2. Functional life skills are the variety of skills which are frequently required in domestic, vocational and community environments. Children with disability are more likely to need extra support in everyday activities – they need opportunities to practise, learn and develop skills we often take for granted. The Life Skills Program at Leda ESC blends academic, daily living and personal and social skills into integrated lessons designed to help our students learn to function independently in society. The program also teaches reflective skills such as problem solving, critical thinking, self awareness and interpersonal skills.

3. At Leda Education Support Centre we believe that a successful Life Skills Program should include the following key qualities:  Meaningful tasks performed within the context of a real activity;  The skill will be needed throughout the student’s life;  Activities serve a purpose; and  If the student is unable to perform the skill themselves, it would need to be completed by another person.

4. Our Community Access Program is a component of our Life Skills Program and assists students to achieve their expressed goals, increase independence and become a valued, participating member of the community. The programs create opportunities for recreation while enhancing sociability and increasing life skills. Experienced staff members support students to participate in activities, assist with travel and all other aspects of community access. The programs are carefully planned and are chosen to promote skills such as choice, interaction, socialisation, accompanied travel, responsible citizenship, basic etiquette and basic personal hygiene.

5. Managing finances  Count money & make correct change  Make responsible expenditures  Pay for goods & services  Differentiate between a ‘want’ and a ‘need’ Managing a household  Perform housekeeping tasks  Plan and prepare meals  Identify healthy food choices

6. Caring for personal needs  Exhibit proper grooming & hygeine  Dress appropriately  Demonstrate knowledge of common illnesses, prevention & treatment  Maintain physical fitness, nutrition & weight Safety awareness  Protective Behaviours  Identify safety signs  Identify unfamiliar odours  Identify unfamiliar sounds  Obey safety rules when walking by the road

7. Preparing and consuming food  Purchase food and plan meals  Clean food preparation area  Store food properly  Prepare meals, read labels & follow recipes  Demonstrate appropriate eating habits  Plan and eat balanced meals Buying & caring for clothing  Wash, hang and fold clothing  Purchase clothing: demonstrate knowledge of prices & sizes  Identify clothing to suit the season

8. Using recreational facilities & engage in leisure activities  Choose and plan activities  Demonstrate knowledge of the value of recreation  Engage in group & individual activities  Plan a social event  Engage in hobbies, sports, music, arts & crafts Maintain good interpersonal skills  Demonstrate listening & responding  Make & keep friendships  Interact with community members appropriately

9. Achieving independence  Do things without help  Accept responsibility for actions  Get around the community and be able to travel  Cope with being lost  Follow travel safety procedures Achieving problem solving skills  Seek assistance when needed  Anticipate consequences

10. Staff at Leda Education Support Centre engage with parents, caregivers and therapists to develop Individual Education Plans that incorporate a range of developmentally appropriate daily living skills for each child. Using a range of strategies, often incorporating visual, verbal and gestural cues, we support and mentor students to achieve positive outcomes. We focus on providing the skills that each child requires to become independent, active participants in their community.