Resources on Specific Disabilities and Specific Populations

Alzheimer's Resource Room/National Family Caregiver Support Program Information about The Alzheimer's Demonstration Program, including where to turn for support and assistance, and providing services to caregivers.

Eldercare Locator Consumers can easily link to the information and referral (I&R) services of their state and area agencies on aging. These I&R programs can help identify appropriate services in the area where consumers or their family members reside.

Alliance for Caregiving Publishes Today's Caregiver Magazine. Web site lists support groups, provides a discussion forum and has "channels" dedicated to long term care issues, rural caregiving, technology, caregiver stories, medication management, mobility, and caregivers of individuals with Alzheimer's, bi-polar disorder, schizophrenia or ovarian cancer.

Alzheimer's Association

ARCH National Resource Center Promotes respite services for families. Provides respite locator service, lending library, factsheets, and training.

Assisted Living Information Online guide for selecting an assisted living facility, retirement community, or other personal care facility anywhere in the United States. Site is designed to assist with the selection process and offers tools to help you evaluate a individual's needs, facility selection tips, and a map-based search engine to find a facility near family and friends.

Caregiver Tips Free monthly e-mail newsletter.

Children of Aging Parents Provides assistance to adult children caring for elderly parents or chronically ill individuals with reliable information, referrals and support, and heightened public awareness that the health of the family caregivers is essential to ensure quality care of the nation's growing elderly population.

FamilyCare America Resources for people providing care for elders and those with disabilities and chronic illnesses.

Family Caregiver Alliance Addresses the needs of families and friends providing long-term care at home. Offers national, state and local-level programs to support and sustain caregivers.

Eldercare Online Online community where supportive peers and professionals help improve quality of life for caregivers and their elders.

ElderWeb Includes thousands of reviewed links to long term care information, a searchable database of organizations, and an expanding library of articles and reports, news, and events.

Montana Office on Aging, Senior and Long Term Care Division, Department of Public Health and Human Services

National Alliance for Caregiving Non-profit coalition created in 1996 to support family caregivers and the professionals who serve them. NAC's founding partners are the American Society on Aging, the Department of Veterans Affairs, and the National Association of Area Agencies on Aging.

National Center for Assisted Living

National Family Caregivers Association

National Group Respite Program The Brookdale National Group Respite Program awards seed grants to organizations to develop and implement social model group respite programs. These day programs have served thousands of elders with Alzheimer's disease or related dementia, and their family caregivers.

National Indian Council on Aging. Communicates and cooperates with service provider agencies and aging advocacy organizations; disseminates information on resources available to the national Indian community; intercedes with appropriate agencies to ensure that elders have access to these resources; provides information and expert testimony requested by Congress; serves as a national clearinghouse for issues affecting Indian elders.

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Arthritis:

Arthritis Foundation. Offers more than 100 free brochures on arthritis and related conditions, such as fibromyalgia.

Arthritis Foundation: Rocky Mountain Chapter Serves Colorado, Montana and Wyoming

Arthritis Foundation: Montana Branch
Bozeman, MT 59715
Phone: 406-600-4649
Email: bbarnhart@arthritis.org
Office Hours: 8:30-4:30P M-F Mountain

Community Medical Center - Rehabilitation Institute (Missoula) Adults and children receive individualized treatment designed to meet their needs. Physical medicine and rehabilitation physicians provide a full range of services on an inpatient or outpatient basis. Inpatient programs include pediatric rehabilitation; stroke; arthritis; brain injury; major multiple trauma; neuromusculoskeletal diseases; orthopedics; and spinal cord injuries.

Meeting Life's Challenges Free bi-monthly electronic magazine for people living with chronic illness

Missouri Arthritis Rehabilitation Research and Training Center Research findings, news, and tips on living with fibromyalgia, juvenile arthritis, lupus, osteoarthritis, osteoporosis, psoriatic arthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, scleroderma, and Wegener's.

National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases.

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Autism:

Autism Center at the University of Washington. Serves children with autism spectrum disorders.

Autism Link : Provides a searchable nationwide listing of services; a listserv that lets visitors customize the news they want; individual state pages featuring the latest headlines and events; over 60 discussion boards for parents, individuals with autism spectrum disorder, and more; an online chat room; general autism information; and an online store.

Autism Society of America Promotes lifelong access and opportunities for persons within the autism spectrum and their families.

Autism Speaks Advocates for more funding for autism research and provides information and resources for families. Organization of parents, clinicians and leading scientists committed to accelerating the pace of biomedical research in autism through raising money for research projects, education and outreach. The organization's primary focus is to fund essential research through a variety of programs designed to encourage innovative approaches toward identifying the causes, prevention, treatment and a cure for autism and related disorders.

