Disability Services

BLINDNESS/VISUAL IMPAIRMENT

Blind and Low Vision Services
2675 Palmer St., Ste. A, 329-5400
Various services for visually impaired; independent living skills for home and office; training on adaptive computer equipment and retraining for employment; homemaker training; purchase of low-vision aids; counseling for newly blind people; orientation and mobility coaching for cane travel, shopping techniques. May assist with appropriate eye treatments if medically/financially eligible.

Montana Radio Reading Service
337 Stephens Ave., P.O. Box 4126, Missoula, 59806
721-1998 or Statewide 24 hours, 1-800-942-7323
A closed-circuit radio service that reads newspapers to people who are blind or physically print-impaired. Free receiving equipment available.

Montana School for the Deaf and Blind
3911 Central Ave., Great Falls, 59405
(406)-771-6000 or 1-800-882-6732
Montana School for the Deaf and Blind is funded by the State Legislature and governed by the Board of Education. The school serves visually and hearing-impaired children from birth through age 21. MSDB is located in Great Falls, but students are welcome from across the state. Educational outreach also is conducted in cities throughout Montana.

Montana Talking Book Library
1515 E. 6th Ave., Box 201800, Helena 59620-1800
1-800-332-3400
Provides cassette recordings and records of books and some magazines, and a subscription service for people who are blind, have low vision, are physically handicapped or have a reading disability from organic dysfunction (must be certified by an M.D.) If you qualify, services are free.

Northwest Lions Eye Bank, 449-6103
www.nleb.org
Hours: Mon-Fri, 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Collects eye tissue for corneal transplant and research. Information regarding organ and tissue donation available.
HEARING LOSS

Better Hearing Institute
515 King St. #420, Alexandria, VA 22314, (703)684-3391
www.betterhearing.org

Citizen Advocate Office
Contact Bob Schleicher at 1-800-332-2272
www.citizensadvocate.mt.gov; citizensadvocate@mt.gov
Helena office helps with problems, questions, and complaints related to state government agencies. Toll-free number if voice/TDD accessible for hearing impaired. In addition, acts as a referral source.

Hearing Aid Institute
705 S. Reserve St. #B, 543-5025 or 1-800-331-6009
Oldest & largest hearing aid company in Montana for 62 years.

Montana School for the Deaf and Blind
3911 Central Ave., Great Falls, 59405
(406) 771-6000 or 1-800-882-6732
Montana School for the Deaf and Blind is funded by the State Legislature and governed by the Board of Education. The school serves visually and hearing-impaired children from birth through age 21. MSDB is located in Great Falls, but students are welcome from across the state. Educational outreach also is conducted in cities throughout Montana.

National Association of the Deaf
(301)587-1789 (TDD) or (301)587-1788 (voice)

National Center for Hearing Assessment and Management
Utah State University 1-888-827-0800 or (425)797-3584
www.infanthearing.org
The goal of the National Center for Hearing Assessment and Management (NCHAM) is to ensure that all infants (newborns) and toddlers with hearing loss are identified as early as possible and provided with timely and appropriate audiological, educational, and medical intervention.

Service Dogs, Specialized Adaptive Equipment
Karosel Service Dogs
Contact Barbara, 626-5280 or LeAnne Beers 549-2827
Karosel Service Dogs is a group of dog trainers dedicated to raising and training dogs to live with and assist individuals with disabilities and mobility impairments. These skills include: opening and closing doors, turning lights on and off, opening handicapped access doors, retrieving dropped items as well as items in cabinets, answering telephones, and any other support skill a dog is reasonably able to perform for a person.

DISABILITY SUPPORT GROUPS
AND RESOURCES

Alliance for Disability and Students of the
University of Montana (ADSUM)
University Center, Rm 205, 243-2636
www.umt.edu/asum/adsum
ADSUM advocates for the rights of the students with disabilities. Board meetings held once a week; anyone is welcome to come to learn more about ADSUM and its efforts. Students can be paired with fellow students with disabilities.

Bitterroot Therapeutic Riding
599 Popham Lane, Corvallis, 880-2877
A member of the North American Riding for the Handicapped Association, Bitterroot Therapeutic Riding is dedicated to sharing the benefits and joy of therapeutic riding with adults and children of all ages. Certified instructors work closely with the medical community, schools, parents, case workers and national organizations encouraging rider specific goals, fostering independence and promoting integration into the mainstream and workplace.

