Provides group and individual training in various life skills for people with disabilities. Includes using the bus, cooking and nutrition, pre-employment training, financial coaching, self-advocacy, and socialization.

DIRECT Independent Living Skills Training | DIRECT Independent Living Skills Training

Programs that assist people who have disabilities to learn the basic skills of daily living through individual and group counseling and instruction, experience and practice in coping with real or simulated life situational demands; or through the use of assistive devices, special equipment and specialized assistants. Services include but are not limited to training in the ability to travel about the community alone; to live independently in a private residence; to maintain health through self-care and use of medical services; to live within personal income; to maintain acceptable grooming and appearance; to deal with legal, family or social problems; and to cope with other requirements for successful independent living.

Independent Living Skills Instruction

Programs that provide instruction, demonstrations and special programs in the culinary arts for individuals of all ages who want to become proficient in the selection and preparation of any of a number dishes that are representative of different cuisines. Included are programs aimed at teaching low income people how to cook nutritious meals from fresh ingredients at a cost much cheaper than pre-packaged meals.

Cooking Classes

Programs that help people who are having difficulty paying their monthly bills gain control of their finances. The process generally involves analysis of the individual's income, expenses, debts, taxes and other factors to create a personal financial assessment; development of a budget for basic living expenses; and agreement on a short-term plan for repayment of creditors which may include debt consolidation or other strategies and a longer term plan for realizing personal financial goals.

Personal Financial Counseling

Programs that provide individual or group training for people who want to learn the behaviors and techniques that are required for job retention. The training addresses regular attendance, punctuality, appropriate dress, adapting to supervision, employee rights and responsibilities and other soft skills. Included are job readiness programs for people who are seeking employment and postemployment programs that help people keep their job.

Job Readiness

Programs that provide comprehensive, intensive instruction that is designed to teach older adults and/or individuals with disabilities how to travel independently and safely using accessible public transportation. Skills include crossing streets safely with and without traffic signals, boarding the correct bus or subway, recognizing and disembarking at the correct destination, following directions, recognizing and avoiding dangerous situations and obstacles, dealing appropriately with strangers, handling unexpected situations such as re-routed buses or subways or getting lost, maintaining appropriate behavior, using specialized equipment and/or devices, and recognizing the need for assistance and requesting help from appropriate sources.