Ability Montana

Ability Montana Ability MT is 501(c)(3) nonprofit that offers services & resources to those living with disabilities.

mILp Services Include:

Information and Referral: mILp provides timely information to people with disabilities, their families, and the general public through the use of our staff's expertise and access to the internet and other information resources. Independent Living Skills Training: mILp's professional staff of Independent Living Specialists provide people with disabilities with both instructi

on and training to assist them with living independently. Ex: Daily living skills, Community Resource Acquisition, Support and Recreational Groups, Social Security Assistance. Individual and Group Advocacy: mILp''s staff provides our consumers with information and training regarding individual civil rights and responsibilities regarding local, state, and national issues. We assist consumers in promoting and modeling these interests to others. Peer Advocacy: A person who has experienced a disability may be available to help in a private one-on-one setting to provide peer advice and support to another individual who is experiencing similar adjustment challenges. All peer advocates are trained and supervised by mILp's professional staff members. Self Directed Personal Assistance Services Program (SDPAS): SDPAS is designed especially for consumers who wish to manage their own services by developing a long-term supportive care program in a home setting.

45 years of empowering independence… and still going strong! Since 1981, Ability Montana has been helping Montanans with...
05/27/2026

45 years of empowering independence… and still going strong! Since 1981, Ability Montana has been helping Montanans with disabilities lead their own lives as a Center for Independent Living (long before the ADA became law!). ⁠
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It’s 45 years of advocacy, support, and real impact. The work continues every day alongside individuals building lives rooted in choice, access, and independence.⁠
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Your Life. Your Choices. Our Support.

A new kind of freedom on three wheels! Living just outside of Whitehall, Montana, even short trips used to take careful ...
05/20/2026

A new kind of freedom on three wheels! Living just outside of Whitehall, Montana, even short trips used to take careful planning for Stephan, who relies on a walker for mobility. Wind, distance, and uneven terrain often made getting around unpredictable.⁠
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Now, with an electric trike, he can securely bring his walker along and travel with far more ease and consistency, whether it’s heading into town for groceries, grabbing coffee, or spending time in the community.⁠
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And, he’s already looking ahead. From attending the local farmers market as a vendor with his small business to planning longer rides to places like Boulder Hot Springs and beyond, transportation is no longer a barrier. ⁠
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Read Stephan’s full story and see how the right support can open up what’s possible → https://abilitymt.org/blog/better-mobility-rural-montana

05/13/2026

Heading to Let’s Talk Disability tomorrow in Helena? This quick guide walks you through exactly how to get there, from parking and entrances to accessible ramps, elevators, and finding the FLEX Theater with ease.⁠
Two nights of conversation, connection, and community start here.⁠
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📍 Carroll College FLEX Theater⁠
🗓 May 14 & 15⁠
🕡 6:30–8:30 PM⁠
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Haven’t grabbed your ticket yet? There’s still time! Get yours at the link in our bio.

What happens when a disability perspective is in the room where leadership is shaped? Ingrid Hill, COO of Ability Montan...
05/12/2026

What happens when a disability perspective is in the room where leadership is shaped? Ingrid Hill, COO of Ability Montana, shares her experience with Leadership Montana in our new blog. She talks about stepping into spaces not always built with disability in mind, building connections, and bringing a perspective that challenges assumptions and expands what inclusive leadership can look like.⁠
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It’s a story about showing up, being heard, and helping shape a more thoughtful, representative future for communities across the state.⁠
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Read Ingrid’s full story about why disability voices belong in every leadership conversation: https://abilitymt.org/blog/disability-voices-leadership-montana

Helena, it’s almost time! Let’s Talk Disability, Helena! is just around the corner. Get ready for two evenings centered ...
05/06/2026

Helena, it’s almost time! Let’s Talk Disability, Helena! is just around the corner. Get ready for two evenings centered on conversation, community, and disability awareness. Join us for this moving and entertaining event that brings people together and keeps the dialogue going.⁠
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📍 Carroll College Theater⁠
🗓 May 14 & 15⁠
🕡 6:30–8:30 PM⁠
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Don’t wait! Grab your ticket: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/lets-talk-disability-helena-tickets-1254827285189

Cast a line, connect, and enjoy the outdoors 🎣! We are hosting a Veteran Directed Care fishing trip at Camp Bullwheel on...
04/24/2026

Cast a line, connect, and enjoy the outdoors 🎣! We are hosting a Veteran Directed Care fishing trip at Camp Bullwheel on May 6–7, bringing Veterans together for a full day of floating and fishing, followed by an overnight camp experience.⁠
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Interested in joining or volunteering? Be sure to RSVP and secure your spot!

