What type of skills are referred to as functional skills?

Functional skills are those essential everyday skills that individuals need for independent living. These skills encompass a wide range of practical abilities that enable individuals to manage their daily lives effectively. This includes tasks such as personal hygiene, cooking, using transportation, managing money, and seeking employment.

These skills are particularly vital for students with disabilities, as they provide the foundation for achieving greater independence. By focusing on functional skills, educators can help students develop the necessary competencies to navigate their environments and lead fulfilling lives.

In contrast, the other choices focus on skills that do not necessarily contribute to independent living in the same direct way. Skills required for artistic expression, while valuable in fostering creativity, do not typically facilitate daily living tasks. Skills limited to academic testing may enhance knowledge in specific subjects but do not prepare students for real-world applications. Skills that enhance communication alone, while important for social interactions, do not encompass the full range of abilities needed for autonomy and independence.