Disability Voices

On this episode of Get Connected, Kendra and Ashley sit down with Ashley (two Ashley's in one episode!!) who is a life coach in Butte, MT with Involve Montana.Ashley is a warm and caring soul that provides support to people receiving the SDMI Medicaid Waiver in the Butte area. She talks about how this looks on an individual basis. Ashley also help explain how to access this waiver and the other benefits it offers.To contact Ashley directly, you can email her at [email protected]. To learn more about the SDMI Waiver and see if you qualify, you can contact Mountain Pacific at (406) 443-4020.For other questions about living independently, or if you are unsure of how to get connected, contact Ability Montana at 1-800-735-6457 or ⁠⁠⁠⁠abilitymt.org⁠⁠⁠⁠ for more support.Episode transcript: ⁠⁠⁠⁠Transcript (Google Doc)⁠For questions, suggestions, or if you want to be on the show, contact Disability Voices at:Email: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠[email protected]⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@disabilityvoices⁠⁠⁠⁠

On this episode of Let's Talk Disability, Michelle and Kendra talk with Kristine. Kristine shares the story of how she acquired her disability and how she has held onto joy through the most difficult times.Each episode in this series will expand the conversation about the experience of living with a disability.For resources about disability services in your area, you can contact Ability Montana by calling 1-800-735-6457 or visiting ⁠⁠⁠abilitymt.org⁠⁠⁠.Episode transcript: ⁠Transcript (Google Doc)⁠For questions, suggestions, or if you want to be on the show, contact Disability Voices at:Email: ⁠⁠⁠⁠[email protected]⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠@disabilityvoices⁠

On this episode of Get Connected, Hailey and Ashley sit down with Emily from Blacktail Health in Dillon, Montana.Blacktail Health was formally known as Southwest Montana Community Healthcare Center. The clinic is partially funded through the federal grants that allows them to offer discounts on services so that healthcare remains accessible and affordable. They believe that healthcare is a basic human right. Their committed to providing primary medical, dental, pharmacy, behavioral health services and care management to every person in our region. As a case manager at Blacktail Health, Emily speaks about the power this mission has in the real lives of their patients.To contact the Dillon clinic directly, you can call 406-683-4440. You can learn more about Blacktail Health and find a clinic near you at blacktailhealth.org.For other questions about living independently, or if you are unsure of how to get connected, contact Ability Montana at 1-800-735-6457 or ⁠⁠⁠abilitymt.org⁠⁠⁠ for more support.Episode transcript: ⁠⁠⁠⁠Transcript (Google Doc)⁠For questions, suggestions, or if you want to be on the show, contact Disability Voices at:Email: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠[email protected]⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@disabilityvoices⁠⁠⁠⁠

On this episode of Let's Talk Disability, Michelle and Kendra talk with Theresa. Theresa shares about her life as a disability advocate, from her upbringing to her 30 years (!!) working at Ability Montana. Her story is one of joy and perseverance. Each episode in this series will expand the conversation about the experience of living with a disability.For resources about disability services in your area, you can contact Ability Montana by calling 1-800-735-6457 or visiting ⁠⁠abilitymt.org⁠⁠.Episode transcript: ⁠Transcript (Google Doc)⁠For questions, suggestions, or if you want to be on the show, contact Disability Voices at:Email: ⁠⁠⁠[email protected]⁠⁠⁠Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠@disabilityvoices⁠

On this episode of Let's Talk Disability, Michelle and Kendra talk with Alice. She shares how her connection to spirituality has shaped who she is now, and other helpful tools that she has used to frame her identify within the disability experience.Each episode in this series will expand the conversation about the experience of living with a disability.For resources about disability services in your area, you can contact Ability Montana by calling 1-800-735-6457 or visiting ⁠abilitymt.org⁠.Episode transcript: ⁠Transcript (Google Doc)⁠For questions, suggestions, or if you want to be on the show, contact Disability Voices at:Email: ⁠⁠[email protected]⁠⁠Instagram: ⁠⁠@disabilityvoices

On this episode, Cassie visits with The Collective Disruption about their work on Saving 504, a landmark civil rights law that protects the rights of people with disabilities to receive services and live in their communities. Montana is currently part of a multi-state lawsuit challenging federal rules under Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973. Tune into the episode to learn about the Collective Disruption, 504, and the work happening on the ground to challenge the lawsuit. Resources mentioned in this episode: The Collective Disruption:Sign Up For The Collective DisruptionThe Collective Disruption Instagram: @thecollectivedisruptionThe Collective Disruption Facebook: The Collective Disruption | Facebook Sign the 504 letter to the Attorney General : Save 504 again – Disability Rights Montana Share your Home and Community Based Services story: Action Alerts | MTCIL Summit Independent Living: Summit Independent Living – Building Awareness, Advocating Change for People with DisabilitiesAbility Montana: Gain Independence and Live the Life You Want - Ability MTNorth Central Independent Living Services: NCILS, Inc. |Living Independently for Today and Tomorrow: LIFTT | Living Independently For Today and TomorrowDisability Rights Montana: Disability Rights Montana – Protecting and advocating for the rights of people with disabilities.National Federation of the Blind Montana Chapter: NFB of Montana – Live the Life You Want Contact the podcast:Email: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠[email protected]⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@disabilityvoices

