WSD has an Independent Living Skills (ILS) program which is required for junior, senior, and some transition students.  The Independent Living Skills Coordinator, and Student Life Counselors work together to provide students with information on available services and programs, opportunities to gain practice in daily living skills and to interact with Deaf, Hard-of-Hearing and Hearing role models, all of which facilitate the process of becoming independent.  Residential students are automatically enrolled in the ILS program at the beginning of their junior year.  Day students are encouraged to join the ILS program but must provide their own transportation for ILS activities.

Goals for the ILS program

  • To provide students skill development opportunities and information needed to help them live independently.
  • To provide a variety of opportunities to make choices and decisions and to practice new responsibilities.
  • To provide role models showing how Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing individuals can lead productive and rewarding lives.

Program content may include but is not limited to:

  • Self-care and daily living
  • Food preparation, food shopping and nutrition
  • Personal time management
  • Accessing community resources
  • Health care and medical issues
  • Housing
  • Transportation
  • Financial management and budgeting
  • Employment, education and vocational
  • Recreation and leisure activities
  • Communication
  • Relationships, marriage, and family
  • Voter registration and politics
  • Taxes
  • Self-advocacy

Toni Stromberg
ILS/WaCAD Program Supervisor
VP: 360-334-5450
toni.stromberg@cdhl.wa.gov