Lesson 1: Welcome and Overview

Welcome to Fading Supports for Independence!

Think about the last time you supported someone learning a new skill. Perhaps you guided each step at first, but over time, they began to do it independently. That’s what fading supports is all about: helping people grow confident, capable, and independent.

In this course, you’ll follow Gina’s story, a 24-year-old who works at a greenhouse. Through her experiences, you’ll explore how structured supports, clear communication, and thoughtful fading can make all the difference between doing for someone and empowering them to do for themselves.

You’ll learn how to:

• Recognize when and how to fade supports effectively.
• Match fading strategies to individual strengths and learning styles.
• Identify signs of stability and long-term success.

By the end, you’ll have the tools and confidence to design supports that grow independence, step by step, at the right pace for each person.

Let’s get started and see how small changes in your approach can lead to big outcomes for the people you serve.