On this episode of Get Connected, Maria and Kendra sit down with Jamie from The Friendship Center.The Friendship Center, based in Helena, MT, serves those affected by domestic violence, sexual assault, and stalking in Lewis and Clark, Broadwater, and Jefferson counties. Through education and outreach, they also strive to empower the community to understand and prevent violence and abuse.If you or someone you know is looking for support, call their 24-hour helpline at 406-442-6800. For more information and resources, visit their website thefriendshipcenter.org.For other questions about living independently, or if you are unsure of how to get connected, contact Ability Montana at 1-800-735-6457 or ⁠⁠abilitymt.org⁠⁠ for more support.Episode transcript: ⁠⁠⁠⁠Transcript (Google Doc)⁠For questions, suggestions, or if you want to be on the show, contact Disability Voices at:Email: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠[email protected]⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@disabilityvoices⁠⁠⁠

On this episode of Get Connected, Ashley and Kendra sit down with Kirk, William and Greg from the American Legion Post 10 in Deer Lodge.This episode is all about how these men are providing peer support and building community for other veterans in their area.For more information about their group, visit them at K & M Diner in Deer Lodge (209 Main St, Deer Lodge, MT 59722) or call (406) 846-4133.For other questions about living independently, or if you are unsure of how to get connected, contact Ability Montana at 1-800-735-6457 or ⁠abilitymt.org⁠ for more support.Episode transcript: ⁠⁠⁠⁠Transcript (Google Doc)⁠For questions, suggestions, or if you want to be on the show, contact Disability Voices at:Email: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠[email protected]⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@disabilityvoices⁠⁠⁠

On this episode of Let's Talk Disability, Michelle and Kendra talk with Mikayla. This conversation is about growth, hope and connection. Mikayla shares tools of how she is navigating life and new lessons from being in her 30's.Each episode in this series will expand the conversation about the experience of living with a disability.For resources about disability services in your area, you can contact Ability Montana by calling 1-800-735-6457 or visiting abilitymt.org.Episode transcript: ⁠Transcript (Google Doc)⁠For questions, suggestions, or if you want to be on the show, contact Disability Voices at:Email: ⁠[email protected]⁠Instagram: ⁠@disabilityvoices

On this episode of Get Connected, Cassie and Kendra sit down with Jancee and Terryn from Butte Native Wellness Center.Butte Native Wellness Center is an outpatient clinic that serves the American Indian and Alaska Native communities of Butte, Montana, and the surrounding areas. Their clinic provides primary health and wellness services such as mental health, substance abuse recovery, diabetes care, education and prevention, and other primary healthcare essentials. They are committed to delivering quality care using both medical expertise as well as the traditional healing practices our patients’ ancestors have utilized for thousands of years.For more information about their services, visit them at 55 E Galena in Butte, MT, call 406-782-0461, go online to buttenwc.org, or email [email protected] other questions about living independently, or if you are unsure of how to get connected, contact Ability Montana at 1-800-735-6457 or abilitymt.org for more support.Episode transcript: ⁠⁠⁠Transcript (Google Doc)For questions, suggestions, or if you want to be on the show, contact Disability Voices at:Email: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠[email protected]⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@disabilityvoices⁠⁠

On this episode of Get Connected, Cassie and Kendra sit down with Faith from Big Sky 55+.Big Sky 55+ is an organization of Montanans 55 and over bringing people together to work for solutions that make life better for Montanans of all ages. Their vision includes policy reforms that generate government actions to effectively bolster markets and provide adequate public services in the 21st century.On this episode, we discuss some of the outcomes of the 2025 Legislative Session and review Big Sky 55+'s scorecard.For more information about their program, visit the Big Sky 55+ Website. To contact Faith, email her at [email protected] you want to review Ability Montana's Scorecard and see how your local legislator voted on key disability issues, it can be found here: Ability Montana's Scorecard (PDF).For other questions about living independently, or if you are unsure of how to get connected, contact Ability Montana at 1-800-735-6457 or ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠abilitymt.org⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ for more support.Episode transcript: ⁠⁠⁠Transcript (Google Doc)⁠⁠⁠For questions, suggestions, or if you want to be on the show, contact Disability Voices at:Email: ⁠⁠⁠⁠[email protected]⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@disabilityvoices⁠⁠

On this episode of Get Connected, Kendra sits down with Nancy from the Butte Aging at Home Program, part of Butte-Silver Bow's Community Development Division.The Butte Aging at Home Program offers free home safety modifications and small repairs for eligible older homeowners in Butte-Silver Bow County. Listen to the full episode for details and eligibility criteria for this program. You can apply for the Butte Aging at Home Program here: Butte Aging at Home Application (Google Form).For more information about the program, visit their website: Butte Aging at Home Website.You can also contact Nancy directly by calling 406-497-6264.For other questions about living independently, or if you are unsure of how to get connected, contact Ability Montana at 1-800-735-6457 or ⁠⁠⁠⁠abilitymt.org⁠⁠⁠⁠ for more support.Episode transcript: ⁠⁠Transcript (Google Doc)⁠⁠For questions, suggestions, or if you want to be on the show, contact Disability Voices at:Email: ⁠⁠⁠[email protected]⁠⁠⁠Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠@disabilityvoices⁠

