Personal assistance can provide help with work, living in the community, and participating in recreation activities. In addition to hands-on help, however, it has come to mean any support a person needs to keep his or her independence. You can play an important role in encouraging your son or daughter to become as independent as possible. You can also help them in determining the level of personal assistance they may need to be successful in the workplace. Here's how you can help:

1. Start early by encouraging your son or daughter to have responsibility around the home.
2. Provide opportunities for someone other than a parent to provide personal assistance. Let the young adult direct their own care or needs as much as possible to gain experience.
3. Provide opportunities for overnight camp, or a sleep-over. Camps and travel opportunities are available for most young adults. Disability-related organizations can usually suggest good camps.
4. Help your son or daughter feel comfortable with other helpers, so they can learn management skills and become more independent.
5. For more information about finding a personal assistant, deciding how much assistance you need, paying for a personal assistant, check out the Personal Assistance Overview. Also, take a look at the "Personal Assistance Information Guide."
6. "Getting From Here to There, A Manual on Personal Assistance," is another good resource for information.