Creating Solutions Resource for families and others interested in Down Syndrome and autism and related disorders.

Floortime Foundation The DIR (Developmental, Individual-Difference, Relationship-Based)/Floortime approach provides a comprehensive framework for understanding and treating children challenged by autism spectrum and related disorders. It focuses on helping children master the building blocks of relating, communicating and thinking, rather than on symptoms alone.

M.I.N.D. Institute - University of California-Davis International, multidisciplinary research organization, committed to excellence, collaboration and hope, striving to understand the causes and develop better treatments and ultimately cures for neurodevelopmental disorders, such as autism, fragile X syndrome and learning disorders.

Project MED (Medication EDucation for Consumers) Medication information booklets, published by the Nisonger Center, provide patients with understandable information about the medications they are taking. Booklets are available in English and Spanish, and are designed for children, adolescents, and people with mental retardation, autism, reading difficulties, and/or severe mental illness. Each booklet costs $1.50, plus shipping and handling. Ordering information and sample pages are on the web site.

Treatment and Education of Autistic and Related Communication-Handicapped Children (TEACCH) Highly individualized approach stresses each child's strengths, such as visual skills, and uses structured teaching in a highly organized environment.

Unlocking Autism Grass-roots advocacy organization.

U.S. Autism and Asperger Association Provides educational and family support through conferences/seminars and published and electronic media. USAAA distributes information with regard to biomedical treatments/adjunct therapies and research to parents, practitioners, students, and teachers who are associated with the autism and Asperger's Syndrome communities.

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Blindness/Visual Impairment:

Montana Resources | National Resources

Montana Resources

Low Vision Montana Based in Bozeman, this group of service providers and consumers promotes independence for Montanans with poor eyesight. Call 406-522-7300.

Montana Association of the Blind This nonprofit, self-help consumer organization works for the social and economic improvement of every Montanan with blindness.

Montana Blind and Low Vision Visual Medical Services Available to people who need treatment to prevent blindness or restore sight. Provides other appropriate eye treatment when vision loss is unpreventable or sight cannot be restored.

Montana School for the Deaf and Blind Residential and day school which provides educational opportunities to students, preschool through high school, at its Great Falls campus. MSDB is also a statewide resource center which provides information and technical support through its Outreach Program to students attending school in their local districts.

Montana Talking Book Library Eligible Montana residents who are unable to use standard print materials due to visual, physical and/or reading disabilities can apply to the Montana Talking Book Library to receive free mail loan of recorded books and playback equipment.

National Resources

American Council of the Blind Web site provides general information about the Council, including recent issues of its monthly publication, The Braille Forum.

American Foundation for the Blind Provides information on living with vision loss, education, employment, technology and Braille for individuals with disabilities, their friends & family, seniors, children, professionals and employers.

Association of Blind Citizens Assistive Technology Fund Covers 50% of the retail price of adaptive devices or software for eligible applicants.

Blinded American Veterans Foundation

Blinded Veterans Association

Bookshare Provides accessible books in digital formats for people with print disabilities.

Choice Magazine Listening Free service for adults unable to read standard print due to visual, learning or physical disabilities. Six times each year CML assembles 8-hour tapes of unabridged selections of articles, short stories and poems from 100 publications such as The New Yorker, The New York Times Magazine, National Geographic, Esquire, Gourmet, Sports Illustrated, literary magazines and others.

Described and Captioned Media Program Provides a free-loan media program of over 4,000 open-captioned titles (videos, CD-ROM, and DVD) available to deaf and hard of hearing persons, blind and visually impaired persons, teachers, parents, and others with no rental, registration, or postage fees. Several hundred titles are also streamed on the DCMP web site. DCMP also provides a print/online clearinghouse of information and materials on the subject of captioning available to consumers, agencies, businesses, and schools. The clearinghouse maintains a database of described and captioned media available for purchase.

Descriptive Video Service As part of the WGBH Media Access Group, provides verbal descriptions of public television shows, videotapes and DVDs for those with blindness or low vision.

Disability & Rehabilitation Research Project on Persons Aging with Hearing & Vision Loss: This collaboration of the Rehabilitation Research and Training Center on Blindness and Low Vision at Mississippi State University, San Diego State University, and the Helen Keller National Center for Deaf-Blind Youths and Adults focuses on strategies to improve outcomes for persons who are aging with dual hearing and vision loss, with a special emphasis on issues of persons who were either deaf/hard of hearing or blind/visually impaired, and who after age 55 acquired the second sensory loss.

FamilyConnect gives parents of children with visual impairments access to message boards where they can talk to other parents, videos featuring real-life families, parenting articles, a blog authored by a parent, a glossary of more than 30 eye conditions, and links to local resources. The site also features sections dedicated to multiple disabilities, technology, education, and every age group from infants to teens.