On this episode of Get Connected, Cassie and Kendra sit down with Molly from the Rural Institute for Inclusive Communities to talk about their program, MonTECH.MonTECH provides technology, support, and services that improve the quality of life for Montanans with disabilities. Folks can try out different assistive technology devices for free! Listen to the episode to hear about what kinds of devices they have in their library and how to access them.For more information and to check out their catalog of devices, go to The MonTECH Website ⁠.For other questions about living independently, or if you are unsure of how to get connected, contact Ability Montana at 1-800-735-6457 or ⁠⁠abilitymt.org⁠⁠ for more support.Episode transcript: ⁠Transcript (Google Doc)⁠For questions, suggestions, or if you want to be on the show, contact Disability Voices at:Email: ⁠[email protected]⁠Instagram: ⁠⁠@disabilityvoices

Thank you so much for joining us during the 2025 Montana Legislative Session. Listen to this episode for our thoughts on the session as a whole and the status of some of the bills we have been tracking along the way.Keep an eye out for periodical updates on here about federal legislation, interim committees, and administrative hearings.If you want to stay involved, reached out to Ability Montana about joining a Disability Action Network near you. Call us at 1-800-735-6457 or ⁠⁠⁠⁠abilitymt.org⁠⁠⁠.Contact the podcast:Email: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠[email protected]⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@disabilityvoices⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Episode Transcript: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Transcript (Google Doc)

On this episode of Get Connected, Andrew, Kendra and Mikayla sit down to talk about the upcoming Let's Talk Disability Productions from Ability Montana.Let’s Talk Disability is monologue production amplifying the voices of people with disabilities, fostering dialogue, understanding, and awareness. Every year, a new cohort of individuals from each community share their personal stories about the lived experience of having a disability. These stories range from emotional to humorous, profound to lighthearted, all with the shared goal of showing that life doesn’t stop—it simply moves forward in new and meaningful ways.For more context about the show and it's origin, go listen to the podcast on our feed titled LET'S TALK DISABILITY | 01 | Barb and Natalie.Join us at this year's events:Butte Art Show: FREE Opening on April 4th from 5-8pm at the IBRC (68 W Park St, Butte, MT). Featuring artists with disabilities, including past and current participants of the show.Butte Production: April 17th and 18th at 6pm at Montana Tech Auditorium in the Library Building (1300 W Park St, Butte, MT)Helena Production: May 15th and 16th at 7pm at FLEX Theatre at Carroll College (1601 N Benton Ave, Helena, MT)For more information and to purchase tickets, visit abilitymt.org.For other questions about living independently, or if you are unsure of how to get connected, contact Ability Montana at 1-800-735-6457 or ⁠⁠⁠abilitymt.org⁠⁠⁠ for more support.Episode transcript: ⁠Transcript (Google Doc)⁠For questions, suggestions, or if you want to be on the show, contact Disability Voices at:Email: ⁠⁠[email protected]⁠⁠Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠@disabilityvoices⁠

Resources mentioned in this episode:Finding a Center for Independent Living near you: Call us toll-free at Ability Montana at 1-800-735-6457 or visit mtcil.org.Caffeinate and Advocate: Weekly group at Ability Montana to discuss updates, practice testimony, or learn more about the legislative process. Fridays from 9:00-11:30 am. In person at the Butte Office (820 W Platinum, Butte MT) or online via Zoom (call 406-782-4834 to be sent the link).Bills we mentioned in this episode:HB 38: Revise laws related to disability parkingHB 245: Revise the Montana HELP Act workforce development provisions and termination dateSB 72: Provide presumptive eligibility for Medicaid coverage of home and community-based servicesSB 82: Establish adjustment to blindness programHB 341: Revise laws relating to brain injuriesHB 576: Revise funding for medicaid and health and support services to children and to adults who are aged, blind, and disabledSB 300: Providing protections for service dogs and handlersHB 607: Provide for the hearing aid coverage actHB 601: Create online portal for community assisters related to MedicaidHB 574: Authorizing implementation of the certified community behavioral health clinic modelHB 488: Allowing a disabled voter to electronically return a ballotFollow these bills at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠bills.legmt.gov⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Upcoming times to get involved:Monday, March 24th, 2025: Public Hearing for SB 300 in (H) Human Services Committee at 3:00pm in Room 152Tuesday, March 25th, 2025: Public Hearing for HB 607 in (S) Business, Labor and Economic Affairs Committee at 8:30am in Room 422Wednesday, March 26th, 2025: Public Hearing for HB 601 in (S) Public Health, Welfare and Safety Committee at 3:00pm in Room 317Wednesday, March 26th, 2025: Public Hearing for HB 574 in (S) Public Health, Welfare and Safety Committee at 3:00pm in Room 317Friday, March 28th, 2025: Public Hearing for HB 488 in (S) State Administration at 3:00pm in Room 355How to get involved in the legislative process:Send a message to a committee: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Click Here⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Call the switchboard: 406-444-4800Find and contact your legislator: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Click Here⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Sign up to give testimony via Zoom: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Click Here⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Join our email list at Ability Montana: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Contact Form (Google Doc)⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Contact the podcast:Email: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠[email protected]⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@disabilityvoices⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Episode Transcript: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Transcript (Google Doc)

