Preparing Students For Life
Skills For Independent Living
As students approach adulthood, it is
important that they are prepared for
adult living. They must know how to
handle themselves in both positive and
negative situations. Adults make
decisions, act independently, evaluate
performance and adjust goals and plans
to make the most of themselves and their
life situation. Life skills should be
discussed and modeled at home with
parents and families.
Transition Support
Questions About YOUR Post-High
School Plans!
Work Readiness/Job Search
Ms. Lynda Gunther lgunther@d125.org
Post-High School Education Options
Independent
Life Skills
(college and technical training)
Ms. Terese Sullivan tesullivan@d125.org
Mr. Bob Foltin rfoltin@d125.org
Ms. Sue Biemeret sbiemeret@d125.org
Military Service Options
Ms. Amy Grove agrove@d125.org
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Self-Awareness
Career Assessment/Interest Inventory
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Self-Advocacy
Ms. Lynda Gunther lgunther@d125.org
Ms. Terese Sullivan tesullivan@d125.org
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Decision-Making
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Optimism and Realism
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Task Completion
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Self-Improvement
For further information about
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Adlai Stevenson High School
Special Education Transition Services
Please contact:
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Lynda Gunther, Vocational Facilitator
ext. 4824 lgunther@d125.org

Terese Sullivan, Post-High School
Transition Counselor ext. 4868
tesullivan@d125.org
School–to-Life
Transition Planning Guide
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Medical Management
Leisure and Recreation
Money Management
Personal Care
Time Management
Employment Readiness
Prepared by:
Adlai E. Stevenson High School
Special Education Division
Transition Services Staff
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Medical Management
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Call and schedule medical and dental
appointments
Know your medical insurance plan
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Organize prescription medication
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Independently take medication
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Prepare a first aid kit at home
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Prepare an emergency contact list
including any allergies or medications
Personal Care
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Organization and Time
Management
Organization is a challenge for many people but
can be especially challenging for individuals with
special needs.
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Use day planners/assignment notebooks
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Make a daily list of tasks and goals
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Use timers and alarms to be on time, to
stay focused and to be responsible
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Go through mail on a daily basis
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Establish two days out of every month to
pay bills and balance accounts.
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Set up a filing system for all important
documents and bills.
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Break down large projects into smaller
tasks
Daily Bathing
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Skin Care - Nail Care - Hair Care
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Dental Hygiene
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Clean and appropriate clothes
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Proper nutrition and sleep
Money Management
Employment Readiness
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Make responsible expenditures
Household
Management
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Plan a complete meal for your family
or friends
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Make the food list and go shopping
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Prepare the meal and clean-up
afterwards
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Learn to operate a washer and dryer,
and do a load of laundry
(lights – darks – delicates)
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Learn how to use home cleaning
supplies/basic appliances and take
responsibility for weekly chores
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Review apartment ads/rates and the
steps in the rental process
Transportation
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Practice using public transportation
(Metra, CTA, and taxi)
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Practice basic car care and routine
maintenance (tires, oil, wiper fluid)
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Use map quest or an atlas to map out
driving directions
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Obtain a drivers license or state ID
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Complete a career assessment and
interest inventory (job interests)
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Keep basic financial records
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Learn the training and qualifications of
the career/job. (Is it realistic for you?)
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Have a discussion about fixed monthly
costs like home utilities, insurance etc.
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Talk to friends and family about their
jobs and careers (Arrange a job shadow)
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Develop a personal fitness plan
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Open a checking and savings account
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Investigate local park district options
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Create a resume and cover letter
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Obtain an ATM/debit card
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Check out community college classes
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Memorize your social security number
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Visit a bank or bank website to learn the
process for obtaining a loan and other
financial services
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Participate in religious social groups
Volunteer in the community
Utilize your public library
Leisure/Recreation