In the News...
Learn about Smart 911!
On April 16 Missoula staff will be supporting a 2-3 hour workshop on Smart 911.
Communications: Smart 911
Missoula County 911 Center will be adopting Smart911 in mid- to late- February. Smart911 is a secure on-line database of specific household information that can be accessed by a 911 Operator only when someone from that household calls 911. This system provides a number of improved capabilities to the 911 Center:
improved locations - at this time a cell phone call to 911 only provide general location information that would be helpful in locating someone in a non-populated area, but would make it difficult to locate a person in a city building or any other location smaller than roughly a football field;
improved medical and disability information – Smart911 allows users to create a detailed profile including entering medical and disability information.
Ability to initiate a text conversation with a hearing impaired caller – while 911 Centers cannot at this time receive text messages, Smart911 enables hearing impaired users to enter information that following the initial call to 911, and activation of the users profile identifying a hearing issue, would enable the 911 Operator to initiate a text exchange with the caller.
Other information that would assist responders: emergency contacts, property access directions, number and location of children in the household, pets (including service animals), and more.
Action: The Fast Network can help the 911 Center advertise this capability to those they serve who would like responders to be better able to assist them in an emergency.
Participate in Disability Research!
Do you have a disability that started before you were 22 years old?
If so, you are invited to help the Rural Institute on Disabilities with their research study about health and safety and people with developmental disabilities.
The Rural Institute on Disabilities at The University of Montana is doing this study. You may be able to participate if:
- You are at least 18 years old
- You have a disability or hearing impairment that started before age 22
- Your disability makes a difference in how you learn, or understand, or speak, or see, or move, or work, or live on your own without any help.
This study will take place all over Montana. The study is an interview and will take at least two hours. Part of the interview will be on a computer, and someone will be there to help, if needed.
Men and women who are a part of this study will be paid $40.
If you are in Montana and want to be in the study, or if you have any questions, please contact Kathy Boyer at (406) 728-1630 or (800) 398-9002 or by email at kboyer@summitilc.org.
Medicaid for Workers with Disabilities
Summit Independent Living Center is contracting with the Department of Public Health and Human Services to publicize the Medicaid for Workers with Disabilities program.
We will be offering informative sessions to teach consumers as well as employment agencies and organizations about this new program. These informational sessions will be available through a series of meetings to be held until Dec. 31, 2011.
Summit ILC will be distributing information about the program through its newsletter and fliers as well, and will be sending representatives to workshops sponsored by the Montana Medicaid Infrastructure Grant. To learn more about the Medicaid for Workers with Disabilities program and to check our informational session schedule, please visit Summit's Medicaid for Workers with Disabilities program information page.
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
Want to know what Summit is up to or are you interested in staying up to date with what events and/or meetings are coming up?
If so, be sure to check out our online calendar where you will not only find information about upcoming Summit meetings and events but also information about various other community events and meetings as well.