Glaucoma Research Foundation. Provides information for people newly-diagnosed with glaucoma. Site has a test to determine if visitors are at risk.

Helen Keller National Center for Deaf-Blind Youths and Adults National rehabilitation program serving youth and adults who are deaf-blind.

Large Print Reviews Provides large print book and audio-book reviews for people with low vision. Includes articles on eye health, eye diseases and disorders, accessibility issues, literature, products for people who are blind and visually impaired, travel articles and travel tips.

National Consortium on Deaf-Blindness is a comprehensive source of information and resources for families and teachers on deaf-blindness, technical assistance, and personnel training.

National Eye Institute Conducts and supports research that helps prevent and treat eye diseases and other disorders of vision

National Eye Care Project Helpline: For individuals 65 or older who have not had eye exams in the last three years and who are not covered by an HMO or Managed Care organization, this American Optometric Association/American Academy of Ophthalmology/U.S. Health Care Financing Administration project provides free eye exam and up to one year of follow-up care for any condition diagnosed in that exam.

National Federation of the Blind Sponsors the Diabetes Action Network and publishes Voice of the Diabetic newsletter.

NFB-Newsline Subscribers who cannot read conventional print can access 140 daily newspapers and two magazines by using a touch-tone telephone to call toll-free. Users can change the speed and voice quality, spell out words, or search for a particular word or subject. Additional newspapers and magazines will be added, and future upgrades will allow more options, such as new "voices" and newspapers in other languages.
NFB-LINK is a one-stop resource for information from successful blind and visually impaired people on topics such as career paths, educational opportunities, recreational activities, technology, and more. NFB-LINK pairs individuals seeking information about blindness with successful blind people. Individuals may join the pool of mentors or request a mentor to help answer blindness-related questions.

National Library Service for the Blind and Physically Handicapped

Prevent Blindness America . Provides public and professional education, community and patient services programs and research.

Recording for the Blind and Dyslexic Non-profit volunteer organization is an educational library for people with visual impairments, dyslexia and/or physical disabilities which prevent them from effectively reading standard print.

Research and Training Center on Blindness and Low Vision

Teaching Research Division, Western Oregon University. Resources and training for children and adults with deaf-blindness, their families, and the professionals who serve them.

Vision for Learning Web site of the College of Optometrists in Vision Development is concerned with the needs of the 25% of children who have undiagnosed vision problems which can interfere with learning and lead to academic and/or behavioral problems.

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Cancer:

American Cancer Society

Montana contact information:
Kristin Page Nei, Montana Government Relations Director
National Government Relations Department
3550 Mullan Road, Ste. 105
Missoula, MT 59808
1.877.488.7723, opt 3, ext 207 or 406-542-2191
Fax: 406-327-0146
Kristin.Nei@cancer.org
Linda Lang, Montana Grassroots Advocacy Manager
550 North 31st Suite 103
Billings, MT 59101
1.800.252.5470, opt 3, ext 211 or 406-256-7150
Fax: 406-256-7170
Linda.Lang@cancer.org

Breast Health Access for Women with Disabilities Model of breast health care services designed to overcome barriers to accessible breast health care and meet the special needs of women with physical, visual and other disabilities.

Children's National Medical Center: The Center for Cancer and Blood Disorders

Montana Public Health and Safety Division;

Cancer Control Section

Breast and Cervical Health Program

Montana Tobacco Use Prevention Program

National Cancer Institute (NCI) .

National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization

Native American Cancer Research Native American owned and operated non-profit organization implements cancer primary prevention, secondary prevention, risk reduction, screening (early detection), education, training, research, diagnoses, control, treatment, support, quality of life, and / or studies of cancer among Native Americans. Primary support is from federal agencies (e.g., the National Institutes of Health) and national organizations (e.g., the National Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation).

Native Circle at the Mayo Clinic is a resource center providing cancer-related materials to health care professionals and lay people involved in the education, care and treatment of American Indians and Alaska Natives.

Nicotine Anonymous Non-Profit 12-Step Fellowship of men and women helping each other live nicotine-free lives.

Online Guide to Quitting includes tobacco cessation resources, expert advice and support, referrals to local resources, tools for individuals and professionals, and more.

St. Vincent Healthcare - Cancer Care Center (Billings) Regional referral center for the diagnosis and multidisciplinary treatment of all forms of cancer.

St. Vincent Healthcare - Headway Program (Billings) is a treatment program for people who have an acquired brain injury caused by an external physical force or trauma from a motor vehicle accident, assault, or fall; or as the result of internal damage from a stroke, tumor, or chemical exposure.

