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Developing Life Skills

A Guide To Developing Life Skills For Visually Challenged

Developing life skills in adults with disabilities isn't all about a more independent lifestyle, even though it can greatly contribute. It's also about having more fun and enjoying the day-to-day social opportunities that come along.

"Many Visually challenged with disabilities (and their carers) get overwhelmed when they think of the prospect of change, or learning a whole new way of life. But it doesn't have to be one "big" thing. In fact, better results are often achieved when people take it one step at a time and make small changes to their lifestyle"

So with that in mind, Divya Jyothi take a look at some essential life skills for Visually challenged that you and your loved one might consider giving a go.

Independent Life Skills

Road safety and transport.
Social interactions.
Lifestyle and Exercise.
Sexual health.
Employment & Financials.

Personal Hygiene.
Communication.
Relationships.
Making friends.
Eating and Cooking Healthy Food.

Road safety and transport.
Personal Hygiene.
Lifestyle and Exercise.
Sexual health.
Employment & Financials.
Social interactions.
Communication.
Relationships.
Making friends.
Eating and Cooking Healthy Food.

Let's take a closer look at the key areas of healthy independent living training encouraged at Divya Jyothi

Road Safety And Public Transport

Some people are not enthused about public transport, but it's a great opportunity to interact with people and boost someone's skill set.

Instead of taking a car/taxi ride, encourage them to jump on a train or a bus. They may need some support or feel uncomfortable initially, so go along with them to share the experience. Once they are familiar with the transport system it will free them up to do more of the things they love, without the required help of anyone else.

Attending road safety skills at Divya Jyothi are not only important for your loved one's confidence, but also for peace of mind if you go out alone or with friends.

Personal Hygiene

Personal appearance and hygiene can often help boost confidence in social situations. In fact, looking and smelling good will help nurture a sense of personal pride, help your loved one feel more accepted and can result in praise from others.

The key to maintaining a healthy personal hygiene level is all about daily habits. While many of these may already be in place, sometimes small additions can make a big difference. It's the little things that count and can add up to create a happier, healthier and more confident individual.

Daily habits such as showering, brushing teeth, using deodorant and perfume/aftershave, getting dressed and combing hair, may seem simple, but can significantly improve personal hygiene and confidence.

Perhaps you could start to involve yourself in these daily habits with your loved one so you're modelling the behaviors for them.

Lifestyle And Exercise

Everyone has a different level of ability when it comes to exercise, so you don't need to encourage your loved one to get up and run a marathon tomorrow. Daily exercise can start with something as simple as a walk to the shops, or a few arm raises.

Small habits such as this can boost energy levels and over time will improve body image, strength and well-being.

To make sure your loved one has the most appropriate exercise program for their ability, contact an occupational therapist or support worker who can help you put together a plan.

Sexual Health

Sexuality is a normal part of life. We're all human, and experience feelings and desires that drive us toward sexual activity.

However, with sexual activity comes responsibility. The responsibility to treat others with respect, and the responsibility to understand and practice sexual health.

Adults with Visually challenged, just like anyone else, can have rewarding sexual relationships. But in order to do so, they may need some additional support and information.

Sexual health for adults with disabilities is a large topic in itself, but there are some basic principles that can provide an appropriate starting point:

Encourage them to seek information about what is appropriate, and what isn't when it comes to sexual activity from a social and legal perspective.
Educate them on the potential implications of sexual activity; such as pregnancy, Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STDs), consent and emotional trauma.

Employment & Financials

At, Divya Jyothi, we guide Visually challenged to find employment opportunities to keep that focus on their strengths and capabilities, and will help each individual develop as a person to fulfill their potential. Divya Jyothi will help to learn real-life employment skills that align with students goals - whether that be part-time, full-time or open employment - whilst still having access to ongoing coaching and daily support.