Resources mentioned in this episode:Caffeinate and Advocate: Weekly group at Ability Montana to discuss updates, practice testimony, or learn more about the legislative process. Fridays from 9:00-11:30 am. In person at the Butte Office (820 W Platinum, Butte MT) or online via Zoom (call 406-782-4834 to be sent the link).Bills we mentioned in this episode:HB 184: Modify language in the MCA that may diminish the dignity of individuals who are deaf or hard of hearingHB 341: Revise laws relating to brain injuriesSB 72: Provide presumptive eligibility for Medicaid coverage of home and community-based servicesHB 307: Generally revise laws related to licensing donations for disabled veteransHB 601: Create online portal for community assisters related to MedicaidHB 488: Allowing a disabled voter to electronically return a ballotHB 618: Provide for a Montana individual freedom actHB 635: Revise human rights laws to prohibit diversity, equity, and inclusion programsHB 245: Revise the Montana HELP Act workforce development provisions and termination dateFollow these bills at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠bills.legmt.gov⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Upcoming times to get involved:Monday, March 17th, 2025: Public Hearing for HB 184 in (S) Public Health, Welfare and Safety Committee at 3:00pm in Room 317Monday, March 17th, 2025: Public Hearing for HB 341 in (S) Highways and Transportation Committee at 3:00pm in Room 422Tuesday, March 18th, 2025: Public Hearing for SB 72 in (H) Human Services Committee at 3:00pm in Room 152Wednesday, March 19th, 2025: Disability Rally Day at the Montana State Capitol at 11:00am in the RotundaThursday, March 20th, 2025: Public Hearing for HB 307 in (S) Fish and Game Committee at 3:00pm in Room 422Wednesday, March 26th, 2025: Public Hearing for HB 601 in (S) Public Health, Welfare and Safety Committee at 3:00pm in Room 317Friday, March 28th, 2025: Public Hearing for HB 488 in (S) State Administration at 3:00pm in Room 355How to get involved in the legislative process:Send a message to a committee: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Click Here⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Call the switchboard: 406-444-4800Find and contact your legislator: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Click Here⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Sign up to give testimony via Zoom: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Click Here⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Join our email list at Ability Montana: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Contact Form (Google Doc)⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Contact the podcast:Email: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠[email protected]⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@disabilityvoices⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Episode Transcript: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Transcript (Google Doc)

Resources mentioned in this episode:Disability Right's History Documentary: Crip Camp is available to watch for free on Youtube. Crimp Camp (Youtube)Caffeinate and Advocate: Weekly group at Ability Montana to discuss updates, practice testimony, or learn more about the legislative process. Fridays from 9:00-11:30 am. In person at the Butte Office (820 W Platinum, Butte MT) or online via Zoom (call 406-782-4834 to be sent the link).Bills we mentioned in this episode:HB 386: Revising laws related to continuous Medicaid eligibilityHB 395: Generally revise voting laws related to individuals of unsound mindSB 194: Eliminate the board of public assistanceSB 72: Provide presumptive eligibility for Medicaid coverage of home and community-based servicesSB 82: Establish adjustment to blindness programSB 300: Providing protections for service dogs and handlersHB 341: Revise laws relating to brain injuriesHB 245: Revise the Montana HELP Act workforce development provisions and termination dateHB 574: Authorizing implementation of the certified community behavioral health clinic modelHB 576: Revise funding for Medicaid and health and support services to children and to adults who are aged, blind, and disabledHB 601: Create online portal for community assisters related to MedicaidHB 607: Provide for the hearing aid coverage actHB 618: Provide for a Montana individual freedom actHB 635: Revise human rights laws to prohibit diversity, equity, and inclusion programsHB 638: Revise human rights lawsFollow these bills at ⁠⁠⁠⁠bills.legmt.gov⁠⁠⁠⁠Upcoming times to get involved:Feb. 26th, 2025: Public Hearing for HB 574 in (H) Human Services Committee at 3:00pm in Room 152Feb. 26th, 2025: Public Hearing for HB 576 in (H) Human Services Committee at 3:00pm in Room 152Feb. 26th, 2025: Public Hearing for HB 601 in (H) Human Services Committee at 3:00pm in Room 152Feb. 27th, 2025: Public Hearing for HB 635 in (H) Judiciary Committee at 7:00am in Room 137Feb. 27th, 2025: Public Hearing for HB 638 in (H) Judiciary Committee at 7:00am in Room 137Feb. 28th, 2025: Public Hearing for HB 607 in (H) Business and Labor Committee at 7:00am in Room 172March 19th, 2025: Disability Rally Day at the Montana State Capitol at 11:00am in the RotundaHow to get involved in the legislative process:Send a message to a committee:⁠⁠⁠⁠Click Here⁠⁠⁠⁠Call the switchboard: 406-444-4800Find and contact your legislator:⁠⁠⁠⁠Click Here⁠⁠⁠⁠Sign up to give testimony via Zoom:⁠⁠⁠⁠Click Here⁠⁠⁠⁠Join our email list at Ability Montana:⁠⁠⁠⁠Contact Form (Google Doc)⁠⁠⁠⁠Contact the podcast:Email:⁠⁠⁠⁠[email protected]⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram:⁠⁠⁠⁠@disabilityvoices⁠⁠⁠⁠Episode Transcript: ⁠⁠⁠⁠Transcript (Google Doc)

