As parents one of our key roles is that of preparing our
children to have the tools to
become successful adults. Since our children each have a different set
of gifts and challenges, the preparation for each of them can vary
greatly. And the definition of a
successful life can vary even more.
So I began searching for answers to the question, “Where did
the concept of teaching life skills to children with disabilities originate?”
“Who defined which “life skills” are critical to promote “independent living”
for adults with disabilities?” Don’t get me wrong, I am the parent of three
children, the youngest, a daughter with Down syndrome. I truly believe that the
development of certain life skills is critical, in order for adults with
disabilities to participate in the community and life. In fact, I wish all high school
students would receive more intense instruction in budgeting, understanding
basic expenses (like car insurance) balancing their checkbook, and developing the
skills to be productive employees.
The premise of the IEP is to address the individual needs of
the student, yet many students with disabilities are expected to master skills,
which may not even be considered a priority by their peers who do not have a
disability. In her article “Life Skills Don’t Bring Happiness” Colleen
F. Tomko [see Download LifeSkills] addresses this topic with
wit and wisdom. It would do us all
well to consider where we place our energies as we prepare our children with
disabilities for adulthood.