As a member of a national organization (AUCD), the Rural Institute supports efforts to ensure that vulnerable populations are not harmed by current health care reform initiatives (see: http://www.montanabudget.org/aca_repeal_threat/ and http://c-c-d.org/fichiers/CCD-FactSheet-on-ACA_12-5-16_Final.pdf).

If you have questions, or would like to voice your concerns, below is a list of the Montana elected official websites.

• Senator Tester’s ACA information site: http://www.tester.senate.gov/?p=press_release&id=4903
• Senator Daines does not have an ACA-specific site. His general email link is: https://www.daines.senate.gov/connect/email-steve
• Representative Zinke does not have an ACA-specific site. His general email link is: https://zinke.house.gov/contact

Enroll in or change 2017 Marketplace health insurance right now until January 31, 2017! The American Association on Health and Disabilities has made enrollment easier with disability-related resources for Marketplace Navigators to provide health insurance information and support that is relevant to consumers with disabilities.

The Montana Disability & Health Program has organized these resources for use during Open Enrollment at: [http://mtdh.ruralinstitute.umt.edu/?page_id=7107] to get started!

Also, to begin health insurance enrollment, Cover MT can help you find a Navigator near you!

Greetings All,
For those of you who won't be at AUCD this year, this is the poster that we will present on The Safety Project. It's been one of the most enjoyable and important projects we've done!

Thanks for all of your support. Enjoy!

Rosemary and Trinity

Movin' On in Montana is a transition seminar for high school students with disabilities who are considering college. It is hosted at the University of Montana by the Rural Institute for Inclusive Communities. Forty-eight Montana high school students have participated since 2015.

View this webinar from these expert presenters, all of whom have lived experience as self-advocates, to discover ways of teaching these skills to others and fostering them in yourself.

November 29th Webinar: Self-Advocacy: Speaking Up for What You Want and Need
Tuesday, November 29, 2016 from 1:00 PM - 2:30 PM MST
Do you know someone transitioning into adulthood that could use support building self-advocacy skills?

Fulfilling the WIOA Mandate of Competitive Integrated Employment (Pre-ETS).
December 8, 2016 from 3:30-5 MST
The first Pre-ETS webinar of the school year is coming up

November 14, 2016 (Monday morning) 9:00am - noon (FREE brunch)!
St. Francis Catholic Church Reception Center, 411 S 5th St, Hamilton, MT 59840
Help parents/caregivers of children with special needs and friends connect & ask questions related to any family, school, medical, or life issues
RSVP required by Monday, November 7 at http://RSVP.PLUK.ORG, or to receive follow-up information if you are not able to join in person.
Contact Jennifer Gaston-Smith, Western MT PLUK Family Support Partner at (406)255-0540 x707 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Download flyer

The Latest in Alzheimer's Research An Alzheimer’s Association presentation
Offered for clinicians, researchers, students, aging-services providers, and caregivers.

Wednesday, November 9, 2016 9:00 - 10:00am
Skaggs Building Foyer Coffee and conversation with Dr. Hartley10:00 - 11:00am Skaggs, room 114

No cost to attend. Registration is apprecieated. Visit alz.org/montana or call 800=272-3900

"AUCD is a network of people, with and without disabilities, who are passionate about growing the next generation of leaders and driving positive change for people with disabilities and their families. In this video, learn about the nationwide network of AUCD centers and programs, and the many ways they work to improve our communities. Join us as we work together to advance the well-being of all people with disabilities and their families."

Montana Disability & Health Update: Montanans living with disability experience poorer health compared to those living without disability. Healthy People 2020 (HP2020) “...provides science-based, 10-year national objectives for improving the health of all Americans.”

Living Well and Working Well with a Disability: Two programs provided by Montana Centers for Independent Living to help people realize meaningful life goals. like employment, through peer support and improved health. Working Well builds on the concepts introduced in the Living Well program but focuses on improving health in preparation for, or maintaining, employment.