Together We Grow (TOG) is “a consortium of modern food and agriculture companies, NGOs, members of academia and the government who have united to focus on building a skilled, diverse and inclusive workforce to make American agriculture a leader for generations to come.” AUCD is an original member of the Together We Grow consortium.

The agriculture industry is facing a workforce shortage. People with disabilities represent a large, untapped employee resource for agriculture-related training, mentorship and job-placement programs.

Microbrewery owners, Veterans living with PTSD, inmates at the Montana Women’s Prison, a bank president, a documentary filmmaker…  Question: What could possibly link all these individuals (and more) together?  Answer: Alana, A Jill of All Trades!

Discover how Alana and her mom, Kim, have opened themselves to opportunity and built a life full of joy and purpose by sharing their passions in the vocational realm and beyond. Alana – A Jill of All Trades is synonymous with a group of individuals working together to make our world a little brighter, and you’ll have the opportunity to learn how to do the same!

See how Alana’s community is built one relationship at a time as her contagious spirit and fearlessly authentic presence brings folks of all backgrounds together. Explore ways to utilize resources to support individuals with a significant impact of disability in their endeavors. And, understand how this can all be accomplished in the face of adversity!

MT OPI renewal unit credit is available.

Date: February 11th, 2021
Time: 12-1:30 Mountain Time

• Work Experiences… Webinar Flier
• Work Experiences… Registration link

In this webinar, Cheri Reed-Anderson and Ellen Condon will introduce audience members to Customized Employment, illustrate how this strategy can support access to community employment for students with significant disabilities, and share information about how to access Customized Employment through Vocational Rehabilitation in Montana.

Date: January 14, 2021
Time: 1:00-2:30 Mountain Time

• Customized Employment… Flier link
• Customized Employment…Registration Page

The Rural Institute (RI) is working with the Association of University Centers on Disabilities (AUCD) and the Center for Disease Control (CDC) to support early identification of development delays in children, ages 0-5, using the Learn the Signs. Act Early. (LTSAE) health education program. We are featuring guest blog posts written by Montana State University Nursing students that promote the Learn the Signs. Act Early program. The post below is the first in a series.

My name is Katherine Jones. I am an MSU Nursing student working alongside local LTSAE ambassadors, stakeholders and fellow nursing students Nate Goodwin and Logan Robinson. We have teamed up with the Rural Institute with the goal raising awareness of LTSAE in our community as well as throughout Montana.