What are Independent Living Services?

What Independent Living Services are

Independent Living Services, often called ILS, help adults with developmental disabilities learn the everyday skills they need to live safely and more independently. Think of cooking a meal, paying a bill, riding the bus, or getting to a doctor’s appointment on time.

ILS is a California Regional Center service. In the state’s regulations (Title 17), it’s listed as the “Independent Living Program,” service code 520. If you see “520” on your Regional Center paperwork, that’s ILS.

ILS is hands-on coaching. You work on real tasks, in the places where you use them. The goal is simple: more independence, more confidence, and more say in your own life.

Who ILS is for

ILS is for adults, 18 and older, who have a developmental disability, are served by a California Regional Center, and want to live more independently. Your Individual Program Plan (IPP) is where independent living goals are written down.

You don’t have to live alone to use ILS. Some people live at home with family. Some live with roommates. Others have a place of their own. What matters is that you want to do more for yourself.

Because ILS is planned and authorized through your IPP, your Regional Center service coordinator is the best person to ask whether it fits your goals.

Not the same as senior “independent living”

When you search online for “independent living,” you’ll often see retirement communities and apartments for older adults. Those are places to live.

Independent Living Services are different. ILS isn’t housing, and it isn’t a senior community. It’s skills coaching that comes to you, wherever you already live. You keep your home. ILS helps you do more in it, and out in your community.

Skills people work on

Everyone’s goals are different. With The HSN, Independent Living Services focus on five areas:

• Meals and groceriesMeal planning, grocery shopping, and nutritious food preparation
• Money and bankingFinancial literacy, banking, bill paying, and budgeting
• Getting aroundCommunity mobility, public transit navigation, and pedestrian safety
• Health and medicationsHealthcare management, appointment scheduling, and medication routines
• Self-advocacy and rightsSelf-advocacy, personal rights, and informed decision-making

For example, you might practice planning meals for the week, using a bank account, taking the bus across town, or making your own healthcare appointments. You decide, with The HSN, which skills to start with. Speaking up for your own choices is part of every goal.

What ILS looks like with The HSN

It starts with a conversation. We meet with you, and your family if you’d like, to talk about your daily life, your strengths, and what you want to learn. Together, we write a plan that follows your IPP and your own priorities.

Then the coaching begins, one-to-one. It’s not a classroom and it’s not center-based. We teach where skills are used: in your kitchen, at the grocery store, at the bank, and on public transit. We review your progress with you regularly and adjust the plan as your goals change.

Staffing ratio

1:1 individualized instruction

Service setting

Home and natural community, not center-based

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

How to ask for ILS

ILS is a Regional Center service, so your service coordinator is the place to start.

1. Talk with your service coordinator. Say that you want to build skills to live more independently, and ask about Independent Living Services. You can bring it up at your IPP meeting or contact your service coordinator before then.
2. Add it to your IPP. ILS is planned and authorized through your Individual Program Plan. The Regional Center authorizes the service and its hours in the IPP.
3. Choose The HSN, if it’s a fit. If you’d like to work with The HSN, tell your service coordinator. Service coordinators can send a referral online.

You’re also welcome to contact The HSN with questions first. Call (661) 688-6628 or email info@thehsn.net.

Common questions

Does ILS cost my family anything?

Services that the Regional Center authorizes and funds are provided at no cost to the individual. If you have questions about your own situation, ask your service coordinator.

Can my family be involved?

Yes, if you want them to be. Family members are welcome at the first conversation and can help you think through your goals. ILS is about your independence, so your choices come first.

Is ILS the same as Homemaker Services?

No. Homemaker Services (code 860) provide help with routine household tasks, like cleaning and laundry. ILS teaches skills, so you can do more of those things yourself. The HSN offers both.

What if I already have other services?

Your IPP lists the services the Regional Center authorizes for you. If you already receive other services, talk with your service coordinator about how ILS would fit with them.

Is ILS available in Spanish?

Yes. The HSN provides Independent Living Services in English and Spanish.

Where does The HSN provide ILS?

The HSN serves adults across North Los Angeles and South Central Los Angeles, including Santa Clarita, Valencia, the San Fernando Valley, the Antelope Valley, and South LA. See the full list on our Coverage Areas page, or learn more about our Independent Living Services.