From darkness to purpose, this is what resilience looks like. At the 2025 Let’s Talk Disability event, Mike Smith took t...
04/22/2026

From darkness to purpose, this is what resilience looks like. At the 2025 Let’s Talk Disability event, Mike Smith took the stage to share his experience living with schizophrenia. He opened up about years of mental health struggles, addiction, and even homelessness. His story is raw, honest, and deeply human.

But it’s also a story of recovery. Through support, self-discovery, and advocacy, Mike found a way forward. Today, he uses his voice to challenge stigma and remind others that hope is always possible, even in the hardest moments.

Stories like Mike’s are why Let’s Talk Disability matters. They create space for connection, understanding, and the reminder that no one has to navigate their journey alone.

Read Mike’s full story: abilitymt.org/mike-smith-living-with-schizophrenia

AND don’t forget to snag tickets to the Helena Let’s Talk Disability show coming up next month through the events section on our website!

Creating accessible spaces doesn’t just support people with disabilities. It makes life easier for parents with stroller...
04/15/2026

Creating accessible spaces doesn’t just support people with disabilities. It makes life easier for parents with strollers, older adults, delivery workers, and anyone navigating a busy space. Accessibility benefits everyone AND it strengthens our communities.⁠
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Each year, the “Good Access is Good Business” campaign (led by people with disabilities and supported by Ability Montana and partners) recognizes businesses that are committed to making accessibility a priority. Because true access is an ongoing effort.⁠
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And now… we’re excited to reveal this year’s sticker design! 🎉 Designed by Leah (age 9, 3rd grade), whose inspiration came from her dog Nala and her hope to one day have Nala trained as a support animal. ⁠
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Thank you, Leah, for your creativity and heart, and thank you to the businesses continuing to make Montana more accessible for all.⁠

Learn more or nominate a business → goodaccessmt.org

We’re excited to be part of the MEND Madison Screening -- a powerful evening centered around the impact of adaptive recr...
04/14/2026

We’re excited to be part of the MEND Madison Screening -- a powerful evening centered around the impact of adaptive recreation. In partnership with High Fives and Access Unlimited, this event brings the community together to share stories of resilience, connection, and what’s possible when barriers are removed.⁠
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Join us in Ennis on April 16 for a night that goes beyond film, featuring a pre-screening reception, the film + filmmaker Q&A, and a closing celebration. Adaptive recreation changes lives and this is a chance to see that impact firsthand. We hope to see you there!

Jack’s life changed in an instant, but what came next is a story of independence, resilience, and the people who make it...
04/10/2026

Jack’s life changed in an instant, but what came next is a story of independence, resilience, and the people who make it possible. As a C5 quadriplegic, Jack relies on care workers for nearly every aspect of daily life. Because of that support, he’s able to work, serve as Board President of Ability Montana, and live on his own terms — not in an institution.⁠
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April is Care Workers Recognition Month, and Jack’s story is a powerful reminder of why that recognition matters. Care workers make independent living possible. They are the bridge between a person with a disability and the world around them, and their role deserves far more recognition and support. ⁠
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Read Jack’s full story and learn more about self-directed care in our latest blog: abilitymt.org/care-workers-recognition

For more than 50 years, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act has protected people with disabilities from discrimination...
04/08/2026

For more than 50 years, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act has protected people with disabilities from discrimination, ensuring access to education, healthcare, employment, and community life.⁠
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Now, Montana is part of a lawsuit that has asked a federal court to declare Section 504 “unconstitutional” and “unenforceable.” This isn't an abstract policy. This is about whether Montanans with disabilities can live independently, access services, and fully participate in their communities. These protections are the foundation of accessibility in this country.⁠
Advocates, organizations, and disability leaders across Montana are speaking out and calling for action and we are joining them.⁠
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Tell Montana Attorney General Austin Knudsen: Remove Montana from this lawsuit!! https://disabilityrightsmt.org/save-504-again/

Address

825 Great Northern Boulevard Ste 105
Helena, MT
59601

Opening Hours

Monday 9am - 3pm
Tuesday 9am - 3pm
Wednesday 9am - 3pm
Thursday 9am - 3pm
Friday 9am - 3pm

Telephone

+14064425755

Website

https://abilitymt.org/donate/

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