Education center
... to be more independent in my daily life
Learn practical strategies to build everyday independence for children, teens, and adults with disability, plus Novita support options.
Independence looks different for everyone. For some people, it means doing a task on their own. For others, it means using equipment, support, or a different method to achieve the same goal. Independence changes throughout life from childhood to adulthood, and it is shaped by personal strengths, abilities, interests, and motivation.
Independence plays an important role in building confidence, self-esteem, and a sense of identity.
When people can participate in daily life in ways that feel meaningful to them, they experience more choice and control over how their day looks. This may include small moments, such as choosing clothes in the morning, or bigger goals, like preparing a meal or travelling independently.
For some, this may involve living on their own or managing specific daily tasks. For others, it may mean contributing to part of a routine, such as using cutlery during a meal while still receiving support for cooking or safety. Every step toward independence matters and deserves recognition.
Every day tasks can sometimes feel difficult. Emotional regulation, mobility, and social demands can also influence how independent someone feels. With the right support and a focus on strengths, people of all ages can grow their independence in meaningful and empowering ways.
At Novita, we recognise that building independence can be challenging.
New tasks can feel overwhelming, routines can take time to learn, and it can be hard to know where to start or how much support to provide. Families may worry about doing “too much” or “not enough,” and individuals may feel frustrated when things don’t come easily. These feelings are completely normal.
The important thing to remember is that independence grows step by step, and success can look different for every individual.
This page provides clear, practical ideas to assist you to support independence at home, at school, at work, and in the community. You don’t have to figure this out alone.
Small, achievable steps can support people to develop independence in ways that feel safe and meaningful.
Independence develops best when the goal is meaningful to the individual.
Spend time talking about what the person wants to do on their own and why it matters to them.
A child might want to pour their own drink, a teenager might want to organise their school bag, and an adult might want to manage part of their weekly routine.
When the goal is connected to a goal, people are more likely to feel proud and ready to explore new steps, each time they reach a goal.
Everyone learns differently, and using a person’s strengths makes independence more achievable.
Someone who enjoys music might respond well to songs that guide a routine.
A person who loves patterns or visuals may understand routines more easily through pictures or colour coding.
People who learn through movement may prefer to practise tasks by physically doing them rather than watching or listening.
These strengths make everyday activities feel more engaging and natural.
Many daily tasks involve a series of actions, and breaking them down helps reduce overwhelm.
For example, when putting on a t-shirt, the first step might be pushing one arm through the sleeve.
Once this feels easier, the next step can be added.
Celebrating each step builds confidence and helps the person feel successful along the way. Small wins are a powerful part of building independence.
Visual schedules, picture guides, timers, and checklists can make routines easier to understand and follow.
These tools reduce stress and help people remember what comes next in a task or during the day.
Visual supports work well across all ages and help promote independence in personal care, school routines, work tasks, and community activities.
Independence grows when environments are adapted to support success.
This might involve using bathroom rails, rearranging furniture to improve movement, labelling cupboards and drawers, or using non-slip mats and shower chairs.
Small environmental changes can make tasks more accessible and help people feel more confident in their abilities.
People learn by watching others.
Talking through your own strategies during daily tasks can help show what independence looks like. Statements like, “I’m checking the list to see what comes next,” or “I’m proud of myself for trying that,” provide a model of confidence and problem-solving.
Celebrating effort, not perfection, helps build a positive sense of self and reduces pressure.
Choice and independence go hand-in-hand. Offering small, everyday choices can help people feel more in control of their routines.
A child might choose which shirt to wear, a teenager might decide when to start homework, and an adult might select which meal they want to prepare.
These moments build decision-making skills and encourage ownership of daily life.
Real-life experiences provide meaningful opportunities to build skills.
This might include ordering food at a café, paying for items at a shop, practicing a transport route, or trying simple household tasks.
Real environments help build confidence, communication, and emotional regulation in the same spaces where these skills will be used.
Novita partners with individuals and families to build independence in ways that respect identity, goals, and personal pace. Our team works across home, school, work, and community settings to provide flexible, strengths-based support.
If you would like to learn more about communication supports and how we can partner with you or your family, please contact us.
