Common questions, answered plainly
If you don't see your question here, reach out any time — we're happy to talk it through.
What is Independent Living Skills (ILS) training?
ILS is individualized, one-on-one training that helps adults build practical everyday skills — things like money management, meal preparation, communication, transportation, and community navigation. Sessions are tailored to each person's goals and pace, typically as part of a broader plan through the regional center system.
How does someone get started with Independence Bridge?
If you're an Alta California Regional Center client, start by contacting your Service Coordinator and letting them know you're interested in ILS services with Independence Bridge. Your SC will submit a referral to us — we review it, and once accepted, we schedule an initial assessment to build a plan around your goals. See our About page for the full step-by-step process.
What areas do you serve?
We serve Sacramento, Placer, Yolo, El Dorado, and Yuba Counties. Our group activities take place at venues throughout this region.
Do you work with regional centers?
Yes — Independence Bridge is a vendored provider with Alta California Regional Center. We work alongside Service Coordinators to support clients' goals as outlined in their IPP. If you're an SC exploring a referral, reach out any time — we're happy to discuss fit and availability.
What languages do you offer services in?
We offer services in English, Spanish, Arabic, Urdu, Russian, Pashtu, and Farsi.
What does a typical ILS session look like?
Sessions are one-on-one and built around the client's specific goals — that might mean practicing a budgeting task at home, a grocery trip focused on comparison shopping, or a bus ride to build transportation confidence. Every plan looks a little different because every client's goals are different.
Who can receive ILS services?
Our services are for adults ages 18 to 59 who are clients of Alta California Regional Center and live in a home setting, such as their own home, a family home, or supported living. Clients ages 18 to 21 need a high school diploma. If you are not yet a client, our Contact page explains how to apply with Alta first.
Where do sessions take place?
Sessions take place where the skill is used: in the client's home and out in the community, such as grocery stores, banks, medical offices, and bus stops. We do not provide services in a center-based setting.
What are your hours?
Services are available Monday through Thursday, 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM; Friday, 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM and 3:00 PM to 6:00 PM; and Saturday and Sunday, 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM. Early morning, evening, or other times can be arranged based on a client's needs. We do not provide services on recognized holidays, including New Year's Day, Cesar Chavez Day, Martin Luther King Jr. Day, Presidents' Day, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Veterans Day, Thanksgiving and the day after, and Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. If a session falls on a holiday, we will offer to reschedule it within the same month when possible.
How long are sessions, and how often do they happen?
Sessions are usually two to three hours. How often they happen depends on the number of hours approved for each client each month, and we build the schedule around those hours and the client's availability.
Who are the people working with my family member?
Our staff are fingerprinted through the California Department of Justice (DOJ), have a current TB test, and hold CPR and First Aid certification. They also complete additional trainings to support the people they work with.
What are the group activities, and are they required?
Alongside individual sessions, we run a monthly calendar of optional group activities — things like bowling, trail walks, art sessions, and more. These are a chance to build social connection and practice skills in a group setting. They're a complement to individual ILS training, not a replacement for it.
How do I stay updated on the activity calendar?
We share our monthly calendar directly with clients, families, and Service Coordinators. Reach out through our Contact page and we'll get you the current schedule.
How do I contact Independence Bridge?
Email is the fastest way to reach us — info@independencebridge.org. We read and respond to every message. Phone and office hours are coming soon.