January 2010 Newsletter Articles are now posted. Check out our online newsletter at the Summit Independent Online.
In the News...
New from the Montana Disability and Health Program
The 2009-2010 Montana Mammography Directory is now available. The directory provides information for women with and without disabilities on mammography service providers by city. Each entry includes contact information, hours of operation, fees, standard and additional services available, and disability access information.
Jim Marks Hired as the First Director of the Disability Transitions Programs at the DPHHS
On November 25, 2009 Hank Hudson, the Montana DPHHS Economic Security Services Branch Manager, announced that Jim Marks was hired as the first director of the Disability Transitions Programs at DPHHS. Jim Marks worked for a number of years as the Director of Disability Services for Students at the University of Montana. Summit congratulates Jim Marks on his new position and we look forward to working with him over the coming years to improve the quality of life for individuals with disabilities in Montana.
Senate Bill Seeks to Replace "Mental Retardation" with "Intellectual Disability" - Community Applauds
Press Release from Senator Mikulski (11/17/09):
SENATOR MIKULSKI INTRODUCES BILL TO STRIKE TERMS "MENTAL RETARDATION" AND "MENTALLY RETARDED" FROM FEDERAL LAWBOOKS
"Rosa's Law" honors a young girl whose 13 y/o brother Nick Marcellino said on why the word Mentally Retarded should be taken out of of federal language, "...Some say we shouldn't worry about the words, just the way we treat people. But when you think about it, what you call people is how we treat them. If we change the words, maybe it'll be the start of a new attitude toward people with intellectual disabilities."
Visit the Justice For All Blog to read the press release.
About Summit Independent Living Center
Summit Independent Living Center, Inc. is a non-profit, non-residential program serving people with mobility, neurological, hearing, visual, and other disabilities.
Services are available to residents of Missoula, Ravalli, Mineral, Lake, Sanders, Flathead, and Lincoln Counties.
We believe that people with disabilities have the right to control their own lives and enjoy the same opportunities as all other citizens. This includes the right to:
- Make their own decisions and direct their own affairs,
- Have a family life,
- Have choice in services, transportation, housing, education and employment,
- Participate fully in the social, economic and political life in their communities, and
- Contribute their unique talents and abilities as respected members of their communities