Ability Blog

Two men on a boat fishing in a river; one is standing and wearing sunglasses and a hat, the other is smiling in a wheelchair holding a fishing rod. Trees and mountains are visible in the background.

Featured

Adaptive Fishing Equipment Extends Outdoor Experiences to All at Camp Bullwheel

Aug 07, 2025

Discover how innovative adaptive fishing equipment at Camp Bullwheel is making fly fishing accessible to people with disabilities on Montana's Madison River.

Read Article

A smiling woman sitting in a wheelchair uses a tablet in a bright, modern kitchen with shelves, dishes, and utensils visible in the background.

Exciting Assistive Technology for People with Disabilities (And How to Get It)

Explore the latest in assistive technology for people with disabilities, from AI-driven smart homes to adaptive bikes and smart wheelchairs, empowering greater independence and mobility.

A woman in a wheelchair sits at a desk in a classroom, smiling and clasping her hands, while a man beside her writes in a notebook. Other students are seated in the background.

6 Scholarships for People with Disabilities in Montana

From four-year universities to graduate programs, community college, and professional certifications, there are lots of ways to extend your higher education as a person with a disability. And when it comes to paying for school, there are disability-specific scholarships out there to help you fund your education.

Charles Alvarez of Ability Montana sits smiling, with hands clasped. A plant is visible in the dimly lit background.

Empowering Men Through Community: A Conversation With Charles Alvarez

Driven by his own experiences, Charles Alvarez has turned personal adversity into a compelling purpose. Through Ability Montana, he empowers individuals with disabilities, helping them navigate the path to greater self-sufficiency and autonomy.

Two individuals stand on a stage. One is behind a podium with a "Let's Talk! Disability" sign, wearing a brown sweater. The other stands beside, dressed in black. Blue stage curtains are in the background.

Let’s Talk Disability: Sharing Stories, Building Community

What started as an intimate conversation among friends soon blossomed into a revolutionary monologue production – Let’s Talk Disability – that breaks down barriers and challenges societal perceptions.

A person in a wheelchair uses a ramp to enter a van parked on a street.

Montana Transportation Options for People With Disabilities

As a rural state, Montana can be difficult to navigate for people with disabilities who don’t have access to a car of their own. Fortunately, there are several transportation options for people with disabilities that can help residents get around.

A woman in a wheelchair and a man in winter clothing share snacks and hot drinks at an outdoor setting with string lights in the background.

Dating Sites for People with Disabilities

Using a dating app or website is one of the most common ways to meet other people today. As many as 50% of Americans have tried a dating app at this point.

A person in a wheelchair smiles at the camera in a conference room with a presentation screen in the background showing the word "APRIL.

Ability Youth Peer Lucy Galarus to Introduce Disability Education Bill to 2025 Montana Legislature

As a person with a disability living in Butte, Montana, Lucy Galarus has faced her share of challenges, but it’s her passion for advocacy and education that drives her to make lasting change. Currently, she is working on a bill to propose to the Montana Legislature during the 2025 session—a bill aimed at ensuring Montana high schools teach the culture and history of people with disabilities. It’s a mission that stems from Lucy’s own experiences growing up as a wheelchair user, navigating a world that wasn’t built for her needs.

A hockey player in white jersey reaches for the puck on the ice, surrounded by others with sticks positioned nearby.

6 Montana Winter Activities for People with Disabilities

When days get shorter and the snow starts to fly, it can be an isolating time for many people with disabilities. But being active throughout the winter can help build community, reduce mental health struggles, and let you try something new. If you’re not sure how to get out there this winter, try some of these activities for people with disabilities around Southwest Montana.

A group of five diverse individuals, including one in a wheelchair, sit and stand together outdoors on a sunny day, smiling at the camera. They are seated on a bench under a tree.

History of the Disability Rights Movement in Montana

People with disabilities have been fighting for rights and accessibility since long before a formal disability rights movement began. The actions of individuals have the power to make big changes. But the strength of community can be even more powerful.

Two people navigate inflatable rafts through a flowing river surrounded by trees and rocky cliffs under a blue sky.

Top Resources for People with Disabilities in Montana

Living with a disability in Montana shouldn't mean facing challenges alone. Many organizations and government programs in the state offer support for individuals with disabilities.

A group of twelve people, including individuals in wheelchairs, posing in front of a "Bull Wheel Ranch" sign with two dogs, on a grassy area under a clear blue sky.

Ability Montana's Programs That Promote Independence

At Ability Montana, we’re all about community and empowerment. Building connections is a big part of living independently with a disability, and Ability Montana programs offer support to strengthen that community.

A man in a white shirt looks at his phone and smiles while a woman in a grey sweater sits next to him, looking at him. They are indoors, seated on a couch.

Navigating the New Accessibility Requirements for Websites and Mobile Apps in Government

The new rule is designed to improve web and mobile app access for people with disabilities.

Two women in a library, one in a wheelchair and the other standing beside her. They are both reaching for books on a high shelf, with the woman standing assisting the woman in the wheelchair.

Ability Montana's Self-Direct Care Program

When you’re living with a disability or offering support for someone in your life who’s in that situation, it can be difficult to find and access the services to help.

What is Ability Montana?

Ability Montana is one of four Centers for Independent Living (CILs) across the state of Montana. With offices in Butte, Helena, and Bozeman, we cover the area of Southwest Montana, promoting independence and advocating for people living with disabilities.