Amanda Edwards from Bigfork, MT has been hired as Summit’s Youth Specialist in the Flathead office.

Amanda has been a wheelchair user since September 7th, 1997 as the result of a car accident. It happened a month before she turned 16 years old and she’s always had a great attitude about it, never letting it stop her from living a fulfilling life. Amanda is married, has 3 beautiful children, and goes to college.

Amanda had this to say about Summit, “Summit Independent Living Center has opened so many doors for me. I found out about Summit Independent Living Center and how many resources that are in our community for people with disabilities. I found out that there was a peer advocacy training happening in Kalispell so I went.  My whole life changed after that day!  I graduated from the training, became a Peer Advocate, and from that day on I knew I was meant to help other people with disabilities.  I now lead a group for youth with disabilities in the Flathead Valley, teach them how to advocate, and help them to be involved in their community.  Right now I’m also coaching a baseball team for people with disabilities in our community at the Miracle Field. I’m going to college at FVCC to get my teaching degree and become a Special Education Teacher. I love working with youth!  Summit Independent Living Center has taught me that I can help other people with disabilities overcome their obstacles by inspiring them to live a full and happy life. I love being part of Summit Independent Living Center’s family!”

Justyn Field, a Journalism student at the University of Montana, has been working at Summit this summer as the Public Relations Intern to help prepare for our Symposiums and ADA Celebration. Justyn’s main job is to interview Montanans and find out how their lives have been impacted by the ADA. At Summit we believe everyone has an important →

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 →

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 →

In 1986, the National Council on Disability issued a statement, "Toward Independence," recommending that a law requiring equal opportunity for individuals with disabilities be enacted. The council drafted the first version of the ADA, which was introduced in 1988 during the 100th Congress. The Task Force on Rights and Empowerment of Americans with Disabilities, under the energetic chairmanship of →

Like it, Love it, or Hate it…now that Health Care Reform has passed, let’s take a look at some of the provisions that pertain to people with disabilities. First, we are pleased to announce the inclusion of the Community First Choice (CFC) Option that we worked hard with lawmakers and other advocates all year long to get included in →

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 – →

The School Election will be conducted by mail. Ballots will be mailed to electors on April 19, 2010. If you would like to use the AutoMark to assist you in marking your ballot, an AutoMark will be available at the Fairgrounds, Building 15 - Fine Arts Building, 1101 South Avenue West or at the Courthouse, Elections Office, 200 →

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 →

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 →