As you get older and want more independence, you might want to live on your own. There are options which would support this.

Supported living services: This is where young people can be supported in their own accommodation so they can live an ordinary life. The amount of support may vary depending on your needs. This could range from a few hours a week to full-time personal care and support.

Supported housing: This is for young people who only require a small amount of support when at home and may go to college, work or day centres during the day. Some supported housing is managed by the local council, and some by housing associations, voluntary organisations and charities.

Sheltered housing for younger people: These homes allow you to live independently, but have extra facilities, such as a warden who can be called in an emergency, or communal facilities like a laundry and lounge.

Buying or renting an adapted property: Speak to your council about finding a property that's been adapted and will be suitable for you to live in. You might also be able to get some money to make any changes you need.

Find easy read information about housing 

There are things you can do to help you find your way around and to understand how long it takes to get somewhere and how much it will cost.

Buses and trains have timetables which help you to know when they are coming, but be aware that sometimes they can change. You might be able to claim help with the cost of using these.

Find out more about getting help

If you drive, you can use sat nav to help you with directions. You will also need to be aware of looking after your car and how to top up with fuel.

Find out more about driving with a disability

Looking for and starting a new job can be brilliant for your independence. You can meet new people, learn new skills and it can help you build your confidence. 

You can ask for reasonable adjustments to be made to help you settle in and make sure that you are able to work safely and happily.

Find out more about reasonable adjustments 

You can get help to think about what you would like to do once you have left school. You may want to do a course at college or you may want to get a job. 

Find help here

If you are 16 + years old, you may be able to get a grant to support you in getting reasonable adjustments called 'Access to Work'. 

Find easy read information about the 'Access to Work' scheme

When you become an adult you can get money from having a job or from receiving benefits from the government, such as universal credit or disability allowance. 

If you live alone, there will be bills to pay, such as gas and electricity. Planning is needed to work out how much money you have and how much you need to spend on food, bills, etc.

You can open a bank account to keep your money safe, and you will be given a bank card and PIN number (a secret code just for you) so you can access your money independently. 

Find easy read guidance below covering:

• Bank accounts
• Bank statements
• Saving money
• Getting help

Find the easy read 'Looking after your money guide'

Shopping for food can be fun thing to do. You can make choices about what you would like to eat. Before you go to the shop, you may find it useful to plan what you are going to eat and what ingredients you will need. This may also help you to work out how much it will cost.

When you buy your food, it is a good idea to check how long the food will last, with best-before dates or use-by dates, so that you don’t end up throwing it away.

As well as food, you will want to buy some household essentials such as cleaning products. There are lots to choose from, so you might want to decide how much money you want to spend and what you need.

 If you want to buy yourself some new clothes, it is a good idea to think about what you need and how much money you have. There are lots of different types of shops that you can look in, with some costing more than others. Enjoy having a look around to get the most out of your money.

If you run out of enough money to buy food, food banks are places where you can get food parcels for free.

If you need help with shopping, you could ask a friend, family member or someone that is working with you, any questions that you have.

Find a template to make your own weekly food plan

Find an easy read guide to food banks here

After you have bought your food, it is important to store it and prepare it safely, so that you do not get unwell eating it. Washing your hands before you prepare your food will also help to reduce germs that could make you unwell when touching your food.

The area where food is prepared needs to be kept clean and food should be stored in the right place to keep it safe to eat. Some food needs to be kept in a fridge or freezer and some can be kept in its packet in a cupboard.

Some items, such as meat, fruit and vegetables, can go off quickly, so it's also important to be aware of 'best before dates' on food packaging.

If you use a sharp knife, take care how you use it to cook with and when you are cleaning it afterwards so that you do not hurt yourself. Using oven gloves to get food from the oven, will help stop you from burning your hands with hot dishes.

Tips on eating a healthy diet

Find easy read for preparation advice and recipes here

Keeping clean helps to stop you from getting unwell and passing germs on to others. Some things that you can do to help stay clean are:

• Wash your hands after going to the toilet.
• Wash your genitals and bottom area every day.
• Wash your face every day.
• Have a bath or shower at least twice a week.
• Brush your teeth twice a day.

Things like toothbrushes, toothpaste and shower gel often need replacing, so it helps to know where to get them and how often they will need replacing.

Find out more about personal hygiene in this easy read guide

Washing clothes, towels and bed sheets will also help stay clean and healthy.

You can learn how to operate a washing machine in your home or visit a laundrette to get your clothes washed. Detergents that you may use to get your clothes can be in the form of powder, liquid or tablets. The next step is to dry your clothes, before folding them and putting them away.

Find an easy read social story about washing your clothes

As well as keeping clean you can look after your body by learning about the dangers of smoking, drugs, alcohol, unprotected sex and abusive behaviour. 

If you are taking any medication, it is very important to know how often to take it and how you can get more if you need it. Our transition page has more details about making health appointments and what to expect.

Go to the transition page

Accessibility in Norfolk & Waveney is improving, and with that there are more opportunities to try new activities and groups. You could access classes, groups and meet ups online or in person and you might find that your interests could become something bigger in future. 

It can be a great way to meet new people, boost your confidence and start to build up your independence.

AccessAble is a useful site to find out what services a venue has before attending, so you can plan your visit with your friends or carers. 

