Skills Training

Six people traveling along the Rock Creek confluence trail, the lead person is using a white cane and has a guide dog, the second person is using the manual wheelchair, and the rest are ambulatory

Your Goals. Your Choices. Your Independence.

Independent Living Skills Training helps people with disabilities build the knowledge, confidence, and practical skills needed to live independently, make informed decisions, and achieve their independent living goals. Skills training can be individualized or provided through group trainings and workshops, offering opportunities for collaborative learning, sharing experiences, building connections, and developing practical skills.

Skills training may address a wide range of life areas, including setting and achieving personal goals, problem-solving, decision-making, communication, self-advocacy, healthy living, nutrition, money management, assertiveness, community participation, transportation, technology, and accessing resources and services. Training can also help individuals develop the skills needed to navigate everyday challenges, increase self-confidence, and take greater control over their lives.

At Summit, Independent Living Skills Training is consumer-driven and grounded in Independent Living Philosophy. You identify your goals, and our staff provide guidance, support, information, and peer-based encouragement to help you build the skills and confidence to live the life you choose.

If you are interested in participating in one of our trainings or are interested in learning more about the different trainings we can provide, please contact your local Summit office.

Classes & Workshops

Living Well in the Community (LWC) is a peer-led wellness program designed to help adults with disabilities set quality-of-life goals, solve daily problems, and build healthy independent lifestyles. This workshop shifts the focus from medical management to personal empowerment and active community participation.

Core Workshop Topics

  • Goal Setting: Learn a structured framework to clarify, choose, and achieve meaningful personal objectives.
  • Problem-Solving: Practice generating, testing, and monitoring real solutions to daily life barriers.
  • Healthy Communication: Build confidence to express needs, seek information, and advocate for yourself.
  • Physical Well-being: Explore ways to eat well, stay physically active, and link health to daily function.
  • Emotional Wellness: Learn strategies to manage frustration, handle discouragement, and build strong support networks.

Eat Smart. Spend Less. Live Well.

Cost-Effective Healthy Eating Workshop (CHEW) helps people develop the knowledge and skills needed to make healthy, affordable food choices. Through interactive classes and hands-on learning opportunities, participants gain practical strategies for planning nutritious meals, stretching their food budget, shopping wisely, and preparing simple, healthy foods.

CHEW focuses on building confidence in the kitchen while promoting independence, health, and self-sufficiency. Topics may include meal planning, grocery shopping, nutrition basics, food safety, cooking skills, reading food labels, reducing food waste, and accessing community food resources.

Whether you are learning to cook for the first time, looking for ways to make your grocery budget go further, or wanting to improve your overall health and wellness, CHEW provides practical tools and support to help you achieve your goals.

Empowering the Generation of Disability Leaders

Building Advocacy and Learning Leadership Skills (BALLS) program helps high school students with disabilities develop the confidence, knowledge, and leadership skills needed to advocate for themselves and create positive change in their schools and communities.

Through interactive activities, discussions, peer support, and real-world learning experiences, students explore topics such as self-advocacy, disability rights, communication, goal setting, decision-making, leadership development, civic engagement, and understanding accommodations and supports. Participants learn how to effectively express their needs, build self-confidence, solve problems, and become active participants in their education, employment, and community life.

The program encourages students to discover their strengths, build lasting connections with peers, and develop the tools needed to become leaders in their communities. By fostering self-determination and leadership, BALLS helps young people prepare for a successful transition to adulthood while embracing the Independent Living Philosophy.

Find Your Voice. Build Your Leadership. Shape Your Future.

Building Advocacy and Learning Leadership Skills (BALLS) is a class that is taught directly in schools. Demand is high so make sure to reach out get a class scheduled.

Build Confidence. Develop Skills. Achieve Success.

Building Occupational Success Skills (BOSS) program helps individuals develop the essential workplace soft skills needed to obtain, maintain, and succeed in employment. The program focuses on building the professional behaviors, communication skills, and self-confidence that employers look for in today’s workforce.

Through interactive lessons, activities, and real-world scenarios, participants learn valuable skills such as effective communication, teamwork, problem-solving, time management, professionalism, workplace etiquette, conflict resolution, adaptability, self-advocacy, and customer service. Participants also explore job readiness topics including interviewing, workplace expectations, goal setting, and strategies for success on the job.

BOSS empowers individuals to recognize their strengths, build confidence in professional settings, and develop the skills needed to navigate the workplace successfully. Whether preparing for a first job, returning to work, or seeking to advance in a career, participants gain practical tools that support long-term employment success and greater independence.

Understanding Benefits. Navigating the Process.

Summit’s Social Security Disability Benefits Orientation provides individuals with disabilities and their families with information about the Social Security disability benefits system and the application process. These educational sessions are designed to help participants better understand available benefit programs, eligibility requirements, application procedures, and common challenges that may arise when applying for benefits.

During the orientation, participants learn about programs such as Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI), what documentation may be needed, how to prepare for the application process, and resources that may be available to support them along the way. The orientation also provides general information about disability-related benefits, work incentives, and how employment may affect benefits.

The goal of the orientation is to empower individuals with knowledge so they can make informed decisions, understand their options, and feel more confident navigating the Social Security system. Participants also have the opportunity to learn about additional community resources and services that may help support their independence and financial stability.

