by Marty Blair, Executive Director of the Rural Institute

We are making progress, but we are still trying to figure it out decades later! Twenty years ago, in June 1999, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled in Olmstead v. LC that unjustified segregation of people with disabilities violated their rights guaranteed under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). The ADA, which was signed into law 9 years earlier on July 26, 1990, established the civil rights of people with disabilities and helped them be more included at work and in the community. The Olmstead decision sent a clear message that people with disabilities are entitled to work, live and participate in communities of their choice. The challenge for most people with disabilities is that the community-based services and supports they need to ensure participation are sometimes limited or non-existent. You can’t choose something that doesn’t exist.

Applications for the 2019 Community Investment Fund are now being accepted!

The Community Investment Fund is made available annually for innovative projects that help people with disabilities live, learn, work and play in their communities alongside people without disabilities. Any Montana organization, agency, non-profit group, or individual with a creative idea developed by/with people with disabilities to promote community inclusion is eligible to apply.

Please note: due to University contracting requirements, successful applicants will be required to have liability insurance and either Workers’ Compensation coverage or a Workers’ Compensation exemption certificate.

More Information and applications

AUCD Executive Director, Andy Imparato, shared information with RIIC staff and partners.

Association of University Centers on Disabilities (AUCD) board members traveled to Missoula, Montana for their annual ‘out in the field’ meeting in June. Rural Institute staff appreciated the opportunity to discuss rural issues with board members from around the country. Staff members took advantage of additional time to visit with national colleagues. Community partners had an opportunity to network with local, regional and national counterparts. It was a busy week!