Students with disabilities who are preparing to graduate from school can benefit from taking life skill courses. Through learning these essential skills, these students can more readily adjust to the circumstances and challenges of adult life. Life skills instruction develops students’ daily living skills. Research has shown that students with disabilities, who exit high school with proficient life skills, have better post-school outcomes than those students who do not (Roessler, Brolin, Johnson, 1990).

The Boone County Cooperative Extension Service has partnered with the Boone County School District over the last several years to offer food prep and cooking classes to over 100 high school students with disabilities through community-based instruction.  The goal of community-based instruction is to provide students the opportunity to learn skills in the natural environment with real materials. The monthly classes allowed students with disabilities from numerous high schools to practice and learn in a real-life environment how to:  properly wash hands; read and follow a recipe; measure ingredients; prepare the food; and clean up their kitchen space.  

One hundred percent of the students were able to complete all the tasks of making a food item successfully. One of the teachers stated she has seen better communicative skills and social skills due to the participation in this program. Parents have expressed appreciation for the learning opportunities from an outside agency.  They also stated they liked the 4-H opportunities presented to the students outside of school as well. Some students have participated in these additional opportunities. 

Teaching essential life skills for students with disabilities is beneficial for young adults who are planning to either live independently or with assistance. By learning the daily living skills that are necessary for a healthy and productive home and work life, students with disabilities can prepare for a post-high school transition.