Our Services
Service Code 520Independent Living Services
One-to-one coaching in everyday life skills, so adults with developmental disabilities can live safely and independently at home and in the community.
About the service
What Independent Living Services are
Independent Living Services help adults with developmental disabilities build the everyday skills they need to live safely and independently, in their own home or out in the community.
The HSN provides hands-on coaching and life-skills instruction, one-to-one. We don't teach in a classroom or a center. We teach where skills are used: in the kitchen, at the grocery store, at the bank, and on the bus.
Every goal comes from the person's Individual Program Plan (IPP) and their own priorities. Along the way, we support self-advocacy, so each person can speak up for their choices and make informed decisions.
Five focus areas
Skills for everyday independent living
Instruction is built around five core areas. Each person spends time on the skills that matter most to them.
Meals and groceries
Meal planning, grocery shopping, and nutritious food preparation
Money and banking
Financial literacy, banking, bill paying, and budgeting
Getting around
Community mobility, public transit navigation, and pedestrian safety
Health and medications
Healthcare management, appointment scheduling, and medication routines
Self-advocacy and rights
Self-advocacy, personal rights, and informed decision-making
Real-world goals
What people can work toward
Progress looks different for everyone. These are the kinds of goals people choose to work on with The HSN.
- Plan meals, shop for groceries, and prepare healthy food
- Use a bank account, pay bills, and follow a simple budget
- Get around the community safely on foot and by public transit
- Make and keep healthcare appointments and follow medication routines
- Speak up for their own choices and know their personal rights
- Weigh options and make informed decisions about their own life
Eligibility
Who can receive this service
Independent Living Services are requested through the individual's Regional Center service coordinator and authorized in the IPP.
This service is for
- Adults 18 and older
- Served by a California Regional Center
- An IPP that identifies independent living goals
Don't know your Regional Center yet? Look it up on the California Department of Developmental Services website.
Find your Regional Center (opens in a new tab)Step by step
How it works
Each step keeps the individual at the center and the IPP as the guide.
Referral from the service coordinator
The individual's Regional Center service coordinator sends a referral to The HSN, based on the goals in the IPP.
Intake conversation
We meet with the individual and their family to talk about daily life, strengths, and what they want to learn.
A person-centered plan
Together, we write a plan aligned to the IPP and to the person's own priorities.
One-to-one instruction at home and in the community
Skills are taught one-to-one where they are used: at home, at the store, at the bank, and on public transit.
Progress reviews and adjustments
We review progress regularly with the individual and adjust the plan as goals change.
At a glance
Service details
Key details for individuals, families, and Regional Center service coordinators.
- Staffing ratio
- 1:1 individualized instruction
- Service setting
- Home and natural community — not center-based
- Service code
- 520
- Independent Living Program
- Authorized hours
- Based on the individual's IPP.
- Service hours
- Monday–Friday, 9:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m.
- Flexible scheduling and weekend sessions by appointment
- Languages
- English and Spanish
- Culturally and linguistically responsive services
Ready to get started?
Service coordinators can send a referral online. Individuals and families are welcome to contact The HSN with questions about Independent Living Services.