On this episode of Get Connected, Cassie and Andrew (a new member of the Ability Montana team!) sit down with Josh and Michael from State of Mind.State of Mind is a project from the Co-Lab for Civic Imagination at the University of Montana. It is a statewide theatre and public dialogue tour aimed at community listening, tackling stigmas around mental and behavioral health, sharing resources and exploring strategies for care across our communities. Listen to learn more about this incredible program!For more information about the project, including upcoming dates and locations, visit the ⁠State of Mind Website⁠.For other questions about living independently, or if you are unsure of how to get connected, contact Ability Montana at 1-800-735-6457 or ⁠⁠abilitymt.org⁠⁠ for more support.Episode transcript: ⁠Transcript (Google Doc)⁠For questions, suggestions, or if you want to be on the show, contact Disability Voices at:Email: ⁠[email protected]⁠Instagram: ⁠⁠@disabilityvoices⁠

Resources mentioned in this episode:Caffeinate and Advocate: Weekly group at Ability Montana to discuss updates, practice testimony, or learn more about the legislative process. Fridays from 9:00-11:30 am. In person at the Butte Office (820 W Platinum, Butte MT) or online via Zoom (call 406-782-4834 to be sent the link).Bills we mentioned in this episode:HB 386: Revising laws related to continuous Medicaid eligibilityHB 395: Generally revise voting laws related to individuals of unsound mindSB 194: Eliminate the board of public assistanceHB 341: Revise laws relating to brain injuriesHB 245: Revise the Montana HELP Act workforce development provisions and termination dateSB 82: Establish adjustment to blindness programSB 72: Provide presumptive eligibility for Medicaid coverage of home and community-based servicesHB 488: Allowing a disabled voter to electronically return a ballotHB 38: Revise laws related to disability parkingSB 300: Providing protections for service dogs and handlersFollow these bills at ⁠⁠⁠bills.legmt.gov⁠⁠⁠Upcoming times to get involved:Feb. 20th, 2025: Public Hearing for SB 72 in (S) Finance and Claims Committee at 2:30pm in Room 317Feb. 21st, 2025: Public Hearing for HB 488 in (H) State Administration Committee at 10:00am in Room 455Feb. 21st, 2025: Public Hearing for HB 38 in (S) Highways and Transportation Committee at 3:00pm in Room 422Feb. 24th, 2025: Public Hearing for SB 300 in (H) Human Services Committee at 3:00pm in Room 152March 19th, 2025: Disability Rally Day at the Montana State Capitol (more details to come!)How to get involved in the legislative process:Send a message to a committee:⁠⁠⁠Click Here⁠⁠⁠Call the switchboard: 406-444-4800Find and contact your legislator:⁠⁠⁠Click Here⁠⁠⁠Sign up to give testimony via Zoom:⁠⁠⁠Click Here⁠⁠⁠Join our email list at Ability Montana:⁠⁠⁠Contact Form (Google Doc)⁠⁠⁠Contact the podcast:Email:⁠⁠⁠[email protected]⁠⁠⁠Instagram:⁠⁠⁠@disabilityvoices⁠⁠⁠Episode Transcript: ⁠⁠⁠Transcript (Google Doc)

