Activities of Daily Living 
Hands-on Functional Learning

Curriculum: Adaptive Living Skills Curriculum

Living skills are tasks and knowledge that an individual needs to possess in order to perform tasks in daily life as independently as possible. Emphasis is placed on, but not limited to, personal hygiene, food preparation, money management, and maintaining a personal living space. Students who are blind or visually impaired need specialized instruction in many of these areas since they are unable to learn tasks by observation like their sighted peers. In the Living Skills Program, instruction is individualized so each student can learn skills and knowledge to reach their individual potential.

The curriculum is enhanced by presenting students with different methods they may use to perform a given task. If a student has difficulty with the first method presented, then they are shown an alternate method that may be easier. When teaching concepts that do not involve hands-on instruction, a student's individual learning style is taken into consideration. Auditory learners may listen to a lesson rather than become frustrated if they have difficulty reading. However, all students are encouraged to read during class using braille or large print in order to participate in the lesson. When appropriate, various instructional materials are used to help demonstrate concepts.

On most days of the week, there is a different mix of activities. Students may have Foods instruction where they plan and prepare their own lunch. Lessons in Apartment Living may include how to maintain an apartment, pay bills, and perform basic banking skills. In Snack Bar, students learn different tasks while learning the responsibilities of having a job, getting along with co-workers, and demonstrating appropriate social skills essential for a job of this nature.

The integration of Living Skills throughout the school is important for promoting independence for all students during their school day. Learning a simple task that many of us take for granted can give students a sense of pride, self-esteem and achievement which will lead them towards independence and a more fulfilling, meaningful life.