Building Independence
Independence is not about doing everything alone.
Independence grows when people develop the confidence, skills, opportunities, and support needed to participate in everyday life.
What does independence look like?
At Home
Dressing, eating, helping with routines, and participating in family activities.
At School
Following routines, managing materials, participating in class, and interacting with peers.
In the Community
Joining activities, exploring interests, and participating in meaningful experiences.
In Recovery
Returning to daily routines, mobility, self-care, and valued activities.
Five Principles of Independence
1. Participation comes first.
2. Practice matters more than perfection.
3. Small successes build confidence.
4. Support should enable, not replace.
5. Independence looks different for everyone.
The Soul Movers Perspective
We do not measure success only by skills.
We measure success by participation, confidence, and quality of life.
Independence grows when people have opportunities to participate in meaningful everyday activities.