Find classes in Norfolk & Waveney through the ABLEize directory

Going out and having fun in a supportive and accessible environment can feel tricky, but it's a great way to meet new people and enjoy yourself. 

Many disabilities and learning difficulty charities check the accessibility of venues and run club nights and social clubs around the county. 

AccessAble is an accessibility guide to venues across the country including restaurants, clubs, pubs and hotels. 

Scope Charity offers advice on how to check the accessibility of venues when planning a night out

Stayuplate.org is a charity that campaigns for people with all learning disabilities and neurodiversity to be able to lead full and active social lives. They have resources for planning a night out and networking with other people with learning disabilities. 

Frozen Light Theatre is a local theatre company that produces shows for audiences with profound and multiple learning disabilities (PMLD) which tour nationwide.

Dimensions UK - has posted a list of autism friendly cinema screenings across the country.

FUSE Parties - For those of you who are over 18, Build Charity offers a regular local club night in Norwich & King's Lynn for anyone with any disability. 

Gig Buddies - Mencap has created a service to match volunteers with people with the same interests so that there are more opportunities to go out and be supported. 

Getting out and moving your body is good for your mental health & physical health, but getting to places, having suitable equipment and being able to participate in sports can feel challenging.

There are many sports centres and groups in Norfolk & Waveney to provide classes for the disabled community with specialist equipment and tutors who understand your needs.

It's worth contacting places before you go to speak to the staff who will be able to prepare any equipment you might need. 

Some venues offering classes for additional needs include:

Norfolk Sports Foundation & Suffolk Community Foundation - Offer coaching and group sessions for pan-disability and specific disability groups in Norfolk & Suffolk.

ABLEize offers a list of sports and social groups for disabled people in Norfolk.

Sportspark runs inclusive sessions from cycling to dance each week with their Inclusive Club open to disabled people aged 16 + and their carers. 

Disabledadvisor.com lists accessible and specialist classes over Suffolk including Wheelchair Rugby, Sailing and Boccia for all ages. 

You may meet people that you want to spend more time with. Doing something together so you can get to know each other better is often called a date.

Online dating can be a great way to meet new people and feel comfortable with someone before you meet them. It's important to be aware of online safety when using dating apps and personal safety when you meet people for the first time. We cover some of these tips in our relationships page. 

Before you choose to have sex you need to feel sure it is right for you.

It's important to go at your own pace so you feel comfortable in your relationship. If you have any sensory issues or feel anxious about different environments it's best to talk them through so your partner understands. Consent means respecting each other's wishes and making sure you are both happy.  

If you feel your disability may affect what you can and can't do the best thing to do is be honest and talk about what it might mean for you both.

Some useful resources about sex and dating with a disability include:

The Mix is a youth website that provides good advice, articles and discussion boards covering lots of topics around dating with a disability, learning difficulties and autism. 

LGBT Switchboard provide information and advice through their website and helpline: 0800 0119 100

Outsiders.org.uk Run a peer support and dating club for socially and physically disabled people including a free sex and disability helpline:

• 11am-5pm Weekdays
• 07900 957 393
• 01997 421 019

Being able to chat about your interests or share some news can be an important part of your social life and make you feel a part of your local community.

You don't have to leave the house to be part of something, and making connections with other people can do wonders for your mental health. 

If you have a particular interest or hobby you can often find local groups where people enjoy the same things. Meeting people who share your interests can help you connect with other people more easily. 

There are a range of youth clubs, social clubs and daytime events throughout Norfolk & Waveney where young people can meet up and socialise. Or you can connect with friends through online chat rooms and message boards. 

Here are some services in Norfolk & Waveney that can help you connect with others:

ABLEize offers an up-to-date list of accessible clubs for people with disabilities in Norfolk.

Sense Charity lists events in the local area for young people with complex disabilities including deafblindness. 

Norfolk Autism Partnership offers daytime events and clubs for young people with autism including austism friendly Lego & games clubs and colour me calm sessions. 

Leading Lives offers Night Hub and Weekend Hub social groups in Suffolk for young people aged 13-24 who are autistic or have learning disabilities. 

If accessibility is an issue, there are also meet-ups available online, including:

Scope Charity - offering online  message boards and live sessions. 

Childline - Message Boards for young people covering arrange of topics including disability and learning differently. 

It's important that you feel like you can express yourself and feel heard. There are different groups and charities who have disability youth advocates to help show where things need improving for disabled young people. 

If you are interested in campaigning for disability awareness and understanding, you might like to take a look at:

D.R.A.G.O.N.S - The disability real action group of Norfolk is a youth organisation made up of other young people with disabilities who make sure that young people can enjoy SEND services in the county. They review services and spaces, help consult on local government policies and give their advice on lots of other topics to local businesses. 

Norfolk SENDIASS SEND Youth Forum - This group gathers to share experiences and work together to improve services for young people with special educational needs and disabilities.  

National Autistic Society Young Ambassadors - Are a group of 16-24 year olds who want to create a world that works for autistic people. They share views and take part in campaigning activities to get their voices heard. 

Suffolk Young Person's Network (SEND) - The Young Person's Network is a Suffolk-based group of young people who want to have their say to help shape the services they and other young people with SEND use. 

Read disability activist Lauren Perry's interview with The Mix