferences. Allow the adult you support to have a say in what they wear; even if their outfits don’t match perfectly, the goal is for them to express themselves and feel comfortable. Supporting choice in clothing can increase their motivation to handle dressing tasks. In Davis and Weber County, Roads to Independence (Ogden) is an excellent resource for life skills training – they offer independent living skills classes which may include modules on personal care and dressing, all geared towards enhancing self-reliance (Roads to Independence – Mightycause) (Daily Living Skills).

Meal Preparation and Nutrition

(image) An adult with a disability practicing meal prep: slicing an avocado in a wheelchair-accessible kitchen.

Cooking and meal preparation are crucial life skills that enable adults with disabilities to make healthier food choices and enjoy greater independence. Whether the goal is as simple as fixing a sandwich or as involved as cooking a complete dinner, the following strategies can help teaching kitchen skills in an accessible, safe way:

Start Simple: Begin with basic food prep tasks and easy recipes. Focus on dishes that require few ingredients and simple steps, such as making a bowl of cereal, a sandwich, or a salad. Gradually introduce slightly more complex skills like using the microwave to heat food, boiling water for pasta, or scrambling eggs on the stove (with supervision for safety). One example is starting with items that don’t require sharp knives or extensive cooking – e.g. preparing instant oatmeal or assembling a fruit salad. As confidence grows, you can advance to using a toaster oven or stove for simple recipes. Keeping it simple at first prevents overwhelm and builds foundational skills (5 Important Daily Living Skills to Have | Adults With Disabilities) (5 Important Daily Living Skills to Have | Adults With Disabilities).
Use Visual Recipes: Many people learn cooking best with visual supports. Try creating “picture recipes” – step-by-step photos or illustrations for each part of the process (there are free templates online, or you can take your own photos of each step). For instance, a visual recipe for making spaghetti might show an image of filling a pot with water, an image of the stove knob position, an image of setting a timer, etc. Organizations like Cooking Matters or extension services often have free, easy-to-read recipe cards. The Utah State University Extension’s nutrition program (Create Better Health Utah) sometimes runs free cooking classes in the community, including in Weber and Davis County, which could be a fun way for your learner to pick up skills in a group setting.
Kitchen Setup and Safety: Arrange the kitchen to be user-friendly. Ensure commonly used items (bowls, microwave-safe dishes, utensils) are within easy reach. If mobility is a concern, a rolling cart can help transport items or serve as an extra workspace at a convenient height (for someone using a wheelchair, for example). Teach safety habits early: always use oven mitts with hot dishes, turn pot handles inward on the stove, and practice safe knife handling (with a dull butter knife at first, progressing to a real knife when ready). Adaptive equipment can help too – e.g. a stabilized cutting board with suction cups to keep it from sliding, or a food chopper device to avoid using a knife initially. Simple tips like using the microwave instead of the stove when possible, or the “stop, drop, and roll” fire safety review, are important. Make sure a working fire extinguisher is on hand and that they know how to use it.
Meal Planning and Nutrition: Beyond just the act of cooking, involve the individual in meal planning and grocery shopping if possible. Start with planning a single meal – like “Taco Tuesday” – and list out ingredients together. This can build budgeting skills (comparing prices, making a grocery list) and also ensure the meals are balanced. Emphasize basic nutrition: for example, each meal should ideally have some protein, a vegetable or fruit, and a grain. Even if health isn’t the main focus, learning to include a simple vegetable (like microwaving frozen veggies as a side) or fruit can be empowering. Encourage them to pick recipes they actually enjoy eating to increase engagement. If the person is non-readers, you can use picture symbols for different food groups to help plan.
Community Resources: In Davis and Weber County, look out for community-based cooking classes or resources. Roads to Independence (the local independent living center) sometimes holds cooking and grocery shopping workshops for adults with disabilities, focusing on budgeting and healthy meal prep in a hands-on environment. Also, local public libraries or adult education programs might host basic cooking or nutrition classes that are free or low-cost – these can be a great outing and a chance to practice skills in a new setting with support. The example of “Margaret,” an adult with cerebral palsy who learned to adapt meal prep to her abilities, shows that with the right support network and adaptations (like chopping assistance and tailored recipes), adults with disabilities can successfully plan and prepare meals (5 Important Daily Living Skills to Have | Adults With Disabilities) (5 Important Daily Living Skills to Have | Adults With Disabilities). Celebrate the results of their cooking – even a simple peanut butter and jelly sandwich made independently can taste like victory!

