ILS Instructor

• Welcome
• The Role
• Job Requirements
• Support You Provide
• About EBI
• Training
• Documentation, Communication and Regulations
• Reporting Income
• Advocacy, Empowerment and Self-Determination
• Community Inclusion and Relationships
• Active and Fulfilled Days
• Using Behavior Support Plans
• Supporting People with Health Care Needs
• Work Environment
• Who Makes a Good ILS Instructor
• Who Should Avoid this Position
• What ILS Instructors Say
• Is Being an ILS Instructor for You?

What is the Role of the ILS Instructor?

Independent Living Services (ILS) are available to people who need up to 40 hours per month of help to live safely on their own. Typically services consist of one-on-one teaching in the person's home. Training and support services are expected to decrease as the individual gains independence.

ILS Instructors support and assist people with developmental disabilities (such as mental retardation or autism) who wish to live in a home of their own. ILS Instructors (also called “direct support workers”) provide one-to-one help on a wide variety of everyday tasks and teach the client to do these tasks themselves if they are able.

The goal of direct support work is to help people stay as independent as possible. Your specific duties will be based on the needs and interests of the people you support, and could include the following:

• Cooking meals
• Cleaning
• Shopping
• Menu planning
• Money management (e.g. banking and budgeting)
• Helping the person you support use public transportation
• Finding recreational activities for the person you support
• Helping the person you support schedule and get to medical and dental appointments
• Finding out about community programs and benefits the person you support could use
• Helping the person you support make new friends
• Helping the person you support participate in community organizations and places of worship, if he or she desires
• Running errands, such as going to the bank, grocery store, laundromat, or doctor.

Direct support is about giving people with disabilities whatever support they need to have fun and live fulfilled lives of their choosing. It may also be about working with families and other people who care about the person you support.