About this resource
Getting out the door involves remembering lots of things. This visual checklist covers keys, wallet, phone, medication, water, checking the weather, knowing the plan and locking up.
Purpose
To support independence and reduce forgotten items when going out.
Who it is for
Primary profession: Disability support workers. Also relevant for occupational therapists.
Client or participant group: Adults and young people building independence with outings.
Practice setting: Home and supported living, before community access.
Suggested uses
- Before community access
- Building independence
- Reducing stress before outings
- Consistency across workers
Instructions for practitioners
- Personalise the list with the person.
- Keep it by the door.
- Prompt only when needed.
- Fade support as the routine becomes familiar.
Instructions for clients or participants
- Look at the list.
- Tick each item.
- Lock up and go.
Accessibility considerations
Use photos of the person's own items.
Scope and limitations
A visual support.
Research basis
Active support, which gives people real opportunities and just-enough help to take part in everyday activities, increases engagement for people with intellectual disability. Visual schedules and other visual supports are established evidence-based practices for autistic children and young people, and are widely used with others who benefit from visual information.
- Knight, V., Sartini, E., & Spriggs, A. D. (2015). Evaluating Visual Activity Schedules as Evidence-Based Practice for Individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorders. Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders, 45(1), 157–178. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10803-014-2201-z
- Mansell, J., & Beadle-Brown, J. (2012). Active support: Enabling and empowering people with intellectual disabilities. Jessica Kingsley Publishers.
- Steinbrenner, J. R., Hume, K., Odom, S. L., Morin, K. L., Nowell, S. W., Tomaszewski, B., Szendrey, S., McIntyre, N. S., Yücesoy-Özkan, S., & Savage, M. N. (2020). Evidence-based practices for children, youth, and young adults with autism. FPG Child Development Institute, University of North Carolina. https://ncaep.fpg.unc.edu/wp-content/uploads/EBP-Report-2020.pdf
What is included
A 2-page printable A4 PDF, including a practitioner notes page with the research basis (version 1.0).
Originality
Original Practitioner Plus content: wording, activity structure, layout and icons were created for this resource. No third-party worksheets, illustrations or text were reproduced. Symbols are original line drawings created for Practitioner Plus.