Brain Injury Association of Montana
541-6442 or 1-800-241-6442
www.biamt.org; biam@biamt.org
Free statewide support groups and resource facilitation service.

Camp Challenge
Box 2905, Missoula 59806-2905
Week-long camp each summer at Camp Paxson on Seeley Lake for developmentally disabled and physically disabled young adults and adults.

Child Development Center
T-214 Fort Missoula Rd 549-6413 or 1-800-914-4779
Fax 542-0143
A private non-profit organization providing services to families with children with developmental disabilities or who are at risk for developmental delay. CDC has provided early intervention services in Western Montana for 27 years, and offers 3 Certified Behavior Specialists, 25 Family Education and Support Specialists, leading-edge home-based teaching strategies, functional assessments, person-centered planning, program development and implementation, assistance with transitions into school and adult services, child education, parent education, resource and support coordination, respite services, and evaluation and diagnosis.

Children’s Special Health Services
DPHHS, P.O. Box 202951, Helena, 59620
(406)444-3622 or 1-800-762-9891
CSHS assists families by paying medical costs and finding resources for children with special health care needs. Participants must qualify both financially and by special condition.

Harrington Surgical Supply
1208 W. Kent St., 721-8468
Rent, sell and service home health care products. Qualified rehab fitters for adaptive seating systems and wheelchairs.

Missoula Developmental Service Corporation
1005 Marshall St, 728-5484
A private, non-profit organization providing nationally accredited rehabilitative services for adults with developmental disabilities and intensive needs. MDSC provides residential, vocational, employment, medical, personal, social and community services. Services are based on needs, desires, and abilities of individuals to live, work, recreate and be healthy.
Missoula Social Security Office
700 S.W. Higgins Ave., Ste. 5 542-1580
Hours: Mon-Fri 9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.

Social Security
General Information and Services, 800-772-1213
Retirement, survivors and disability benefits; also SSI or Supplemental Security Income.

Missoula Workforce Center
Job Service, 539 S. 3rd St., W 728-7060
www.employmissoula.com
Hours: Mon, Wed, Thur, Fri 7:30 a.m.-5:00 p.m.;
Tues 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Public employment service providing job placement, job-training programs, veteran representatives, employment counseling, and ProveIt internet-based program that accesses over 800 efficiency tests. Listings include private sector jobs and announcements for state, university, county, city, and other government-related job vacancies. Provides public Resource Center with access to the Internet, word processing, resume programs, and career exploration. Disabilities Coordinator assists individuals with disabilities in seeking employment, accessing and utilizing resources described above, and making appropriate referrals to other community services. The building is fully accessible and MAGIC software is installed on a public resource computer along with an over-sized monitor. A close working relationship is maintained with Vocational Rehabilitation Services staff.

Montana Advocacy Program - Client Assistance Program
400 N. Park St., 2nd Floor, P.O. Box 1681, Helena
(406)449-2344 or 1-800-245-4743.
During rehabilitation, if you encounter a problem, you should first discuss it with your counselor. If you need further assistance, you can ask for help from the Client Assistance Program (CAP).

Montana Radio Reading Service
337 Stephens Ave.
721-1998 or Statewide 24-hour 1-800-942-7323
A closed-circuit radio service that reads newspapers to people who are blind or unable to read. Free receiving equipment available to the visual or physical print impaired.

MonTech Program : The University of Montana Rural Institute
634 Eddy Ave. 243-5676 or 1-800-732-0323
montech@ruralinstitute.umt.edu
Information and referral service to help Montanans with disabilities locate and acquire assistive equipment.

Norco Medical
2850 Stockyard Rd., 549-2321
Norco is a home medical equipment organization dedicated to providing comprehensive home care services to patient/clients with the utmost quality and professionalism. With a complete line of products ranging from aids for daily living to wheelchairs and oxygen.

Opportunity Resources Inc.
2821 S. Russell St. 721-2930
Provides a variety of programs designed to support individuals with disabilities in enhancing their quality of life. Services include health care coordination for adults with developmental disabilities, vocational assessment and job development, independent living support and adult day care services for adults who have suffered severe head trauma. Services for individuals are coordinated through referrals from Developmental Disabilities Division and Vocational Rehabilitation.

