Does the youth have the necessary services and supports to live as independently as possible?
Services and supports for independent living are matched to a person's individual needs. Informal supports may be available from friends, family and the community. Formal supports are provided by personal care assistants and programs such as Medicaid waivers.
Awareness: Understand formal and informal independent living supports and how to access them as needed.
Exploration: Identify strengths, preferences, interests and needs for formal and informal independent living supports.
Preparation: Practice using informal independent living supports and apply for formal independent living supports as needed.
Implementation: Use informal and/or formal supports to live as independently as possible.
Instruction in self-advocacy
Hear what young people have to say about services and supports
Watch this 7 minute video and learn about the different ways these young people were supported to be successful during their journey to adulthood.
Services and Supports
LEARN: Develop your knowledge
Learn how to support youth in exploring services and supports for independent living.
Help us develop this section! Do you have resource ideas to share? Use the Give Feedback link at the top of the page.
DO: Work with youth
Find resources to help youth explore services and supports for independent living.
Direct youth to Disability Hub MN's pages on independent living and staying in your home. Details include receiving care at home, waiver programs, ways to get around, home modifications and more.
Read through or talk about the SSI, MA and MA-EPD sections. Help youth understand programs that can help them pay for things like rent, utilities and health care — plus how to work and still get the benefits they need.