Resources mentioned in this episode:Caffeinate and Advocate: Weekly group at Ability Montana to discuss updates, practice testimony, or learn more about the legislative process. Fridays from 9:00-11:30 am. In person at the Butte Office (820 W Platinum, Butte MT) or online via Zoom (call 406-782-4834 to be sent the link).Bills we mentioned in this episode:HB 245: Revise the Montana HELP Act workforce development provisions and termination dateSB 72: Provide presumptive eligibility for Medicaid coverage of home and community-based servicesHB 154, HB 155, HB 231: All relating to revising property tax ratesHB 385: Establish the school mental health promotion pilot programHB 386: Revising laws related to continuous Medicaid eligibilityHB 395: Generally revise voting laws related to individuals of unsound mindSB 82: Establish adjustment to blindness programSB 144: Change name of mental health advisory council to behavioral health advisory councilFollow these bills at⁠⁠bills.legmt.gov⁠⁠Upcoming times to get involved:Feb. 12th, 2025: Public Hearing for HB 385 in (H) Education Committee at 3:00pm in Room 152Feb. 13th, 2025: Public Hearing for HB 386 in (H) Human Services Committee at 3:00pm in Room 152Feb. 14th, 2025: Public Hearing for HB 395 in (H) State Administration Committee at 10:00am in Room 455Feb. 17th, 2025: Public Hearing for SB 82 in (H) Human Services Committee at 3:00pm in Room 152Feb. 17th, 2025: Public Hearing for SB 144 in (H) Human Services Committee at 3:00pm in Room 152How to get involved in the legislative process:Send a message to a committee:⁠⁠Click Here⁠⁠Call the switchboard: 406-444-4800Find and contact your legislator:⁠⁠Click Here⁠⁠Sign up to give testimony via Zoom:⁠⁠Click Here⁠⁠Join our email list at Ability Montana:⁠⁠Contact Form (GoogleDoc)⁠⁠Contact the podcast:Email:⁠⁠[email protected]⁠⁠Instagram:⁠⁠@disabilityvoices⁠⁠Episode Transcript: ⁠⁠Transcript (Google Doc)

Resources mentioned in this episode: Share your Medicaid Expansion Story: Catalyst Montana Website Caffeinate and Advocate: Weekly group at Ability Montana to discuss updates, practice testimony, or learn more about the legislative process. Fridays from 9:00-11:30 am. In person at the Butte Office (820 W Platinum, Butte MT) or online via Zoom (call 406-782-4834 to be sent the link). Bills we mentioned in this episode: HB 168: Provide state funding for preschool children with disabilities HB 230: Generally revise Medicaid laws HB 245: Revise the Montana HELP Act workforce development provisions and termination date SB 82: Establish adjustment to blindness program HB 341: Revise laws relating to brain injuries Follow these bills at ⁠bills.legmt.gov⁠ How to get involved in the legislative process: Send a message to a committee: ⁠Click Here⁠ Call the switchboard: 406-444-4800 Find and contact your legislator: ⁠Click Here⁠ Sign up to give testimony via Zoom: ⁠Click Here⁠ Join our email list at Ability Montana: ⁠Contact Form (Google Doc)⁠ Contact the podcast: Email: ⁠[email protected]⁠ Instagram: ⁠@disabilityvoices⁠ Episode Transcript: ⁠Transcript (Google Doc)

On this episode of Get Connected, Cassie and Kendra sit down with Molly from the Rural Institute for Inclusive Communities at the University of Montana. The Rural Institute aims to build access and opportunity for people with disabilities through education, research, evaluation, and service. Listen to the episode to learn more about how this looks in action! For more information about their services and programs, visit the Rural Institute Website. For other questions about living independently, or if you are unsure of how to get connected, contact Ability Montana at 1-800-735-6457 or ⁠abilitymt.org⁠ for more support. Episode transcript: Transcript (Google Doc) For questions, suggestions, or if you want to be on the show, contact Disability Voices at: Email: [email protected] Instagram: ⁠@disabilityvoices

Resources mentioned in this episode: Caffeinate and Advocate: Weekly group at Ability Montana to discuss updates, practice testimony, or learn more about the legislative process. Fridays from 9:00-11:30 am. In person at the Butte Office (820 W Platinum, Butte MT) or online via Zoom (call 406-782-4834 to be sent the link). Bills we mentioned in this episode: HB 168: Provide state funding for preschool children with disabilities SB 72: Provide presumptive eligibility for Medicaid coverage of home and community-based services HB 230: Generally revise Medicaid laws HB 245: Revise the Montana HELP Act workforce development provisions and termination date SB 82: Establish adjustment to blindness program Follow these bills at bills.legmt.gov This week’s events: January 22, 2025: Public Hearing for HB 230 and HB 245 in Human Services Committee Room #303 starting at 2pm. January 24, 2025: Public Hearing for SB 82 in Public Health, Welfare and Safety Committee Room #317 at 3pm. How to get involved in the legislative process: Send a message to a committee: Click Here Call the switchboard: 406-444-4800 Find and contact your legislator: Click Here Sign up to give testimony via Zoom: Click Here Join our email list at Ability Montana: Contact Form (Google Doc) Contact the podcast: Email: [email protected] Instagram: @disabilityvoices Episode Transcript: Transcript (Google Doc)

Resources mentioned in this episode: Share your Medicaid Story: Click Here Sign up to support Montana’s current Medicaid program: Click Here See upcoming events from Catalyst Montana and sign up for their Action Alerts: Click Here   Next week’s events: January 14th at 7pm: Disability Rights Montana Panel: Healthy Communities, Stronger Montana: The role of Medicaid for individuals & rural communities. In person at Disability Rights Montana office at 1022 Chestnut Street Helena, MT 59601 or online at disabilityrightsmt.org. January 15th at noon: Medicaid Rally at Montana Capitol How to get involved in the legislative process: Find and contact your legislator: legmt.org Bill Tracker: bills.legmt.gov Join our email list at Ability Montana: Contact Form (Google Forms)   Contact the podcast: Email: [email protected] Instagram: @disabilityvoices   Episode Transcript: Transcript (Google Doc)