Senior Wheels USA Program, 1-800-246-6010
www.seniorwheelsusa.com
The Senior Wheels USA Program provides electric wheelchairs to senior citizens and the permanently disabled at no cost if program guidelines are met. If unable to meet guidelines it may be possible to find a donation through our donation program.

Service Dogs, Specialized Adaptive Equipment
Karosel Service Dogs
Barbara 626-5280 or LeAnne Beers 549-2827
Karosel Service Dogs is a group of dog trainers dedicated to raising and training dogs to live with and assist individuals with disabilities and mobility impairments. These skills include: opening and closing doors, turning lights on and off, opening handicapped access doors, retrieving dropped items as well as items in cabinets, answering telephones, and any other support skill a dog is reasonably able to perform for a person.

Social Security
General Information and Services, 800-772-1213
Retirement, survivors and disability benefits; also SSI or Supplemental Security Income.

Summit Independent Living Center
700 S.W. Higgins Ave., Ste. 101, 728-1630 (voice/TTD)
www.summitilc.org
An advocacy and resource center for people with disabilities. Consumer services include: individual advocacy, skills training, peer advocacy, ADA/Vocational services, and personal assistance services. Community services include: systems advocacy, consultation services and community education.

Vocational Rehabilitation
2675 Palmer St., Ste. A, 329-5400
If you want to work, but have a physical or mental disability that prevents you from getting or keeping a job, VR services can help.

HOUSING AND TRANSPORTATION RESOURCES

Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)
Summit Independent Living Center Inc.
700 S.W. Higgins Ave., Ste. 101, 728-1630
www.summitilc.org
Group training and individual consultations for people with disabilities; businesses and employers; government agencies, commercial facilities; transportation operators; and individuals. Architectural accessibility surveys, seminars, referral to local resources for architectural or operational modifications and tax-incentive information.

Community Needs Van
2820 S. Higgins Ave., 542-2121
Hours: Mon-Fri 9:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.
Operated by the Missoula Ravalli Transportation Management Assoc., this service offers van transportation for seniors and adults with disabilities. Call at least 24 hours in advance to schedule. $1 for each one-way ride.

Missoula Developmental Service Corporation
1005 Marshall St., 728-5484
A private, non-profit organization providing nationally accredited habilitative services for adults with developmental disabilities and intensive needs. MDSC provides residential, vocational, employment, medical, personal, social and community services. Services are based on needs, desires, and abilities of individuals to live, work, recreate, and be healthy.

Missoula Housing Authority
1235 34th St., 549-4113
Low- and moderate-income housing that serves handicapped, disabled, seniors and families. Some of the apartments are wheelchair accessible. Orientation meetings Tuesdays at 5:15 and Wednesdays at noon.

Mountain Line Paratransit
1221 Shakespeare St., 721-2848
Paratransit transportation for disabled and elderly people who have mobility restrictions that prevent them from using fixed-route services.

EDUCATION AND TRAINING PROGRAMS

Child Development Center
T-214 Fort Missoula Rd., 549-6413 or 1-800-914-4779
Fax: 542-0143
A private non-profit organization providing services to families with children with developmental disabilities or who are at risk for developmental delay. CDC has provided early intervention services in Western Montana for 27 years, and offers 3 Certified Behavior Specialists, 25 Family Education and Support Specialists, leading-edge home-based teaching strategies, functional assessments, person-centered planning, program development and implementation, assistance with transitions into school and adult services, child education, parent education, resource and support coordination, respite services, and evaluation and diagnosis.

Community WORCcenter
2685 Palmer St., Ste. D, 327-4345
The WORCcenter is dedicated to helping individuals with injuries or disabilities get back to work. Primary services are vocational evaluation; employment services including placement, supported employment and extended employment; and community supports.

Developmental Disabilities Services
2675 Palmer St., Ste. B, 329-5415

Missoula Area Education Cooperative
438 W. Spruce St., 258-4861
Services for children ages 3-18 with disabilities who are enrolled in county schools. Serves: Alberton, Superior, Arlee, Charlo, St. Ignatius, Dixon, Bonner, Clinton, DeSmet, Lolo, Potomac, Seeley Lake, Sunset, Swan Valley, and Woodman.

Montana Talking Book Library
1515 E. 6th Ave., Box 201800, Helena, 59620-1800
1-800-332-3400
Provides cassette recordings and records of books and some magazines, and a subscription service for people who are blind, have low vision, are physically handicapped or have a reading disability from organic dysfunction (must be certified by an M.D.) If you qualify, services are free.