Money Management and Budgeting

Managing money is a complex but vital skill for independent living. It includes understanding currency, budgeting income, paying bills, and making smart purchasing decisions. Adults with intellectual or developmental disabilities can often learn basic money management with systematic instruction and the use of supportive tools. Below are strategies and resources to help:

Teaching the Basics: Start with money identification and value if needed. Ensure the person can recognize coins and bills and understand their values. Games and practice purchases (using play money or real coin sorting activities) can help. Next, introduce the concept of a simple transaction: for example, role-play buying a small item. Practice counting out dollars and coins to match a price, and figuring out if change is due. Many adults with disabilities benefit from using a calculator or cash register app to total prices – this is perfectly fine to incorporate.
Budgeting Skills: Budgeting should be made tangible and relatable. Begin by outlining monthly income (from a job, disability benefits, etc.) and typical expenses (rent, groceries, transportation, fun money). A visual budget chart or notebook with sections for each expense category can make this concrete. Work together to allocate money into categories – some people like the envelope system, where cash for each expense is kept in labeled envelopes (e.g. $50 in a “Eating Out” envelope per month). Tracking expenses is important too: you might have them save receipts or keep a daily spending journal to record where money goes. Over time, review these together to adjust the budget. The goal is to help them see, for example, that if $100 is set aside for groceries for the week, they need to make choices to stay within that limit. Developing good habits like creating a budget and tracking expenses leads to stability and confidence (5 Important Daily Living Skills to Have | Adults With Disabilities) (5 Important Daily Living Skills to Have | Adults With Disabilities).
Use Technology and Tools: There are user-friendly budgeting apps (some free) that can be simplified for use – or even setting up a basic spreadsheet if they have computer skills. For those who prefer analog methods, pictorial budgets or a dry-erase board with budget categories can work. If math skills are a barrier, focus on using calculators and automated tools (like automatic bill pay for recurring bills) to reduce errors. A reloadable prepaid card or supervised bank account can offer some independence in spending while allowing caregivers to monitor activity.
Handling Banking and Bills: Support the adult in opening a checking account if they don’t have one, and teach how to use a debit card, how to read a simple bank statement, and how to avoid scams. Many banks in Utah offer free financial literacy classes or have staff who can give one-on-one guidance to customers with special needs. When it comes to paying bills, creating a bill calendar is helpful – mark due dates for each bill and decide who will help ensure they get paid. If the person is able, have them participate in writing the checks or setting up online payments (with guidance). If they need more assistance, consider options like a representative payee or joint accounts, but still involve them in decision-making as much as possible so it’s a learning experience, not just done for them.
Professional Guidance and Trust: Money management can be intimidating, so consider enlisting help. A family member or trusted advocate might sit down regularly to review finances together. Some adults may benefit from financial counseling – Utah State University Extension offers personal finance education that could be adapted for adults with disabilities. Also, the Utah Work Incentive Planning Services (UWIPS) program can advise those on SSI/SSDI benefits on how working and saving affects their benefits, which is valuable if employment is part of their life. When in doubt, seek advice from a professional or support coordinator who understands disability needs to set up a stable plan (5 Important Daily Living Skills to Have | Adults With Disabilities). The key is to ensure the individual is aware of their financial situation and has a voice in how their money is used, even if they require oversight.