Welcome to our new series, Get Involved! This series will be a guide to advocacy-equipping you with the tools, knowledge, and confidence to make your voice heard during the 2025 Montana Legislative Session. Weekly episodes will feature updates from the past week, a look ahead to the next week, and all the information you need to Get Involved. This episode Cassie, Michelle and Kendra break down how the legislative process works and some tips to becoming an advocate. Follow along so you can stay up to date and get involved with shaping Montana's future. Montana's Legislative Website: legmt.gov Contact Legislators on the switchboard at: 406-444-4800 For question, or to get involved, contact us: Email: [email protected] Instagram: @disabilityvoices Episode transcript: Transcript (Google Doc)

On this episode of Get Connected, Cassie and Kendra sit down with Chanda from Montana Vocational Rehabilitation. Vocational Rehabilitation is here to help people with disabilities obtain meaningful, life-long careers. In this episode, they discuss all the services and support that Voc Rehab counselors provide to make this possible. Some examples include paying for all kinds of training, job coaching, and job exploration. Listen to the full episode for all the details! You can find your local Vocational Rehabilitation office by calling 1-877-296-1197 or on their website. For other questions about living independently, or if you are unsure of how to get connected, contact Ability Montana at 1-800-735-6457 or ⁠abilitymt.org⁠ for more support. Episode transcript: Transcript (Google Doc) For questions, suggestions, or if you want to be on the show, contact Disability Voices at: Email: [email protected] Instagram: @disabilityvoices

On this episode of Let's Talk Disability, Barb talks with Heather and her mom Holly. Heather shares her experience moving out and buying her own home. Holly shares some of the steps they took to help Heather be as independent as possible. Each episode in this series will feature conversations between people with disabilities about all aspects of life. The good, the bad, and the funny. For resources about disability services in your area, you can contact Ability Montana by calling 1-800-735-6457 or visiting abilitymt.org. Episode transcript: Transcript (Google Doc) For questions, suggestions, or if you want to be on the show, contact Disability Voices at: Email: [email protected] Instagram: @disabilityvoices

On this episode of Get Connected Cassie and Kendra sit down with Emmy and Nicole from Mountains and Milestones Therapy. Mountains and Milestones is a Pediatric Speech and Physical Therapy Clinic in Butte. Emmy and Nicole opened this clinic together based on their shared goal of serving children and families in their community. They discuss the benefits of therapy for developing children and the philosophy of wrap around services that they are providing to their clients. You can contact Emmy and Nicole at Mountains and Milestones by calling 406-565-5085 or at mountainsandmilestones.com. For other questions about living independently, or if you are unsure of how to get connected, contact Ability Montana at 1-800-735-6457 or ⁠abilitymt.org⁠ for more support. Episode transcript: Transcript (Google Doc) For questions, suggestions, or if you want to be on the show, contact Disability Voices at: Email: [email protected] Instagram: @disabilityvoices

On this episode of Let's Talk Disability, Barb talks with Katie about her story and participation in the Let's Talk Disability Production in Helena. Katie shares her experience living with Long COVID and adjusting to disability. She challenges society's perception of people who are still wearing masks in a positive and impactful way. Each episode in this series will feature conversations between people with disabilities about all aspects of life. The good, the bad, and the funny. For resources about disability services in your area, you can contact Ability Montana by calling 1-800-735-6457 or visiting abilitymt.org. Episode transcript: Transcript (Google Doc) For questions, suggestions, or if you want to be on the show, contact Disability Voices at: Email: [email protected] Instagram: @disabilityvoices

On this episode of Get Connected Cassie and Kendra sit down with David, Patrick and Todd from Ability Montana's Recreation Program. They discuss all the ways this team is helping folks recreate in Montana. All of their equipment and instruction is designed to meet people where they are at, both with level of ability and skill. These opportunities are aimed at creating life-long recreation and can include people's family and friends as well. They talk about their two main programs, fishing/rafting and skiing, but cover lots of other opportunities as well. David, Patrick and Todd also share stories from their life-long careers in adaptive recreation. Listen now to hear about how you could get outdoors in Montana with the Recreation Team. You can contact the Recreation Team through any of the Ability Montana offices, or you can call David directly at 406-558-9201 or email him at ⁠[email protected]⁠. For other questions about living independently, or if you are unsure of how to get connected, contact Ability Montana at 1-800-735-6457 or ⁠abilitymt.org⁠ for more support. Episode transcript: Transcript (Google Doc) For questions, suggestions, or if you want to be on the show, contact Disability Voices at: Email: [email protected] Instagram: @disabilityvoices

