| Postage with a Message...
That’s no ordinary postage stamp you may be seeing on your holiday correspondence this season. Montana Independent Living Project is spreading the word about “Promoting Independence” with a custom-designed USPS postage stamp.
Sheets of 20 stamps are available at MILP offices for $20.00. By spending a few extra dollars on stamps, you will help spread the word that MILP is here to promote independence for people with disabilities.
|
| Our Bozeman Office Has Moved...
MILP has a new office location in Bozeman. Our branch office is located at 1185 N. 14th Avenue, Suite 2. The office phone number remains the same: 406-522-7300.
The decision to move to a new location was driven by consumer’s need for improved access. The new location is close to the bus route, has improved parking and building accessibility features and is centrally located in the community.
Stop by and visit with Bozeman MILP staff : Rae Swenson, IL/SDPAS Program Director and Diane Belcourt, Independent Living Technician.
|
Visitability is on the move...
Simply speaking, visitability refers to whether a housing unit can accommodate a visit by persons with disabilities without undue difficulty. Studies estimate that more than 90% of housing units in the U.S. are inaccessible to people with disabilities and the vast majority of newly built single family homes have steps at all entrances and/or narrow interior doorways.
The visitability movement, initiated in the U.S. by Concrete Change, emphasizes inclusion of three key features; a zero-step entrance, a bathroom or half bath on the entry level, and interior doors with at least 32 inches of clearance. The Inclusive Home Design Act of 2007 (H.R. 4202), introduced in the House of Representatives, would require similar key features in all new single family homes built using federal funds. (Learn more about this bill at www.govtrack.us).
MILP continues to focus on ways to improve accessibility, educate local stakeholders and promote universal design, not only in new homes, but in all building environments.Learn how you can make a difference. Contact MILP at 406-442-5755 for additional information and resources. You may also research this topic at:
www.concretechange.org
www.ncaonline.org
www.design.ncsu.edu/cud/
|
| "Right To Know" Campaign Projects
Montana Independent Living Project (MILP) continues to work with the University of Montana Rural Institute and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention by participating in the Right to Know Campaign. This project is aimed atincreasing awareness about the importance of breast health screening among women with physical disabilities.
MILP Independent Living Technician, Krystal Barnett conducted onsite assessment surveys in eight rural communities. These evaluations provided healthcare professionals with valuable feedback and site specific recommendations. The survey tool used addresses ADA guidelines such as parking, door height and placement, facility layout (bathrooms, entrances and exits) and examination equipment, as well as an opportunity for discussion regarding registration protocol and treatment procedures.
Facility participants received brochures and training materials to share with employees along with a video, made by women with disabilities, offering insight into the challenges they encounter with mammography screening procedures.
In addition, many MILP consumers received a survey in the mail as part of the Right to Know Campaign aimed at awareness and education about the importance of breast health screen among women with disabilities. Results from this voluntary research study will supplement the CDC’s campaign project. Thanks to all consumers who completed the survey providing valuable feedback.
|
The Year in Review...
MILP has been busy this past year assisting people with disabilities with achieving independence in daily living and decision-making. A total of 364 consumers received self-directed personal care assistance services (SDPAS) in fiscal year 2008. This represents a 21.3% increase from the previous year.
MILP’s team of employees and peer advocates provided extensive advocacy services advancing consumer’s accessibility rights in areas related to: transportation, housing, program development, access to services, state and federal policymaking and obtaining assistive technology. Serving individuals from fourteen counties in southwestern Montana provides MILP with numerous opportunities to collaborate with service agencies and community resource groups to meet the unique needs of each consumer.
|
| IL Legislative Day - January 20, 2009
Mark your calendars…The Statewide Independent Living Council and Montana’s four Independent Living Centers (Summit, NCILS, MILP and LIFTT) are sponsoring a legislative day at the Capitol Building in Helena during the Legislative session on Tuesday, January 20, 2009.
The day’s activities will include a morning workshop on the legislative process and current bills of concern to and priorities for people with disabilities, a noon luncheon with legislators in the Capitol rotunda, and an opportunity to observe the session and talk with your representatives first-hand in the afternoon . If you are interested in attending Legislative Day, please contact: Sue McNicol, MILP Advocacy Coordinator at 442-5755 for more information.
|
The Face of MILP is Changing
MILP welcomes new faces to eachof our office locations. . . Krystal Barnett has been hard at work in Butte since July as the Independent Living Technician . . . Kathy Silverman joined the Helena office in October as Office Manager for all locations, and . . . Diane Belcourt joined Bozeman staff and peers in October as the Independent Living Technician.
A special thanks goes out to Ken Christensen, Helena Independent Living Specialist serving MILP since 2005. Enjoy your retirement Ken. We will miss you.
|
|
|
