Top Resources for People with Disabilities in Montana

Ability Montana

Ability Montana is one of four Centers for Independent Living in Montana. Ability offers a range of personalized programs to foster independence and empowerment. Check out these programs that offer resources for people with disabilities:

Outdoor recreation

Get outside, connect with nature, and find community through rafting, fly fishing, ice skating, and more. Find upcoming opportunities in our events calendar.

Peer mentoring

Talk to someone who gets it. Peer mentors have been there, and they know what you’re going through. Reach out to an Ability Montana office to get connected with a Peer Mentor.

Self-Direct Personal Assistance Program

The Self-Direct Program allows you to hire and direct your own care assistants who can help with daily tasks such as bathing, grooming, bathroom assistance, medication reminders, meal preparation, eating, prescription pickup, grocery shopping, light housekeeping, and community integration.

The program is available through the Montana Department of Health and Human Services and covered by Medicaid.

Get in touch to find out more about how the Self-Direct Personal Assistance Program could work for you.

Groups, meetings, and special events

There’s always something going on at the Ability Montana offices in Butte, Helena, and Bozeman. From game nights to community picnics and advocacy seminars, the Ability Montana events calendar is an easy way to see what’s coming up.

Independent Living Skills Trainings

Get in touch with an Independent Living Specialists about our training courses on cooking, budgeting, and more.

Government Resources for People With Disabilities

The Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services (DPHHS) oversees vital programs that provide resources for people with disabilities. Here are some key services DPHHS provides:

1. Montana Vocational Rehabilitation (VR): VR assists individuals with disabilities in preparing for, finding, and maintaining employment. They offer services like job training, career counseling, and workplace accommodations.

2. Montana Medicaid Services: Medicaid provides essential healthcare coverage for eligible individuals, including those with disabilities. It covers a wide range of medical services, prescriptions, and long-term care support.

3. Disability Determination Services (DDS): DDS determines eligibility for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits. They evaluate medical evidence to determine if applicants meet the federal criteria for disability benefits.

Local Nonprofits: Community Allies

Local nonprofits offer resources for people with disabilities around Montana, from building community connections to offering legal support and advocacy.

1. Disability Rights Montana advocates for the rights of individuals with disabilities through legal assistance, education, and advocacy.

2. Montana Legal Services Association helps ensure fairness for all in Montana’s justice system by providing civil, non-criminal legal services to low-income Montanans.

3. Special Olympics Montana provides sports training and athletic competition opportunities for children and adults with intellectual disabilities.

4. Developmental Educational Assistance Program (DEAP) provides a range of services including early intervention, therapeutic support, and educational programs for children and adults with developmental disabilities.

5. Montana Aging and Disability Resource Center (ADRC) offers an online database for resources relating to aging and disabilities.

Connecting with Resources

When you’re living with a disability, navigating resources can be complex. But reaching out for help can open doors to opportunities and empowerment.

If you’re not sure where to start, or you have questions about what options might be available for you, reach out to Ability Montana staff for support.