While Summit does not make disability determinations or provide legal representation, these orientations offer valuable information, guidance, and resources to help individuals better understand the benefits process and connect with appropriate supports.

Building Awareness. Promoting Inclusion. Advancing Accessibility.

Summit offers customized professional trainings and in-services designed to help businesses, government agencies, healthcare providers, educators, nonprofit organizations, and community groups better understand disability, accessibility, and inclusion. Led by disability professionals and individuals with lived experience, these interactive trainings provide practical knowledge and tools that participants can immediately apply in their workplaces and communities.

Training topics may include disability awareness, disability etiquette, communicating effectively with people with disabilities, the history and philosophy of the Independent Living Movement, disability rights, the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), accessible customer service, reasonable accommodations, inclusive employment practices, and creating accessible programs, services, facilities, and communications.

each training can be tailored to meet the needs of the audience and can range from introductory awareness sessions to more in-depth workshops focused on compliance, accessibility, and organizational culture. Participants gain a better understanding of disability as a natural part of the human experience and learn strategies for removing barriers, promoting inclusion, and ensuring equal access for all.

Through education and open dialogue, Summit helps organizations build confidence, increase accessibility, and foster environments where people with disabilities are welcomed, respected, and empowered to participate fully.

Connecting Communities. Sharing Knowledge. Creating Change.

Summit’s community education events provide opportunities for people with disabilities, community members, families, professionals, and local organizations to learn, connect, and engage on issues that impact disability rights, accessibility, independent living, and community inclusion.

These events may include tabling events, presentations, panel discussions, resource fairs, awareness campaigns, guest speakers, community conversations, and educational activities designed to increase understanding and promote positive change. Topics may include disability rights, accessibility, advocacy, independent living, health and wellness, employment, housing, transportation, assistive technology, emergency preparedness, and other issues affecting people with disabilities.

Community education events are designed to foster awareness, encourage meaningful dialogue, share valuable resources, and strengthen connections between individuals, organizations, and the broader community. By bringing people together to learn from one another, these events help create more accessible, inclusive, and welcoming communities for everyone.

Whether you are a person with a disability, family member, service provider, employer, educator, policymaker, or community advocate, Summit’s community education events offer opportunities to gain knowledge, build relationships, and become part of the movement to achieve greater independence, accessibility, and equity.

Make Connections. Explore New Interests. Build Community.

Summit offers a variety of social and recreational activities that help people with disabilities build friendships, explore interests, develop new skills, and strengthen connections within their communities. These activities provide welcoming, inclusive spaces where participants can learn, socialize, and have fun alongside peers..

Activities may include arts and crafts groups, creative workshops, improv and theater activities, board game nights, card game groups, video game nights, book and audiobook clubs, yoga and movement classes, and other interactive opportunities designed to encourage social engagement, creativity, self-expression, and personal growth.

In addition to providing enjoyable recreational experiences, these activities help participants develop important social, communication, problem-solving, teamwork, and community participation skills. Whether you’re looking to meet new people, discover a new hobby, express your creativity, or simply spend time in a supportive environment, Summit offers opportunities to connect and thrive.

Our social and recreational programs are always evolving based on community interests, participant feedback, and new opportunities. We regularly add new groups, workshops, events, and activities throughout the year.

Be sure to visit our Calendar page regularly to see upcoming activities, special events, and the latest opportunities to get involved.

Check Out Our Other Programs

Information & Referral Services

Information & Referral

Access Community Resources

Woman using a wheelchair speaks with another person at a round table; a “Disability Rights Are Civil Rights” sign hangs behind them.

Self-Advocacy

Build and Maintain Self-Empowerment

Peer Advocacy Program

Peer Advocacy

Increase Your Independence

Skills Training

Skills Training

Enhance Personal Growth & Life Skills

Young girl sitting in a manual wheelchair facing the chalkboard in a classroom

Youth Transition Services

Navigating the Transition to Adulthood

Self-Direct Personal Care

Self-Direct Personal Care

In-Home Personal Assistance

BASE

BASE

Social Engagement & Activity Center

Systems Advocacy

Systems Advocacy

Building Awareness, Advocating Change

Information & Referral

Summit provides information and referral for local community resources in Western Montana. We can also assist with locating state and national disability-related resources.

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Self-Advocacy

Summit offers self-advocacy assistance for individuals to be able to identify one’s needs, make informed decisions about the supports they need, and effectively communicate those needs.

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Peer Advocacy

Summit peer advocates serve as positive role models, offering practical tips on living with disabilities, information on community resources, as well as community and educational activities.

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Skills Training

Summit offers individualized and group training on a variety of topics aimed at enhancing personal growth and life skills that promote independence.

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Youth Transition Services

Life is full of transitions, we offer youth transition services geared towards putting youth in control of their own lives and preparing them for life as an adult.

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Self-Directed Personal Care

The Self-Directed Community First Choice program is designed to provide in-home personal care services for people who have long-term care needs, and who want to direct their own care.

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BASE

BASE is an all-ages, all-abilities social and activity center that’s a safe place to explore the arts, learn self-advocacy, and hone other skills we all need to navigate the world around us.

Systems Advocacy

Summit regularly participates in social change, public education, and improved accessibility efforts throughout our local communities in order to ensure that people with disabilities are afforded equal opportunities and have access to needed programs/services.

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NOT SURE WHERE TO START?

Contact us to find out which programs will best meet your goals.

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