One of the most important rights we enjoy as citizens of our state and nation is the right to vote for the people who make and uphold our laws. This right is the foundation upon which our democratic form of government is based. Many people in the world do not share this right. It's a [...]
Did you know that October is Breast Cancer Awareness month? Breast cancer is the most common cancer in women, and living with a disability does not make you immune. However, women with disabilities are less likely to receive ongoing breast cancer screening because of a combination or variety of physical, psychological or accessibility barriers. That’s [...]
Montana Independent Living (IL) Symposium gathering held in July Missoula and Summit played host to the 2010 Montana Independent Living (IL) Symposium this past July! Our theme “You Have The Power, Live The Dream”! was a call to action from one of our beloved national leaders, Justin Dart, 20 years ago in moving the Americans [...]
For generations, millions of people with disabilities lived as second-rate citizens in a society based on the promise that “All men are created equal” and where “Life, Liberty, and the Pursuit of Happiness” are considered unalienable rights. People with disabilities were routinely sterilized and institutionalized. There were no laws to ensure access to or a [...]
In 1986, the National Council on Disability issued a statement, "Toward Independence," recommending that a law requiring equal opportunity for individuals with disabilities be enacted. The council drafted the first version of the ADA, which was introduced in 1988 during the 100th Congress. The Task Force on Rights and Empowerment of Americans with Disabilities, under [...]
Like it, Love it, or Hate it…now that Health Care Reform has passed, let’s take a look at some of the provisions that pertain to people with disabilities. First, we are pleased to announce the inclusion of the Community First Choice (CFC) Option that we worked hard with lawmakers and other advocates all year long [...]
Have you returned your Census form yet? April 1, 2010 is Census Day but if you have not yet returned your Census form, don’t worry, you still have time. Your 2010 Census form should have arrived in March but if your Census form was lost, damaged, or you never received one, you can contact the Telephone [...]
July 26, 2010 will mark the 20th anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). The ADA, signed into law by President George H.W. Bush, is a comprehensive civil rights law that aims to eliminate discrimination towards people with disabilities. The ADA has expanded opportunities for Americans with Disabilities by reducing barriers, changing perceptions, and [...]
There will be no cost of living increases for SSI and SSDI recipients for 2010. The 2010 amounts for Social Security are: SSI Individual - $674/month Couple - $1,011/month Substantial Gainful Activity Non-Blind - $1,000/month Blind - $1,640/month Trial Work Period Month $720/month The Montana Medicaid Medically Needy spend-down threshold will remain at $645 after [...]
The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) is the most comprehensive civil rights law protecting people with disabilities. The ADA prohibits discrimination in: Title I: Employment Title II: State and local government Title III: Privately owned businesses Title IV: Telecommunications Title V: Miscellaneous Provisions Since the ADA’s passage in 1990, people with disabilities have gained access [...]
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