There are four Centers for Independent Living that serve each county within the state of Montana. One of these Centers is Ability Montana. This article shares information about what a Center for Independent Living is, Ability Montana’s history and one of Ability Montana’s newest resources – a podcast.
WHAT IS A CENTER FOR INDEPENDENT LIVING (CIL)?
The Administration for Community Living explains:
Designed and operated by individuals with disabilities, CILs provide independent living services for people with disabilities. CILs are at the core of ACL's independent living programs, which work to support community living and independence for people with disabilities across the nation based on the belief that all people can live with dignity, make their own choices, and participate fully in society. These programs provide tools, resources, and supports for integrating people with disabilities fully into their communities to promote equal opportunities, self-determination, and respect.
ABILITY MONTANA - HISTORY
Ability Montana is formerly known as Montana Independent Living Project (mILP). In 1980, two advocacy groups united to acquire grant funding for independent living services. Out of this effort, Montana Independent Living Project and Summit Independent Living were born. In 1985 Montana Independent Living Project opened doors in Helena, Butte and Bozeman. Since then, Montana Independent Living Project has consistently served 14 Southwest Montana counties. Rebranding as Ability Montana in 2022, the organization expanded services to include a major recreation program, hosting regional opportunities to participate in adaptive skiing, ice hockey and fly fishing.
DISABILITY VOICES – A PODCAST FROM ABILITY MONTANA
In February 2024, Ability Montana elevated staff talent and took to the airwaves, launching its first podcast, Disability Voices. Ability Montana has taken the lead on this new form of regional outreach, releasing new episodes regularly.
The podcast features three different series:
Get Connected features interviews with regional service providers ranging from Blind and Low Vision Services to occupational therapy.
Let’s Talk Disability highlights the disability lived experience, interviewing members from our vibrant disability community.
Get Involved shares updates on the current Montana Legislative session, advocacy tips and how to get involved with disability rights at the local level.
WHERE TO LISTEN
Disability Voices can be found on Apple Podcasts and Spotify. Each podcast is accompanied by a transcript. Listeners can learn more and access all episodes on Ability Montana’s Disability Voices webpage. Happy listening!
Our blogger for today is Kristen Newman, ADAC, and is the ADA Accessibility Specialist with Ability Montana. Kristen is a new member of the Rocky Mountain ADA Advisory Committee.