Independent Living
(For Students in Academic Resource Programs)
INDEPENDENT LIVING
means everything that is not related to post-high school education, training or employment.
CLICK ON THE IMAGES to connect to the resource.
TABLE OF CONTENTS -
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Click on the image to get local information for any free or low cost service or support.
DRIVER'S LICENSE
Interested in getting your Driver's License? Go to this page to find out how you can get accommodations for the tests.
Image credit: idtheftcenter.org
"HOW TO" VIDEOS
Sometimes your inquiring mind wants to know! But maybe you are too shy to ask. Check out these videos to help you learn more!
Watch these videos to learn common skills useful for independent living
MEN ONLY - Watch these videos to learn independent living skills specific for young men.
WOMEN ONLY - (in progress) Watch these videos to learn independent living skills specific for young women
Advocacy
As a new adult, you might find yourself feeling like support agencies are talking too fast or not explaining in words that you understand. Maybe English is not your first language. If you need some help with understanding services or forms, these agencies can help!!! All of their services are free! Just in case, be prepared to show your IEP to tell them you are eligible for their services.
Provides:
Advocacy training
Assistive Technology
Counseling & Peer Support
Housing modification
Independent Living Skills training and support
Personal Assistance Program
Mental Health support
Social Security and related benefits consult
Youth Services
Start by using their contact form here.
If you are a client of DOR, CID, or other programs specific for individuals with disabilities, this program will assign you someone who can help you understand or help you communicate your needs to these other services.
Using CAP if you have DOR, click here
They have webinars about information that can help you know your rights for school, employment and independent Living.
Some webinars are live, some are recorded for you to watch later. Some information you can read online.
Watch this video overview of CID Services Featuring Sequoia High School Graduate class of 2013 Genesis Hidalgo
FINANCIAL EDUCATION
These are resources that can help you understand how to save, budget and spend your money wisely, learn about credit cards, etc.
SMCU has great online modules that will help you learn more about financial planning .
Personal Finance Module (mostly videos), including:
Saving and Budgeting
Income and Benefits
Housing
Car Expenses
Taxes (and tax forms)
Paying for College
Keeping your info safe
A Living Wage is how much you have to earn in order to afford food, shelter, transportation and utilities.
Sometimes what you earn at your job is not enough to afford the cost of living in your city or county.
Use this Living Wage calculator to determine how much you need to earn at your job in order to be able to afford to live where you live.
Instructions:
Enter "San Mateo" county if you want to see how much it costs to live here.
Enter in any other county in California to see how much it costs to live there.
Get Help with Taxes!
If you are doing taxes yourself, or want to understand the forms better, the Internal Revenue Service offers content in a variety of file formats to accommodate people who use assistive technology such as screen reading software, refreshable Braille displays, and voice recognition software. We have prepared hundreds of tax forms and publications that can be downloaded or viewed online in text-only, Braille ready files, browser-friendly HTML, accessible PDF, and large print.
https://www.irs.gov/individuals/free-tax-return-preparation-for-qualifying-taxpayers
The IRS's Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) and Tax Counseling programs offer free basic tax return preparation to qualified individuals. Click here for more information about this free service and eligibility.
A few local services are listed below...click the image to find a VITA service that is closer to you.
We are a licensed Voluntary Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program and offer free basic tax return preparation for those who qualify. We offer free tax help to individuals who make $56,000 or less, persons with disabilities, and limited English-speaking taxpayers who need assistance in preparing their own tax returns. All volunteer tax preparers have completed training and passed a certification. The training includes standards to maintain the privacy and confidentiality of all taxpayer information. More information about the Carlmont Business Academy here.
OPEN TO ANY SAN MATEO COUNTY RESIDENT - SparkPoint and VITA (Volunteer Income Tax Assistance) at College of San Mateo services offer at limited basis this tax season (February-April 2022). Virtual and limited in-person tax preparation appointments are available. Please see information regarding our services click here.
