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.
Our Programs & Resources
From skills training to life transitions support, Ability Montana offers a range of programs to assist you with living independently. View our Ability Montana programs here.
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Self-Direct
If you require additional care in your home this program allows you to hire and oversee attendants of your choice, providing you with greater autonomy over your life.
Peer Mentoring
Peer mentors work with anyone who is adapting to a disability or seeking to increase their independence.
Youth Programs
At Ability Montana, we believe that providing students, families, schools, and providers tools and resources at an early stage of the education process creates the best opportunity for success.
Technology and Accessibility Tools
In a world progressing further and further into a digital age, access to technology and assistive software devices is necessary for Americans with Disabilities.
Self-Advocacy
Helps people identify needs and practice effective communication skills to build and maintain self-empowerment.
Outdoor Recreation
A guided set of opportunities for adventure, allowing you to explore all that the outdoors of Montana has to offer.
Workshops, Classes, and Groups
Ability Montana’s goal is to provide opportunities for disabled Montanans to grow in their disability through community activities and group events.
Independent Living Skills Training
We have a team of Independent Living Specialists (ILS) who offer an array of tools that empower people with disabilities to live self-directed, independent lives.
Personal Assistance Services
The Personal Assistance Program allows people who are aging or have disabilities can hire caregivers that they choose, manage their own schedules, and decide how cares are provided in their own homes.
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.
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! "
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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