10 Things to Practice This Summer (with IEP Goals in Mind)

Summer is a time to relax and recharge from school routines, yet it is also a great time to learn new skills toward greater independence. Consider what it would be like to have the skills that step you into that first job, cooking a meal on your own or learning self-care! While these skills may be worded and supported differently within your educational IEP at school, these are essential life skills for anyone stepping toward adulthood. Gain confidence with these 10 real-life “adulting” tasks below with the help of a friend or family member. 

1. Do Your Own Laundry

IEP Goal Connection: Daily living skills

• Learn how to sort clothes, use a washer and dryer, and follow care labels. 
• Fun video to watch on How to Do Laundry

2.  Make a Meal from Start to Finish

IEP Goal Connection: Independent living / Functional academics

• Pick a recipe, make a shopping list, go to the store, and cook a meal. Start simple, like tacos, pasta, or breakfast for dinner.
• Learn to make a simple grilled cheese sandwich here.

3. Schedule Your Doctor’s Appointment

IEP Goal Connection: Self-advocacy and health management

Learn how to schedule your appointments so you can build confidence and independence.

• Watch Antoinette on her YouTube channel as she walks you through making an appointment. 
• Practice these steps with a friend or family member

1. Prepare your call before calling!
   1. Know the name of the clinic
   2. Write down the reason for calling
   3. Write down your questions: “What time is my appointment, etc.”
   4. Practice with someone before you make the call
2. Make the Call
   1. Dial the phone number
   2. When someone answers, say: “Hi, my name is [your name]. I’m calling because [your reason].”
3. Tell them Your Needs Clearly & Slowly
   1. Use your notes if you forget what to say
   2. If you do not understand what they are saying, do not be afraid to tell them to talk slower or to explain it to you in a different way
   3. Ask all your questions
4. Ask for Help if You Need it
   1. Ask someone to be near you if you need more support

Additional Resources for Resources for Managing Healthcare:

• Intermountain You & I Club: Designed for youth and young adults with disabilities. This program empowers individuals and families to build skills needed to manage their own healthcare with confidence. Through practical tools and personalized guidance, participants learn how to advocate for their needs, schedule appointments, fill prescriptions, and connect with adult providers. For support or questions about this program, reach out to youandihealthclub@imail.org.
• Utah Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS): Offers valuable tools and guidance to help youth and young adults with disabilities smoothly transition from pediatric to adult healthcare. Their Transition to Adulthood resources provide checklists, readiness assessments, and planning tools for youth, families, and providers. Link here.

4.  Set Up a Bank Account or Learn to Use a Debit Card

IEP Goal Connection: Financial literacy

Open a bank account, learn how to view your account online or on an app, learn to budget for wants and needs, and research helpful budgeting apps. Ask a family member to help you role-play safe spending habits.

• Learn the basics of checking and savings accounts with this clip here.
• How to avoid impulse spending with How to ADHD
• Track your expenses worksheet

5. Learn How to Use Public Transportation

IEP Goal Connection: Community Access and Independence

Take the time to learn how to ride UTA this summer. There are programs offered for free to help you successfully ride the bus, trax or train. Learn how to read the UTA schedule and how to use transportation apps on your phone. It is always important to be safe while using transportation in your community, so consider these safety tips below.

• UTA Free travel training program: Learn to ride UTA bus, train and trax system with one-on-one or group lesson support here.
• Safety on the bus tips

6.  Practice Making a Professional Phone Call

IEP Goal Connection: Communication and employment readiness

Consider some of these tips below before you make a professional phone call. Practice with a friend or family member before making the call, as this alleviates any anxiety or nervousness. Being prepared ahead of time with a script or bullet points about things you want to say will make the call more successful.

• Tips on how to overcome phone anxiety here
• Do’s and dont’s of phone etiquette

7. Plan and Budget for a Grocery Trip

IEP Goal Connection: Math and independent living

Learning to plan a meal within a budget is a smart step toward becoming more independent. Many grocery stores offer easy-to-use apps that show prices and weekly deals. Try the activities below to see how much food you can buy while sticking to your budget.

• Use a weekly flyer or grocery app to compare prices 
• Plan a meal on a set budget. 
• Determine a food budget for the week and use cash to see if you can stay within a certain dollar amount. Talk with a family member or friend about your experience.
• Learn how to budget and worksheets to track your progress

8.  Fill Out a Job or Volunteer Application

IEP Goal Connection: Employment preparation

Practice typing up your contact information, listing references, and writing a short personal statement. Even if you’re not applying yet, it’s good practice.

• This video provides tips for teenagers on how to fill out job applications. The speaker emphasizes the importance of reading instructions carefully, being honest about availability and qualifications, and preparing for common interview questions.

9.  Organize Important Documents

IEP Goal Connection: Organization and self-management

Create a folder with your ID, Social Security card, medical info, and any IEP paperwork. Learning how to keep track of this shows big responsibility.

• 7 ways to stay productive and organized

10.  Practice Introductions and Small Talk

IEP Goal Connection: Social skills

Whether at a job interview, community event, or neighbor’s house, introducing yourself confidently can open so many doors.

• Consider these conversation tips as individuals role play what not to do.
  • Don’t be a conversation hog
  • Don’t be an interviewer
  • Don’t Police
  • Don’t stand too far away
  • Don’t stand too close
  • Good example of starting a conversation
  • Bad example of starting conversations