The ADA Generation
There live a people who will never feel the sacrifices their forefathers made to fight for their freedom. They will never truly understand that only a short time ago their people were not citizens in the land of the free—they could be shipped off to an institution against their will, be arrested for going out in public or be →
Montana Medicaid for Workers with Disabilities In Effect July 1st
The Montana Medicaid for Workers with Disabilities (MMWD) program, one of the key achievements of the 2009 Legislature for individuals with disabilities, goes into effect July 1, 2010. The MMWD program is a new Medicaid eligibility category specifically designed for individuals with disabilities to go to or return to work or for those who are already working and may become →
Flathead County Update
Forty-eight consumers, family and friends had a wonderful time at the Karaoke and Comedy Night party May 1st. We enjoyed having Mike Beers there to give us some laughs. We also had Flo and peer advocates, Leo, Marty and Carolyn give a performance as “The Monkees” which was very “tuneful.” Silliness was everywhere as people enjoyed trying on outrageous glasses →
Community and Rural Health Clinic Accessibility Studies
Summit and Montana’s three other Centers for Independent Living are teaming up once again with the Montana Disability and Health Program at the Rural Institute on Disabilities this summer to conduct accessibility reviews at all community and rural health clinics throughout the state of Montana. You may recall when the Center’s partnered with the MTDH Program last year to do accessibility studies →
Missoula County Update
Right now Summit is under a lucky star! Spring and Summer is so busy we can hardly tell when we are coming or going, but it’s been a blast! We hosted an ADAPT board member picnic on June 26th. What is ADAPT you ask? ADAPT is a national group of disability rights activists who have championed such changes as accessible public →
Ravalli County Update
The peer advocates and members of the Bitterroot People First Action Club are very busy planning disability awareness activities in conjunction with Bitterroot Glory Days to be held July 2nd, 3rd, 4th at the Ravalli County Fairgrounds. They plan to participate in the parade on Friday and the activities on Saturday to celebrate the 20th Anniversary of the Americans with →
New Lake County Co-Coordinators: Scott and Michelle Williamson
Summit has recently hired both Scott and Michelle. They have been involved with Summit Independent Living Center off and on for the past seven years as peer advocates. Scott has an Associates degree and a Bachelors degree in Information Technology and is currently in school to earn a degree in Psychology. Michelle has an Associates degree in Psychology and a →
20th Anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act & 2010 Independent Living Symposium
For generations, millions of people with disabilities lived as second-rate citizens in a society based on the promise that “All men are created equal” and where “Life, Liberty, and the Pursuit of Happiness” are considered unalienable rights. People with disabilities were routinely sterilized and institutionalized. There were no laws to ensure access to or a benefit from the →
MATOR
Montana Access To Outdoor Recreation (MATOR) provides tools and resources for outdoor recreational activities. Demonstration events & education/awareness activities are being planned throughout the summer, so plan to attend. Our free recreational equipment loan program is available to Montanans anytime. We are also planning some floating/fishing opportunities including accessible rafts and fishing equipment in the Missoula area in July – →
Do You Need Help Filling Out Your 2010 Census Form?
Have you returned your Census form yet? April 1, 2010 is Census Day but if you have not yet returned your Census form, don’t worry, you still have time. Your 2010 Census form should have arrived in March but if your Census form was lost, damaged, or you never received one, you can contact the Telephone Questionnaire Assistance center after April →
Montana Primary Elections – June 8th
One of the most important and fundamental rights we enjoy as citizens of the United States is the right to vote for the people who represent our interests and us at all levels of our Government. This right is the foundation upon which our democratic form of Government is based. It's a civic duty we should all feel privileged to →
“You Have the Power…Live the Dream”
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 →
2010 Social Security Changes
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 →
2009 Statewide IL Legislative Symposium
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 →
A Glance at the ADA
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 →
YODA Youth Talk About Alleged Teacher Abuse
The Missoula and Flathead County YODA (Youth Opening Doors through Advocacy) groups discuss their thoughts about the alleged abuse towards students with disabilities that occurred at North Middle School in Great Falls, MT. The news story referenced in the video can be found on the KFBB.com News Channel 5 website at http://www.kfbb.com/news/local/65353112.html
Montana Medicaid for Workers with Disabilities Program
October is Disability Employment Awareness Month and so we are happy to let you know that a new Medicaid Buy-in program, specifically for workers with disabilities, will be coming to Montana soon. The new Medicaid Buy-in program will be called the Montana Medicaid for Workers with Disabilities Program (MMWD). The purpose of the program is to support employment for individuals with →
