Consumer

Information and Referral Services

Summit provides information and referral for local community resources in western Montana including affordable and accessible housing; financial resources and benefits programs; transportation; in-home services such as home health, personal assistance, and hospice care; medical equipment and adaptive technology suppliers; and many more. We can also assist with locating state and national disability-related resources. If you have a question or would like help locating services in the community, contact the Summit office in your area.

Training

Summit offers individualized and group training. Some examples are listed below. For more information, contact Jude Monson at (406) 728-1630 or email Missoula@summitilc.org.

Summit offers advocacy assistance in areas such as dealing with the bureaucratic "red tape" of government programs; securing civil rights under the Americans with Disabilities Act, Fair Housing Act and other disability laws; filing appeals when Medicaid, insurance companies, and other service providers deny services; and a wide range of other situations requiring support and problem solving assistance. For more information, you may contact your local Summit office.

Summit provides peer support through opportunities for one-on-one and group interaction with others who experience disability. Summit peer advocates can offer emotional support, a positive role model, practical tips on living with disabilities, and information on community resources. For information on becoming a Peer Advocate, contact Mike Mayer Missoula@summitilc.org. If you would like to receive peer support contact your local Summit office.

Active groups may change or new groups may be created whenever enough interest is shown in a particular area. Current support groups include:

Stroke/Head Injury Support Group. Meets the second Monday of each month in Hamilton. Contact Frank at (406) 821-3891 or email the Hamilton office at Hamilton@summitilc.org.

Hearing Impaired Support Group. There is a group that meets in the Kalispell and new groups can be started as needed. These groups are primarily for people using hearing aids or cochlear implants. Email Flo Kiewel at Kalispell@summitilc.org or call her at (406) 257-0048.

Summit offers assistance in identifying and applying for Social Security, Medicaid/Medicare, Food Stamps, energy assistance, and any other benefits you may qualify for. We can also assist you in managing your benefits so that you understand how they may be affected if your income changes or you return to work. For more information, contact Jennifer at Missoula@summitilc.org in Missoula, Dawn at Hamilton@summitilc.org in Ravalli County, Flo or Amber at Kalispell@summitilc.org in Kalispell.

This program is designed for people with disabilities who have long-term care needs, have full coverage under Montana Medicaid, and want to direct their in-home personal assistance services. To participate in this program, you must require assistance with personal care tasks or health maintenance activities and be able to manage paperwork and duties required by this Medicaid program. Eligible persons may also have a family member or other personal representative direct services on their behalf. For more information, contact Lorna Palin at Missoula@summitilc.org.