We hope you enjoyed the pilot of the new series Let's Talk Disability. Each episode will feature conversations between people with disabilities about all aspects of life. The good, the bad, and the funny. In this episode, Barb and Natalie talk about the history of the Let's Talk Disability Production. They also explore some of the ways they have coped with their own disabilities. For resources about disability services in your area, you can contact Ability Montana by calling 1-800-735-6457 or visiting abilitymt.org. Episode transcript: Transcript (Google Doc) For questions, suggestions, or if you want to be on the show, contact Disability Voices at: Email: [email protected] Instagram: @disabilityvoices

On this episode of Get Connected Cassie and Kendra sit down with Lindy and Amy with Montana's Vocational Rehabilitation Blind and Low Vision Services (BLVS). They discuss how BLVS provides services through three programs to assist individuals in finding or maintaining employment, learning to live with low vision or blindness, and increasing independence for Montanans with blindness or visual disabilities. Listen to learn more about the details of these programs and how to qualify for them. You can contact BLVS to be connected to the office in your area by calling 877-296-1197 or visit their website by clicking here. To contact Summit Independent Living in Missoula about the Orientation and Mobility Program mentioned in this episode, you can call them at 406-728-1630 or visit their website by clicking here. For other questions about living independently, or if you are unsure of how to get connected, contact Ability Montana at 1-800-735-6457 or abilitymt.org for more support. Episode Transcript: Click Here For questions or suggestions contact Disability Voices at: Email: ⁠[email protected]⁠ Instagram: Click Here

On this episode of Get Connected Cassie and Kendra sit down with Dr. Janna Sherrill, founder of Unraveling Obstacles in Butte, MT. Unraveling Obstacles features a series of occupational and physical therapy workshops that cover a different topic each week including: safe lifting, transferring, low vision, post partum and more. On this episode, they discuss the importance of adapting the way we deliver services as the workforce and demand continues to change. If you are interested in learning more about the workshops available at Unraveling Obstacles, you can contact Dr. Janna Sherrill at the following: By phone: 406-239-3198 On Facebook: Click Here Website: unravelingobstacles.com For other questions about living independently, contact Ability Montana at 1-800-735-6457 or abilitymt.org for more support. Episode Transcript: Click Here For questions or suggestions contact Disability Voices at: Email: ⁠[email protected]⁠ Instagram: Click Here

On this episode of Get Connected Cassie and Kendra sit down with Tawni Harper, an Occupational Therapist at Lone Peak Physical Therapy in Butte, MT. They discuss the misconceptions of what occupational therapy is and what folks can actually expect from this type of support. Listen to the end to hear Cassie tell Tawni that she is one of Butte's 2024 Disability Advocacy Award winners. Our community is lucky to have incredible providers, and we are proud to be able to honor Tawni for her dedicated work. If you live in Southwest Montana and are interested in learning more about the services at Lone Peak Physical Therapy, you can contact them at 406-494-7050. For other questions about living independently, or if you do not live in the Butte area, contact Ability Montana at 1-800-735-6457 or abilitymt.org for more support. Episode Transcript: Click here For questions or suggestions contact Disability Voices at: Email: ⁠[email protected]⁠ Instagram: Click here

On this episode of Get Connected, Cassie and Kendra sit down with Sean to talk about the Veteran Directed Care Program at Ability Montana. They discuss the requirements to receive personal care through the VA and what can be expected of people who would want to become caregivers. To contact Sean, call 406-422-5755 or email [email protected]. To contact Ability Montana, call 1-800-735-6457 or visit⁠ abilitymt.org⁠. Episode transcript: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1kwTEUxFK085QCrblHs93mgjGcNFE69bBcOPlwdT-ioI/edit?usp=sharing For questions or suggestions contact Disability Voices at: Email: ⁠[email protected]⁠ Instagram:  ⁠https://www.instagram.com/disabilityvoices?igsh=ZnYydXQ5YWR5dTQ=

On this episode of Get Connected, Cassie and Kendra sit down with Allison to talk about the Self-Directed Personal Assistance Services at Ability Montana. They discuss the requirements to receive personal care and what can be expected of people who would want to become caregivers. To contact Ability Montana, call 1-800-735-6457 or visit abilitymt.org. Episode transcript: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1N9DB8hieuYODk9f72SalY5QYZNEVMAncAQt3gm82Ppk/edit?usp=sharing For questions or suggestions contact Disability Voices at: Email: [email protected] Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/disabilityvoices?igsh=ZnYydXQ5YWR5dTQ=

On the pilot episode of the series Get Connected, Cassie and Kendra talk about Independent Living Services at Ability Montana. They cover what a Center for Independent Living is and describe some of the programs they offer.   To contact Ability Montana, call 1-800-735-6457 or visit abilitymt.org.  Episode transcript: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1QKEOo5QA3uhytwy3KzBHXd4UfQNgf_B9w_F7K7RlmuA/edit?usp=sharing For questions or suggestions contact Disability Voices at: Email: [email protected] Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/disabilityvoices?igsh=ZnYydXQ5YWR5dTQ= 

Subscribe now to be the first to listen to Ability Montana's new podcast, Disability Voices. Here is a preview of what's to come... Connect with us: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/disabilityvoices?igsh=ZnYydXQ5YWR5dTQ= Email: [email protected] Website: abilitymt.org