Remember, the goal is financial empowerment. Even small achievements – like learning to purchase items independently or saving a few dollars each month – are huge steps toward autonomy. Over time, with practice and support, adults with disabilities can build the money skills needed for a more self-sufficient life (5 Important Daily Living Skills to Have | Adults With Disabilities). Celebrate milestones such as saving up for a personal purchase or successfully sticking to a budget for a few months. These victories not only improve practical living but also contribute to a sense of responsibility and self-worth.

Local Services and Community Resources in Davis & Weber Counties

One of the biggest advantages for caregivers and families in Davis and Weber Counties, Utah is the wealth of community resources available to support adults with disabilities in learning ADLs. Many of these services are free or low-cost. Here are some key local supports to know about:

Roads to Independence (Ogden): Roads to Independence is the local Utah Independent Living Center serving Davis, Weber, and Morgan Counties. Their mission is to “promote and enhance independence” for people with disabilities in the community (Roads To Independence (@roadstoindependence) – Instagram). They offer independent living skills training, peer support, and even have a loan bank of assistive technology devices. This can include classes or one-on-one training in areas like cooking, public transportation, budgeting, and household management. All services are person-centered and often free of charge. Contact Roads to Independence in Ogden (Phone: 801-612-3215) to inquire about life skills classes or to borrow adaptive equipment (such as dressing aids or kitchen gadgets). Many families in the area have found this resource invaluable for helping their loved ones practice ADLs in a supportive group setting. (Roads to Independence – Mightycause) (Daily Living Skills)
Utah Assistive Technology Program (UATP): This statewide program (run by Utah State University) serves individuals in Davis and Weber County by providing assistive technology devices and training. Their goal is “to put assistive technology into the hands of people who need it” and help people afford those devices (Utah’s Adoption Connection | Utah Assistive Technology Program). They have a device lending library where you can borrow items like adaptive utensils, shower chairs, communication devices, etc., to try them out at home. They also help connect individuals with low-interest loans or grants to purchase essential equipment. UATP frequently partners with schools, vocational rehab, and independent living centers – you can contact them to schedule an assistive tech consultation for free. This is a great way to discover tools that might help your family member be more independent in daily tasks without investing money upfront.
Davis County & Weber County Transition Programs: If your family member is a young adult who recently transitioned out of high school special education, be aware that both Davis and Weber School Districts have transition programs (usually up to age 22) focused on life skills and vocational training. For example, the Davis School District’s Pioneer Adult Rehabilitation Center (PARC) in Clearfield provides day training programs aimed at employment and independent living skills development (Adult Resources Service Provider – Utah Parent Center). PARC offers a safe environment for adults with disabilities to practice work tasks, social skills, and daily living activities with support. In Weber County, similar services are offered via district transition programs or partnerships with local providers. While these are school-linked and for younger adults, they often connect families to adult service providers in the area or provide referrals.
Adult Day Programs and Providers: There are several organizations in the Davis/Weber area that run day programs, classes, or supported living services focusing on life skill development. For instance, EnableUtah in Ogden is a nonprofit that helps people with disabilities with “job training, education, daily living skills, and support for finding a customized career” (Enable Utah | Home). They have day programs where participants can learn work and independent living skills in a structured setting (and often earn a paycheck through work activities). Other providers like TURN Community Services, RISE, and Phoenix Services operate in the region, offering community-based life skills training, supported living (staff who can come to the home to help with cooking, cleaning, etc.), and recreational activities. These organizations usually contract with the state’s Division of Services for People with Disabilities (DSPD) or Medicaid waivers, so if your loved one is DSPD-eligible, these services might be funded. It’s worth reaching out to see if they have any free workshops or events open to the public – sometimes they host caregiver trainings or support groups on topics like behavior, communication, or daily living strategies. For example, RISE Services in Northern Utah has offered “life skills classes” as part of their day programs (Adult Resources Service Provider – Utah Parent Center). Even if formal enrollment requires funding, they may share resources or allow a trial day for your family member to see what training activities are like.
Family Support & Training: The journey to greater independence isn’t just on the person with a disability – families and caregivers benefit from support and training too. The Utah Parent Center has a Family to Family Network with local chapters in Davis and Weber Counties, where parents of adults with disabilities meet, share resources, and often invite guest speakers on topics like daily living skills, employment, and benefits. These support groups are free and can connect you to mentors who have walked the same path. The Parent Center also offers workshops – for instance, they’ve provided training on “Daily Living Skills at Home” that cover tips on teaching hygiene, chores, and money skills in a family setting (Daily Living Skills) (Daily Living Skills). Attending such events can give you new ideas and morale support.
Community Classes and Recreation: Don’t overlook general community resources. Both Davis County and Weber County Libraries host classes and activities that might align with life skills – like basic cooking demos, craft classes (useful for fine motor skills and following instructions), or book clubs (practicing communication and social skills). Local extension services sometimes run free or low-cost workshops on nutrition (great for meal planning) or finance (basic budgeting classes). Additionally, consider recreational programs such as Special Olympics or local fitness classes adapted for adults with disabilities – while not directly teaching ADLs, they build confidence, social networks, and healthy routines which spill over into daily living success. For transportation (an important IADL), UTA offers travel training for people with disabilities to learn how to use the bus or train independently – a useful free resource if community mobility is a goal.

