2008
Montana Statewide Independent Living Council
Annual Report to the Governor
Montana Statewide Independent Living Council (SILC) Mission Statement:
To make independent living a reality for Montanans with disabilities by promoting and practicing a philosophy of consumer control, development of peer relationships and peer role models, selfdetermination, self-help, equal access, and advocacy in order to maximize independence, integration, and full inclusion of persons with disabilities into mainstream Montana.
Independent Living
People with disabilities want to live independently just like their friends, family, and neighbors. The independent living program provides them with the services needed to achieve their desired way of life. In Montana, the independent living program provides individuals with a wide array of services including referrals to appropriate agencies; resource development; basic skills training; benefits planning; housing information; assistance with accessibility issues; and personal care assistance. In addition, the independent living program is involved with systems change advocacy to remove barriers that impede persons with disabilities from living independently. These services are delivered through the four centers for independent living located in Billings, Black Eagle (Great Falls), Missoula, and Helena, with satellite offices in Hamilton, Kalispell, Ronan, Butte, Bozeman, Poplar, Glasgow, Glendive, Miles City, and Ashland. The centers collaborate with the Montana Statewide Independent Living Council and the Montana Vocational Rehabilitation Program to address issues impacting Montanans with disabilities. These services are supported through state and federal funds. The state dollars are currently being funded through the general fund. Funding independent living is significant because independent living serves individuals with all types of disabilities and all ages.
Statistics
Number of People Served in 2008 Total = 1,769
Served by Disability Category
(a person may be reported in more than one category)
Cognitive Disability Mental/Emotional Disability Physical Disability Hearing Impairment Visual Impairment Multiple Disabilities Other Disability Unknown / Not Reported Most Frequent Services
= = = = = = = =
268 183 729 49 72 264 203 1
Self-directed Personal Assistance Services Information and Referral Transportation Advocacy
Most Frequent Community Change Achievements
Transportation Disability Awareness Health Care Issues Legislative Collaboration
SILC Activities
SILC helped inform the Legislature about independent living issues in a variety of ways including developing questions for the first legislative survey about disability related issues. A survey of legislative candidates about the disability issues was conducted. The Montana Centers for Independent Living shared the survey results with their constituencies. Based on the concerns identified from a statewide video conference held in the previous year, grassroots taskforces were formed to address housing issues, transportation, youth with disabilities in transition, Medicaid issues, supporting Montana's Centers for Independent Living, personal care provider issues, and “Nothing About Us Without Us”. The taskforces made regular reports to the Legislative/Advocacy Committee, which assisted the Centers for Independent Living to coordinate their advocacy issues in these areas.
Priorities were set for the next Legislature, including implementing a Medicaid Buy-In program, funding for Centers for Independent Living, and adequate wages for personal care providers. In addition, information on Medicaid, transportation, youth transition, and housing issues were brought up to better inform the Legislature and to introduce key ideas. The SILC coordinated a statewide video conference involving about seventy persons with disabilities who provided input on which disability issues should be a priority for the next Legislature. Areas of concern that achieved the highest priority included: Implementing a Medicaid Buy-In program Funding for Centers for Independent Living Adequate wages for personal care attendants Prioritizing housing assistance for persons with disabilities Youth transition issues “Nothing About Us Without Us” Strengthening local transportation committees 2008 SILC Members: Representative Carol Lambert, Chair - Broadus; Evelyn Pool, Vice-Chair - Lincoln; Dave Swanson, Secretary - Billings; Gerald Hutch Helena; Senator Gerald Pease - Lodge Grass; Robert Bushing - Billings; Evelyn Oats - Box Elder; Nickie Fee - Great Falls; Nicola Smith - Great Falls; Chris Cragwick - Missoula; Bob Maffit - Helena; Kathy Bean - Helena; Peggy Williams - Helena. Staff Person: Mike Hermanson, Independent Living Program Manager, Vocational Rehabilitation Services. 220 copies of this DPHHS public document were published at an estimated cost of 16 cents per copy, for a total cost of $35.00. To obtain this report in accessible formats, contact Disability Services Division at (406) 444-2590.
Success Stories
Living Independently for Today and Tomorrow - Billings A consumer who had lost both legs years ago due to illness was referred to LIFTT. The consumer was depressed as he hardly left his house which lacked an accessible entrance. There was only one place a ramp could be built; off the deck in the back of the house. The height of the deck caused the ramp to be more than 70 ft in length. LIFTT had experience securing funding and built several ramps, but none of this size and cost. Now that the ramp is built, the consumer has an active social network and participates in community events resulting in increased life enjoyment.
Montana Independent Living Project - Helena MILP recently worked with a consumer who acquired his disability as a result of a cerebral infection, affecting his memory and cognitive functioning. The consumer was bankrupt, had no benefits and was living with his sister. He received benefits counseling and housing assistance from MILP which led to receiving Social Security benefits and living in his own apartment. In addition, the consumer received skill instruction on how to navigate the public transportation from MILP staff. North Central Independent Living Services - Great Falls “Jon” lived on the Fort Belknap Reservation when he sustained a severe brain injury from a car accident. Prior to his injury he was able to work labor intensive jobs, however due to his injury he was now unable to successfully pass the fire fighting physical. Several years ago he had applied for Social Security benefits and had been denied. “Jon” decided to re-apply for Social Security benefits, but since it had been so long since his initial application, he had to start the process over again. NCILS made the call and proceeded to assist “Jon” with the necessary paperwork. Unfortunately, his application process stalled so they had to start from the beginning again. This time “Jon” was successful and is now receiving SSI. Summit Independent Living Center - Missoula In Hamilton, 62 year old “Sara” came to Summit ILC requesting assistance with obtaining Social Security disability benefits. “Sara” hadn’t worked for years and her conditions were worsening and she was in dire need of medical coverage. Summit assisted her with an online Social Security application and phone appointment. They discovered that she was eligible for immediate spousal retirement benefits due to her age and drawing from her ex-husband’s work history. Since “Sara” hadn’t worked for a while, she was referred to Vocational Rehabilitation for job assessment. Summit assisted with her food stamps, and helped her receive SSI which came with Medicaid. In addition, Summit petitioned Medicaid to pay three months of outstanding medical bills. Summit also helped “Sara” move from a dependent living situation into an apartment that was convenient and affordable. As a result of our working relationship with “Sara”, we have invited her to join our peer program. She continues to collaborate with us as a peer mentor.