Life Skills Training

What Life Skills Training in Occupational Therapy Involves

Life skills training is a capacity building occupational therapy service that helps people develop the independent living skills used every day. An occupational therapist works alongside the participant in real-world settings - at home, in the kitchen, at the shops, and on public transport - so that new skills carry over into everyday routines rather than staying in a clinic room. The focus is practical and goal-directed, starting with the tasks that matter most to the participant.

Each program begins by identifying the daily activities a person wants to manage more independently. From there, the therapist breaks tasks into achievable steps, introduces strategies and supports, and gradually builds the participant's confidence and capacity. This approach sits alongside our activities of daily living support, which addresses self-care and household routines in more detail.

Building Independence Through Practical Skills

Life skills training focuses on the practical abilities that support independent living and meaningful participation in community life. Our occupational therapists work alongside participants in real-world settings - at home, in the kitchen, at the shops, and on public transport - to develop skills that translate directly into everyday routines. Common areas of life skills training include:

• Meal planning and cooking - safe food preparation, recipe following, and kitchen safety
• Budgeting and money management - understanding costs, managing finances, and making purchases
• Time management and organisation - using schedules, setting reminders, and structuring daily routines
• Public transport training - route planning, using myki or Opal cards, and navigating stations safely
• Self-care routines - establishing morning and evening routines, personal hygiene, and grooming habits

Social Skills and Community Access

For many participants, developing social skills and the confidence to access the community are just as important as practical household tasks. Our therapists provide structured support to help participants navigate social situations, build relationships, and engage with their local community.

• Conversation skills, turn-taking, and reading social cues
• Accessing community services, libraries, recreation centres, and local events
• Problem-solving and self-advocacy in real-world situations

Who Benefits From Life Skills Training

Life skills training suits people working towards greater independence at different stages of life. It is available for young people moving towards adulthood and for adults developing or maintaining their capacity. Programs are tailored to each person's age, ability, and personal goals. People who may benefit include:

• Young people transitioning from school towards independent living, work, or further study
• Adults preparing to move into their own home or a shared living arrangement
• People living with disability, injury, or a health condition who want to build independent living skills

Life Skills Training and NDIS Capacity Building

Life skills training is a form of capacity building occupational therapy. Capacity building supports are designed to develop a participant's skills and independence over time, rather than only providing day-to-day assistance. By practising real tasks in real settings, participants can work towards improved daily living and greater confidence in the community.

For NDIS participants, this service can be funded through the Capacity Building - Daily Activities budget, depending on the goals and supports included in the plan. Life skills training often works well alongside our ongoing occupational therapy services, so progress can be reviewed and goals updated over time.

Life Skills Training FAQs

What is life skills training in occupational therapy?

Life skills training is a capacity building occupational therapy service that helps people develop the independent living skills used in everyday life. An occupational therapist supports the participant to practise tasks such as cooking, budgeting, using public transport, time management, social skills, and self-care routines, usually in the settings where those skills are used.

Who is life skills training for?

It is for young people and adults who want to build or maintain their independence. This includes young people transitioning towards adulthood, people preparing to move into their own home, and people living with disability, injury, or a health condition who want to develop independent living skills.

Is life skills training funded under NDIS capacity building?

Life skills training is a capacity building support and can be funded through the NDIS Capacity Building - Daily Activities budget, depending on a participant's goals and plan. If you are unsure how it fits your plan, you can contact our team to talk it through.

Where does life skills training take place?

Sessions usually take place in everyday settings - at home, in the kitchen, at the local shops, and on public transport - so that skills carry over into real routines. The setting depends on the goals being worked on and is agreed with the participant.

How long does life skills training take?

The length of a program depends on the participant's goals, the number of skills being developed, and how often sessions take place. Some goals are worked on over a few sessions, while building broader independence can take place over a longer period with progress reviewed along the way.

How do I get started with life skills training?

You can submit a referral online at any time, or call us on 0450 874 303 to discuss life skills training.