By tapping into this network of services in Davis and Weber Counties, you create a community of support around the adult with a disability. This not only lightens the load on you as a caregiver but also gives the individual multiple avenues to learn and practice skills. Remember, learning ADLs is not a one-time event but an ongoing process. It can take a village of therapists, teachers, family, and peers working together. Fortunately, in Northern Utah, that village is within reach.

Fostering Independence and Real-World Success

Helping an adult with disabilities master their Activities of Daily Living is a journey filled with challenges, patience, and ultimately, rewarding successes. Every person will progress at their own pace – and that’s okay. The key is to maintain high expectations for what they can achieve, while providing the supports and adaptations necessary to make those achievements possible. Encourage self-advocacy by involving the individual in goal-setting: Which skills do they want to improve? What does independence look like to them? Their buy-in will drive motivation.

As skills improve, look for opportunities to let the person shine in real-world settings. For example, if they’ve learned to dress themselves appropriately, plan an outing where they can proudly go out wearing an outfit they chose and put on. If they’ve been practicing cooking, host a family dinner where they contribute a dish. Real-life practice not only reinforces skills but also shows the individual that their abilities have a meaningful impact on their life and others. It’s also important to accept that risk is a part of learning; within safe boundaries, allow your loved one to try, maybe stumble, and try again. Maybe they burned the toast – that’s okay, it’s a learning experience and next time they’ll remember to set a timer or watch the toaster more closely.

Independence does not mean doing everything alone – it means having the freedom to do as much for oneself as possible, and knowing how to get help when needed. Remind the adult that using a tool or asking for assistance for a tricky step is not failure, it’s just another way of being independent (because they are taking charge of how the task gets done). For instance, choosing to use paratransit or a ride service to go shopping instead of relying on a family member’s schedule can be a form of independence, even though someone else is driving.

Finally, celebrate every milestone. Keep a positive perspective that each small step – whether it’s a first time shaving without help, successfully doing a load of laundry, or sticking to a weekly budget – is building the foundation of a more independent life. As one article emphasized, “instead of focusing solely on what cannot be done independently yet, it is more productive to celebrate successes achieved… no matter how small” (5 Important Daily Living Skills to Have | Adults With Disabilities). By doing so, you reinforce a growth mindset for both the individual and yourself as a supporter.

In Davis and Weber Counties, you are not alone on this journey. Leverage the free and low-cost tools, connect with local organizations, and maybe join a support group where you can swap stories and tips. With consistency, creativity, and community, adults with disabilities can and do develop the daily living skills to thrive in their communities (5 Important Daily Living Skills to Have | Adults With Disabilities). Your role in guiding, teaching, and cheering them on is invaluable. Together, you can turn the challenges of everyday tasks into victories of greater independence and a richer, more fulfilling daily life for your loved one.