What are functional living skills and why are they included in eligibility?

• A. They refer to advanced cognitive functions like executive control.
• B. Daily living skills (self-care, money management) that promote independence; included for students with disabilities who need explicit instruction.
• C. They are academic skills assessed for grade level equivalence.
• D. They are only used in vocational training programs.

Answer: (B)

Functional living skills are practical daily tasks that promote independence in home and community—things like self-care, meal preparation, money management, transportation, and using community resources. They’re included in eligibility because the goal of supports for students with disabilities is to help them function independently in everyday life, especially as they transition to adulthood. These skills often don’t develop automatically and therefore require explicit instruction and guided practice to build competence in real-life settings. This focus is distinct from academic skills and isn’t limited to vocational programs; it centers on enabling students to manage daily living tasks successfully.