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Gain independence and live the life you want.

A community where we find our strengths and overcome the challenges while living with disability.

What is Ability Montana?

We are a Center for Independent Living

Ability Montana’s mission is to promote independence and advocate for people with disabilities. Guided by our values of empowerment, advocacy and community, we offer programs and resources encompassed around the five core services of Centers for Independent Living: information and referral, independent living skills training, peer mentoring, individual and systems advocacy, and transition services.

Learn more about Our Story and Who We Are

A group of people posing for a photo.

Advocating for Independent Living Since 1985

From protests at the capitol to a top-tier independent living center

Before the 1980’s, most persons with disabilities were placed in nursing homes and other congregate settings because little-to-no community support existed.

We began advocating for people with disabilities in 1980. By 1985, our first office, Montana Independent Living Project (MILP), was established in Helena to serve southwest Montana. Since then, we've opened two additional offices in Butte (2006) and Bozeman (2008).

Today, we are called Ability Montana, an organization that advocates for changes in communities, policies, and attitudes to create a more accessible world. We advocate for and walk alongside people with disabilities as they navigate their path to independence.

A group of people holding signs in a grassy area.

As Much As We Do, We Can’t Do It All.

We are all part of this thriving and growing community

We continue to grow as an organization daily, always putting our clients, their families, their caregivers, and our staff first.

According to the Center on Disability, 28.3% of persons with disabilities are below the poverty level in the state of Montana.

A charitable gift to Ability Montana ensures:

  • A person with a disability can enter a program to take the first steps in building a more fulfilling and independent life, contributing to our communities.

  • Caregivers (PCA’s) of a person with a disability can be paid for the 24/7 support they provide.

  • Ability Montana staff can be paid for the self-less work they do.

  • We can continue to develop programs and resources necessary to create independent lives.

  • We can continue to advocate and lobby for change for all persons with disabilities.

Proven Success, In Their Own Words

Experiencing the Joys of Everyday Life Through this Partnership.

“Angels on Wheels”

“I used to live with my sister in Butte and didn’t get to go do much. My counselor told me about Ability MT. They helped me learn to ride the bus so I could go to Walmart, the library, and the grocery store. I also am in a Dungeons & Dragons group now where I have made a lot of friends. I am excited because I am on the list for housing so I can have my own place!”

“I was terrified when I found out I was going to lose my Medicaid. I wouldn’t have it today if it weren’t for Ability MT. They contacted my PR, who was not aware of the change and made sure my Medicaid wasn’t canceled.“

"I was so frustrated when they started making us use an app for paratransit rides. I didn’t have a tablet to schedule a ride. Ability MT helped me buy one and taught me how to use it. I am not only able to schedule rides, but to get on Facebook to talk to friends and family, play games, and more."

"I hadn’t had a job in 10 years due to my disability. I wanted to work but wasn’t sure where to find a job that would hire me. I called Ability MT after Purview Health Center recommended me. They told me that they couldn’t help me get the job directly, but that job services could. They guided me to job services and offered to help me with my application, cover letter, and resume. I wouldn’t have a job today if it weren’t for Ability MT! "

Grid of people living independent lives.

Take the next step towards independence

We want to hear your story so that we can guide you towards your next steps.

With over 60% of our organization having some form of disability and over 40 years of experience, we are here to guide you towards independence and freedom.

Your unique needs are not lost on us. Everyone has a different story, and different difficulties. We never take a one-size fits all approach in setting you up for success. 

We have found the best way to navigate your circumstances is for you to contact us so we can hear your needs and find the best resource for you.

OUR LOCATIONS

Ability Montana serves 14 counties in southwest Montana including Beaverhead, Broadwater, Gallatin, Granite, Jefferson, Lewis and Clark, Madison, Meagher, Park, Powell, Silver Bow, Sweet Grass, and Wheatland. To find out more about how we serve your county, contact us!

Helena

Contact Us

406.442.5755 | 1.800.735.6457 (toll-free) | 406.442.1612 (fax)

Address

825 Great Northern Blvd Suite 105
Helena MT, 59601

Counties Served

Lewis & Clark | Powell Jefferson | Broadwater

Bozeman

Contact Us

406-522-7300 (v)

Address

2015 Charlotte St Suite 2
Bozeman MT, 59718

Counties Served

Gallatin | Meagher | Park Wheatland | Sweet Grass

Butte

Contact Us

406-782-4834 (v)

Address

820 W Platinum St
Butte MT, 59701

Counties Served

Granite | Deer Lodge | Silver Bow Jefferson | Beaverhead | Madison

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