Montana Vocational Rehabilitation
2675 Palmer St., Ste. A, 329-5400
Provides evaluation services, counseling and guidance, job training and placement, and artificial aids for people with emotional, mental or physical disabilities.

Partners Hospice & Palliative Care Services
2687 Palmer St., Ste. B, 728-8848
We are a non-profit organization that has been providing hospice care to the Missoula community and western Montana since 1987. We provide educational programs on hospice care, end-of-life issues and training in hospice volunteering and bereavement.

Research and Training Center on Disability
and Rural Communities
52 North Corbin Hall, UM Campus, 243-5467
Contact Diana Spas. Funded through a national grant, the center helps rural people with disabilities achieve greater independence. Materials on self-employment, rural transportation and health promotion. Hours are Mon-Fri 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

University of Montana Affiliated Rural Institute on Disabilities
52 North Corbin Hall, UM Campus, 243-5467
or 1-800-732-0323 or contact Jean Paskert 243-4135
A center of excellence for developmental disabilities education, research, and services. Provides demonstrations of services, training, technical assistance as well as information to support programs and services for people with developmental disabilities. The institute also offers parent-child interaction groups.

University of Montana
College of Technology Disability Services
909 South Ave. W.
243-7811 or contact Dan Burke, 243-4424
Most areas of study and classrooms accessible to people with physical impairments. Offers typing programs for the blind or physically impaired.

CHILDREN’S SERVICES AND RESOURCES

CO-TEACH Preschool Program
Division of Educational Research and Service (DERS)
Library and Family Center
Basement of McGill Hall, UM, 243-6303
www.dersom.org
Hours: CO-TEACH Preschool operates two programs Mon-Thurs, morning (8:30 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.) and afternoon (12:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m.). The family center and the DERS library are open Mon-Fri 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m.
The CO-TEACH Preschool is an inclusive program for children ages three through five with diverse abilities and their families. The mission of the CO-TEACH Preschool Program is to offer all children a stimulating, playful first school experience and to provide them with the readiness skills they need to achieve - now, when they transition to kindergarten, and during the years that follow. Moreover, CO-TEACH operates on the belief that all children and families have individual strengths and needs and deserve to be treated with respect and dignity in a safe school environment. CO-TEACH and DERS serve students, educators, families, and community members by providing information and technical assistance regarding topics related to early childhood special education such as: kindergarten transition; inclusion; preventing and reducing challenging behavior; positive behavioral supports; early literacy and language skills; social communication skills; school safety; technology integration; collaboration with families and professionals; individualized education programs; and specific disabilities.

Easter Seals Growing Place
2683 Palmer St., Ste. A, 728-1243
Preschool childcare for children from 6 weeks of age through kindergarten with all abilities.

March of Dimes, 1-888-663-4637

Missoula Area Education Cooperative
438 W. Spruce St,. 258-4861
Services for children ages 3-18 with disabilities who are enrolled in county schools. Serves: Alberton, Superior, Arlee, Charlo, St. Ignatius, Dixon, Bonner, Clinton, DeSmet, Lolo, Potomac, Seeley Lake, Sunset, Swan Valley, Woodman, and Missoula. Serves member school districts. Call to see if your school is a member.

Parents Let’s Unite for Kids (PLUK)
516 N 32nd St., Billings, 59101-6003, (406)255-0540
2230 N. Reserve St., Ste. 402, Missoula
728-1822 or 1-800-222-7585
www.pluk.org; plukinfo@pluk.org

Shodair Hospital, (406)444-7500 or 1-800-447-6614

FINANCIAL RESOURCES

Children’s Special Health Services
1-800-762-9891 or (406)444-3622
Assists eligible families with medical costs that arise from treating children with special health care needs including, but not limited to: heart conditions, cleft lip, seizures, asthma, diabetes, and concerns with child’s development. Can be in addition to other insurance (except Medicaid)

Missoula Social Security Office
700 S.W. Higgins Ave., Ste. 5, 542-1580
Hours: Mon-Fri 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.

Office of Public Assistance

Missoula County
2677 Palmer St., Ste. 100 329-1200
Ravalli County
310 N. 3rd St., Hamilton, MT 363-1944
Social Security
General Information and Services 800-772-1213

Retirement, survivors and Disability benefits; also SSI or Supplemental Security Income.

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