Independent Living Services

Building independence through ILS coaching

What independent living services are, how ILS coaching works, and how bttr supports adults through Regional Center funded ILS and Self Determination Program budgets to build real daily independence.

Giovanny Sarabia Aug 27 2025 6 to 8 min read

On this page

What is ILS Why it matters How ILS works at bttr How it is funded Skill tracks Weekly structure Family and circle of support Goal examples How to start FAQ

What is independent living services

Independent living services, often called ILS, are one to one coaching and training supports for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities who want to build more independence at home and in the community. ILS is about learning and practicing skills — not doing everything for the person.

In California, ILS can be funded directly by Regional Centers through their ILS service code, or it can be included in an individual budget through the Self Determination Program. In both cases the goal is the same: real daily skills, less confusion, and more control over your own life.

Why independence coaching matters

Many adults with disabilities are either over-supported or under-supported. Families are stretched thin, systems are complicated, and it can be hard to see a clear path from where things are today to a more independent future. ILS coaching creates that path — session by session, skill by skill.

  • Makes daily life safer and more predictable
  • Builds confidence handling money, schedules, and transportation
  • Supports better communication with family, staff, and professionals
  • Opens doors to work, school, social life, and community involvement
  • Helps families step back from doing everything and move into more of a support role

When ILS is coordinated well with the Regional Center or Self Determination Program, it adds structure, accountability, and coaching so that progress does not depend only on family energy.

How ILS coaching works at bttr

At bttr, ILS is not a random list of tasks. It is a structured coaching relationship with clear goals and documentation that feeds back to your Regional Center or Self Determination team. We work in three layers.

Clarity

Simple goals and a structure everyone can see

Simple, measurable goals that match your IPP or Self Determination spending plan
A clear session structure so you know what to expect each week
Shared tools like checklists, calendars, and trackers so everyone sees progress

Coaching

Real practice in real settings

One to one ILS coaching in the home and in the community
Coaches matched to your communication style, culture, and schedule
Skills practiced in real settings, not just discussed on paper

Communication

Documentation that keeps everyone aligned

Sessions documented so coordinators and SDP teams can see progress clearly
Coordination with other services like day programs, employment, and therapy
Families updated respectfully with boundaries that protect adult dignity

How ILS is funded

Regional Center

Traditional ILS authorization

IPP outcomes related to living skills, safety, and community participation
Monthly ILS hours authorized by the Regional Center
bttr as the ILS vendor responsible for staffing and documentation
Service coordinator handles hour authorizations and IPP updates

Self Determination Program

ILS built into your individual budget

ILS coaching paid through your Financial Management Service
Person centered plan translated into specific ILS goals
Flexible blending of in-home, community, and tech-based coaching
More say in the exact mix of supports and who provides them

Skill tracks in ILS coaching

bttr uses six skill tracks to organize ILS goals into clear themes. Most ILS plans include a mix of these areas and every goal is linked to one or more tracks so everyone can see where progress is happening.

Life

Routines, time management, cleaning, laundry, personal safety, and daily organization at home.

Money

Budgeting, banking, benefits paperwork, basic saving habits, and safer everyday spending choices.

Tech

Using phones, tablets, computers, passwords, safety settings, and apps that support independence.

Connect

Social skills, community access, building and keeping friendships, and participating in group activities.

Express

Self-advocacy, communication with staff and professionals, and practicing how to ask for help confidently.

Health

Health routines, medication organization within state rules, sleep habits, and preparing for appointments.

Building a weekly structure with ILS

Independence grows when support is consistent. At bttr, we pay attention to how ILS fits into your entire week — not only a single session. The pattern is designed around your energy, transportation, work or school schedule, and family life.

What a typical ILS week includes

Regular sessions on the same days and times whenever possible to build predictability
Clear start and end routines so you always know what happens during each visit
Small realistic assignments between sessions that do not overwhelm you or your family
Planned check-ins with family or housemates when it is appropriate and agreed upon

Family and circle of support in ILS

Family and natural supports are a central part of independence. ILS works best when everyone understands the plan and genuinely respects the adult role of the participant.

  • We invite families and housemates to share what is working and what is not
  • We clarify which tasks belong to the coach and which belong to family
  • We encourage honest communication even when there is stress or disagreement
  • We use ILS to gradually shift tasks from family to the participant where it is safe and realistic

For Self Determination participants, the larger circle of support from the person centered plan can be included in check-ins and updates if the participant agrees.

Examples of ILS goals at bttr

Every plan is unique, but these are the types of goals we see most often across Regional Center and Self Determination ILS plans.

Example 01

Daily routine and home safety

Creating a simple morning and evening checklist with visual cues
Practicing safe use of the stove or microwave within team-approved guidelines
Setting reminders for taking out trash, doing laundry, and weekly cleaning
Learning how to respond clearly if something feels unsafe at home

Example 02

Money and community skills

Practicing using a debit card and reading account balances before spending
Reviewing monthly spending together and setting small realistic savings goals
Riding the bus with a coach to learn routes, stops, and safety rules
Ordering food in public and confidently speaking up about preferences

Example 03

Preparing for more independent living

Touring possible neighborhoods and talking through safety and transportation options
Practicing cooking simple meals and storing food safely with a coach
Setting up shared digital calendars for bills, appointments, and household chores
Connecting ILS goals to housing conversations with the Regional Center or SDP team

How to start ILS with bttr

Getting started can feel overwhelming so we keep the first steps simple and clear.

1

Talk with your service coordinator

Ask your Regional Center service coordinator about ILS or Self Determination if you are not already enrolled. Let them know you want to explore independence coaching.

2

Ask about bttr as a provider

Ask if bttr is available as an ILS vendor in your area and share that you are interested. Your coordinator can confirm availability and add bttr to your plan.

3

Connect with the bttr team

Reach out to bttr directly so we can learn about your goals, your schedule, and your current supports. We listen first and build the plan around your actual life.

4

Match, schedule, and begin

We match you with a coach, build your starting schedule, and set up simple tools to track progress from the very first month. No long delay before real coaching begins.

Frequently asked questions

How often do ILS sessions happen?

The number of hours and session frequency depends on what the Regional Center authorizes or what your SDP budget supports. Some participants receive a few hours per week, others more. We design the schedule around your life within the approved hours.

Can ILS help with every area of my life?

ILS focuses on skill building and coaching. It supports many parts of daily life but cannot replace medical care, legal advice, or services requiring different professional licenses. When something falls outside ILS, we help you and your team find the right type of support.

What is the difference between ILS through Regional Center and ILS through SDP?

Regional Center funded ILS follows their standard service code and authorization process. ILS through SDP uses your individual budget and spending plan. Day to day coaching can look very similar. The main difference is how services are planned, approved, and paid.

Can I change my ILS goals?

Yes. Goals should reflect your real life. If something changes, we talk with you and your team to update the plan appropriately. Goals are not locked in place — they evolve as you do.

How does bttr measure progress in ILS?

We use session notes, simple data points, and regular check-ins to track progress. Progress can look like completing a task with less help, making safer choices, or needing fewer reminders. We share this with your team so decisions are based on real evidence.