MODULE 3:
Independent Living
Independent living looks different for everyone. Whether it means managing your own healthcare, building daily routines, navigating transportation, or creating a safe home environment, independence is about having choices, support, and the tools to live life on your own terms.
Module Overview
Click a tool to jump to that section.
Daily Living & Assistive Technology
Tools, technology, and practical adaptations to support everyday independence.
Transportation Checklist
Guidance for accessible travel, transportation planning, and mobility support.
Financial Management Guide
Resources and tools for budgeting, housing costs, and financial confidence.
Housing Accessibility Checklist
A room-by-room guide to creating a safe and accessible living environment.
Healthcare & Self-Care Planning
Support for managing appointments, medications, wellness, and emergency planning.
Family & Caregiver Task Chart
A collaborative tool for balancing independence and support needs.
Personal Stories
Real experiences and advice from adults navigating independent living with MPS.
Daily Living & Assistive Technology
This section helps individuals explore tools, technology, and practical adaptations that can make everyday tasks easier, safer, and more manageable while supporting greater independence.
Categories
Digital Aids
-reminder apps
-speech-to-text
-scheduling tools
-tablets/smartphones
Physical Aids
-eyeglasses
-adapted utensils
-reachers and grabbers
-ergonomic furniture
Smart Home Solutions
-voice-controlled lights
-automated doors
-alarm systems
Community Hacks
-rolling carts
-phone reminders
-raised seating
Transportation Checklist and Mobility Guide
Transportation plays a major role in independence, employment, healthcare access, and social connection. This section helps individuals plan for safe, accessible, and reliable transportation options.
What is included in the guide:
- Local Transportation Planning
- Vehicle Modification Considerations
- Funding Resources
- Travel Preparation
- Transportation Checklist
Your Transportation Checklist
- Research accessible public transport options
- Check eligibility for disability fare reductions
- Register for door-to-door transport services
- Understand roadside assistance options
- Explore funding support
- Understand roadside assistance options
Financial Management Guide
Managing finances independently can feel overwhelming. This section provides tools and guidance for budgeting, understanding expenses, and building financial confidence.
Downloadable Resources
- Monthly Budget Template
- Expense Tracker
- Housing Cost Worksheet
- Financial Planning Notes
How To Use The Templates
Before you begin, make a personal copy of each template and save it to your own computer or Google Drive so you can edit and update it as needed.
Healthcare & Self-Care Planning
This section supports individuals in managing healthcare routines, medications, appointments, mental health, and emergency preparedness while building confidence in self-care.
Included in the Guide:
- Health Management Tools
- Emergency Planning
- Adaptive Tools & Independence Supports
- Mental Health & Emotional Wellbeing
Health Management Tools
- Appointment Tracking
- Medication Management
- Healthy Routines
- Exercise Routine
Designing for Independence
Discover videos highlighting accessible environments, adaptive products, and ideas that help individuals live more independently.
Family & Caregiver Task Chart
Balancing independence and support can be challenging. This section helps individuals and caregivers communicate clearly about tasks, responsibilities, and support needs.
Tasks/Activities
- Personal care (washing, dressing)
- Preparing meals
- Taking medication
- Managing appointments
- Transport/getting to places
- Household cleaning
- Shopping for food/ essentials
- Paying bills/managing finances
Chart Color Key
- 🟢 Green = I can do this independently.
- 🟡 Yellow = I may need help sometimes.
- 🔴 Red = I need help every time.
Personal Stories
Personal stories can help people feel less alone by sharing honest experiences of navigating independent living with MPS. Through real challenges, adaptations, successes, and everyday moments, these stories offer encouragement, connection, and reassurance that independence looks different for everyone — and that every journey is valid.
Aryan Daryan
MPS II • Artist • Independent Living Advocate
“I worked to develop a positive mindset, identify my skills and talents, and show the world I could live independently.”
Isabella Thornton
MPS IVa • Shared Ownership Homeowner • Independent Living Journey
"After nearly a year of advocating and obtaining an occupational therapy report confirming medical need, the housing association approved the adaptation.'
Housing Accessibility Checklist
This section helps individuals evaluate whether a home environment supports safety, accessibility, comfort, and long-term independence.
- Ramps or level access
- Wide doorways
- Elevator or stair lift
- Automatic door openers
- All buttons for elevators / doors are reachable
- Roll-in shower
- Grab bars
- Adapted sink
- Shower chair
- Accessible counter height
- Reachable appliances
- Pull-out shelves
- Space for assistive devices
- Emergency access
- Safe bed height
- Close to healthcare
- Access to public transport
- Nearby community services