HOUSING
These are housing services that serve individuals who are are at -risk of being homeless or who are already homeless. To receive services, you may have to disclose information such as your disability affecting your ability to obtain a job, or working with another agency (such as Department of Rehabilitation, Foster services, or County of San Mateo services) to show that you are working toward getting financial independence in order to pay rent.
RECREATION
Because part of independent living is developing healthy interests, making friends, socializing with others, and maintaining your physical and mental health. Participating in these programs might help you find a passion that can provide stress relief or even help you find a job!
San Mateo County Public Libraries
Don't forget that you local library has computers, printers, DVDs, ebooks, magazines, Makerspace equipment, free classes in all topics, and so much more!!!
National Library Service
National Library Service (NLS) is a free talking book library service for people with a physical, perceptual, or reading disability that prevents them from using regular print materials.
Examples of services:
BARD is a free library service of downloadable audio reading material - such as magazines and music scores
From their website:
"Bookshare makes reading easier. People with dyslexia, blindness, cerebral palsy, and other reading barriers can customize their experience to suit their learning style and find virtually any book they need for school, work, or the joy of reading. "
Redwood City and East Palo Alto
High School and PostSecondary Programs:
Enrichment and Clubs
Academic/College advising
College Success Managers
Career Pathways
Mental Health Supports
Leadership opportunities
CREATIVE ARTS
Riekes Center
Menlo Park
Photography
Art
Music - including recording facilities and performance opportunities
Video Production
Media Service
ATHLETICS
Sports League Program
Redwood City and East Palo Alto
High School Programs:
Indoor Soccer
Indoor Volleyball
Through their "Healthy Lifestyles" Initiative, you can develop or learn new skills in:
Basketball
Adult Fitness
Dance
Teenagers are eligible for the Adult programs through PAL.
Menlo Park
Adaptive and Restorative Fitness
Professional staff
State of the art fitness equipment,
Basketball/volleyball court
Professional Baseball Instruction/Batting cage
Fencing
Indoor track
Rock STeady Boxing Bay Area
Paralympic Sport Club
No money to pay their fees?
No problem!!! They got you!!
Work-trade program is available where you trade your time (volunteer) to use the facility/take classes.
Scholarships also available to help pay for classes.
ATTORNEYS (LAWYERS)
These are non-profit agencies that can provide legal advice for free or low cost.
Includes help for the following:
Conservatorship
Rent/Housing issues
Criminal record expungement
Immigrant Issues
Abuse
and more...
Call to find out when lawyers are present for you to speak to.
Pregunte por abogados que hablen español.
Local Office: Redwood City
Stanford Law School
(East Palo Alto)
English/español
Housing
Criminal Expungement
SSI
Learn about the services provided by the Legal Aid Society (4:14)
FOOD
These are places to get free food if you find yourself in financial difficulty or have no money.
(San Carlos)
You apply to this program to get an EBT card for buying groceries.
(East Palo Alto)
Emergency Food Assistance
Fresh Produce
Hot Meal Program
Pack the Bag Program
Summer meals for students out of school for summer recess
CLOTHING & RELATED SERVICES
St. Francis Center - Redwood City
Clothing Closet - receive free gently used clothing
Shower and Laundry for individuals who are homeless or at risk.
MEDICAL SERVICES (FREE AND LOW COST)
HEALTH AND DENTAL FREE CLINICS
(Redwood City and San Mateo)
UCSF DENTAL SCHOOL runs a clinic where dental students and residents perform dental services for a fraction of the cost of private practice.
PROS:
Quality care because students are supervised under faculty and want to do a good job
Costs 25% less than a private dentist
CONS:
Typically best for those with flexible schedules
Procedures might require multiple visits
More information on FAQ page here.
HEALTH & DENTAL CARE OPTIONS for UNINSURED FAMILIES IN SAN MATEO COUNTY
image credit: Boston Globe
Need support for food, medical or financial?
SparkPoint serves low-income individuals and families seeking to improve their financial situation. Services are provided at no cost to community members.
You don't have to be a student to access SparkPoint services at the community colleges
Sparkpoint services
MENTAL HEALTH SERVICES (FREE AND LOW COST)
