Montana Empowerment Center, Inc.

05/18/2026

Families are encouraged to attend the Division for Early Childhood (DEC) Annual Conference, an international gathering of professionals and families focused on supporting young children with disabilities and their families. Families of children with disabilities ages 0–8 are eligible for FREE conference registration waiver.

Oct 26-29, 2026 in Omaha, NE

05/18/2026

Space is limited - register today!

Join us for a hands-on training designed to strengthen how we support individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities in our communities.

This training is designed to support community health workers and partners in delivering inclusive, person-centered care across Montana communities. Space is limited, so early registration is encouraged.

Register today: https://www.cognitoforms.com/MontanaOfficeOfRuralHealthAreaHealthEducationCenter/SpecialOlympicsCHWCourseJune172026

05/15/2026

The Rural Institute is our state's University Center of Excellence on Developmental Disability (UCEDD). We are proud to have a seat on their advisory council, and today we celebrated their successes with 50 members of their team.

1978: Founded as an administrative unit
1983: Became fully independent as a center at U of M
1988: RTC was first funded
1991: MonTECH opened its doors
2002: MT Disability & Health was founded
2007: MT DeafBlind Project was established
2019: MT Family2Family reopened
2020: Rural Institute established an Evaluation unit
2025: Independent Living Training & Technical Assistance Center moves to Rural Institute
Always: Supported by Consumer Advisory Council

50+ funded projects
$7M budget
50 employees

Rural Institute for Inclusive Communities | University of Montana https://share.google/vJip48CAzRd71QXqN

05/13/2026

Learn about financial trusts and low-interest loans for assistive equipment.

05/13/2026

Summer belongs to EVERY Montana teen!
We just released our Inclusive Summer Camps in Montana Guide so you don't have to look very far to find things to do this summer!

If you’re raising a teen with a disability, you know how life-changing the right camp experience can be. From belonging and adventure to independence and lifelong memories, these camps are built to support every camper.

✨ Teens 14+
✨ All abilities welcome
✨ Real connection. Real growth. Real fun.

Check out our guide and help your teen discover their next adventure.

http://eepurl.com/zsL7YRwg08

05/11/2026

Camps That Celebrate Every Child—Explore Inclusive Summer Options -

-Nominate a Youth for the Midwest Regional Advisory Council -Register for Special Needs Trusts webinar -Find an Inclusive Summer Camp Near You!

05/10/2026

Today, we celebrate all the moms and mother figures showing up every day with love, strength, patience, advocacy, and resilience.

To the moms navigating appointments, therapies, IEP meetings, sleepless nights, sensory needs, research, routines, meltdowns, victories big and small, and everything in between, we see you.
Happy Mother's Day from the team at The Montana Empowerment Center.

05/06/2026

💙🩺Happy School Nurse Day to the incredible professionals who care for the health, safety, and well-being of our students every single day! 💙🩺

School nurses play a vital role in supporting students with disabilities and medical needs, helping ensure they can safely access their education through accommodations, health plans, IEPs, and 504 Plans. From medication management and emergency care to advocating for student needs and supporting families, their work often happens quietly behind the scenes, but its impact is enormous.

Thank you to the school nurses who help students feel safe, included, supported, and ready to learn. Your compassion, knowledge, and advocacy make a difference every day.

05/05/2026

Learning about the world of work is part of the transition to adulthood. We are proud to be part of the Employment First group.

The Montana Employment First Workgroup took a quick break from strategic planning at beautiful Running Eagle Falls. For the past year, this team has been working hard to develop Montana’s plan to advance Competitive Integrated Employment for Montanans with disabilities. DETD is grateful for their dedication and collaboration!

05/01/2026

Speech-Language-Hearing Month, celebrated each May, has its roots in growing awareness of communication disorders and the professionals who support individuals in finding their voice.

Today, the month highlights:
*The importance of early intervention
*Access to speech and language services
*The role of communication in education, relationships, and independence

It also aligns closely with the protections of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, which ensures that children with communication needs can receive services like speech therapy as part of a Free Appropriate Public Education (FAPE).