Spread the Word to End the Word is an ongoing effort by Special Olympics, Best Buddies International and our supporters to raise the consciousness of society about the dehumanizing and hurtful effects of the word “retard(ed)” and encourage people to pledge to stop using the R-word.

The campaign, created by youth, is intended to engage schools organizations and communities to rally and pledge their support.

For more information, please visit www.r-word.org.

By Bob Liston -- President, Summit ILC Board of Directors As I sit here thinking back to 2009, I can’t help but think about the good things that have been accomplished by Summit Independent Living Center and the disability community across the state and country. It seemed to all start prior to the beginning of the year, trying to find someone →

July 26, 2010 will mark the 20th anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). The ADA, signed into law by President George H.W. Bush, is a comprehensive civil rights law that aims to eliminate discrimination towards people with disabilities.  The ADA has expanded opportunities for Americans with Disabilities by reducing barriers, changing perceptions, and increasing full participation in community life. On →

There will be no cost of living increases for SSI and SSDI recipients for 2010. The 2010 amounts for Social Security are: SSI Individual - $674/month Couple - $1,011/month Substantial Gainful Activity Non-Blind - $1,000/month Blind - $1,640/month Trial Work Period Month $720/month The Montana Medicaid Medically Needy spend-down threshold will remain at $645 after income exclusions. The Montana Medicaid for Workers with Disabilities program is slated to begin →

On October 19th and 20th, 2009, the Statewide Independent Living Council along with Summit and Montana’s other three Centers for Independent Living held a Statewide Independent Living Symposium at the Grand Holiday Inn in Billings, MT. The theme for the symposium was Road to Change. The symposium brought together representatives from all of MT’s Centers for Independent Living and people with →

The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) is the most comprehensive civil rights law protecting people with disabilities. The ADA prohibits discrimination in: Title I: Employment Title II: State and local government Title III: Privately owned businesses Title IV: Telecommunications Title V: Miscellaneous Provisions Since the ADA’s passage in 1990, people with disabilities have gained access to a wider variety of services, programs and activities across America.  A →

The Missoula chapter had a busy fall. Connie Lewis, the chapter president, was able to represent People First at the Independent Living Symposium in Billings. Several of the chapter members also attended the Halloween Party at Hellgate High School in October. Earlier in 2009, Montana People First and it’s chapters across the state became a 501(c)3 non-profit organization. In November →

Missoula Spring Social Celebrate the End of the Missoula long and glooming nights on Second week of March Hosted by Summit, MonTech, HCBS and VSA Arts For a social and fun filled afternoon at our office building at 700 SW Higgins 2010 Montana Youth Leadership Forum – annual event July 13 through the 16, 2010 In Helena at Carroll College Free of charge for newly graduated 8th →

Summit Missoula Staff will facilitate two workshops this spring.  Look over the list below and see which ones would interest you.  We will schedule the top two workshop requests. LEAD ON Leadership Skills to build on as a person with a disability Living Well with a Disability How to set & maintain goals to improve your life Powerful Tools for Caregivers I am →

Flathead County YODA (Youth Opening Doors through Advocacy) has been very busy! We had the opportunity to work with our fellow YODA group in Missoula making a video. There was a couple of incidences of youth in special education that were being abused by their teachers. So YODA wanted to take the bull by the horn and make it known →