Tobacco Information and Prevention Source at the National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion

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Children's Issues: Montana Resources | National Resources

Montana

Benefis Healthcare - Behavioral Health Program (Great Falls) Addiction Treatment Center offers state-of-the-art addiction-counseling services for adults and adolescents.

Child Development Center in Missoula provides services to families whose children are considered to be "at risk" for delays in development or have a diagnosed developmental disability. CDC works to promote the development of children from birth through age 21.

Community Medical Center - Pediatric Specialty Clinics (Missoula) Cleft/Craniofacial Clinic; Cystic Fibrosis Clinic; Endocrine Clinic; Medical Genetics Clinic; Spina Bifida Clinic; Metabolic Clinic: Pulmonary Clinic; Spasticity/Tone Management Clinic; Rheumatology Clinic; Neonatal Intensive Care Unit Follow-Up Clinic; and Muscular Dystrophy Clinic.

Developmental Educational Assistance Program (Miles City) is a private not for profit corporation that provides family education and support, residential, and crisis intervention services to families whose children are birth to 18 years of age and adults. Services are provided in 28 eastern Montana counties. The main office is located in Miles City with satellite offices in Glendive, Lame Deer and Colstrip.

Easter Seals/Goodwill, Northern Rocky Mountain (Great Falls & Missoula) Children with and without disabilities receive day care and preschool services at the Easter Seals Child Developmental Centers.

Hi-Line Home Programs (Glasgow) Provides child care resource and referral services, developmental intervention and support services (infant and toddler, General Fund family education and support, & intensive family education and support), and Partnership home visitors to families in Eastern Montana.

Montana Center on Disabilities at Montana State University-Billings collaborates with campus, regional, state and national programs in support of increasing the number of leaders with disabilities. MCD sponsors an annual leadership conference for young Montanans with disabilities.

Montana Children's Mental Health Services

Montana Children’s Health Insurance Plan (CHIP)

Montana Children's Special Health Services According to program guidelines, provides financial assistance with evaluation, treatment, and management of medical conditions that are potentially disabling.

Montana Council for Exceptional Children

Montana Newborn Screening Conducts hearing screening and heelstick blood tests for several inborn errors of metabolism including phenylketonuria (PKU), galactosemia, and congenital hypothyroidism, and hemoglobinopathies.

Montana Office of Public Instruction

Montana Public Health Home Visiting Program Provides home visiting services to high-risk pregnant women and infants.

Montana Yellow Pages for Kids with Disabilities The Wrightslaw site provides these resource pages for each state.

Montana Youth Leadership Forum Career and leadership training program for high school sophomores, juniors, and seniors with disabilities. By serving as delegates from their communities at a 5-day intensive training, youth with disabilities cultivate leadership, citizenship, and social skills.

Parents, Let's Unite for Kids (PLUK) is a private, nonprofit organization formed in 1984 by Montana parents of children with disabilities and chronic illnesses to provide information, support, training and assistance useful to their children at home, school and as adults. PLUK serves families and individuals with disabilities of any age and at no cost. Also publishes:

Montana Recreation, Travel, & Camp Resource Handbook for People with Special Needs

PEAK Parent Center, Inc. - Region 5 Parent Training Technical Assistance Center serves Arizona, Colorado, Kansas, Montana, Nebraska, New Mexico, North Dakota, South Dakota, Utah and Wyoming.

Quality Life Concepts (Great Falls) Serves Cascade, Chouteau, Teton, Pondera, Liberty, Glacier, Hill, Toole, and Blaine Counties. Children’s home-based services include the Infant/Toddler program and three variations of Family Education and Support (Full Family Education and Support, Intensive Family Education and Support, Limited Family Education and Support). These programs provide intervention services within the family’s home to enhance the development of a child who is experiencing difficulties as well as promote the family’s independence. QLF conducts Early Childhood Screenings in collaboration with local school districts, regional Cooperatives, Headstart and Early Headstart to identify and refer children from birth to age three who may have a condition that interferes with growth, development and/or learning.

Region IV Family Outreach (Helena) Provides Family Education & Support services, Federal Part C Early Intervention services, General Fund services, and Family Education and Support- Intensive to 12 Southwestern Montana counties.

Shodair Hospital (Helena) The Children's Unit provides in-patient psychiatric services for children 3-12 years old. Two Adolescent Units provide residential psychiatric treatment for children 12-18 years old. Shodair also conducts more than 70 genetics clinics annually throughout Montana to diagnose genetic conditions or disorders. Staff work with state perinatologists to diagnose and manage pregnancies at high risk for genetic disorders or birth defects.

Special Olympics of Montana Nonprofit international program of year-round sports training and athletic competition for children and adults with intellectual disabilities.

The University of Montana Clinical Psychology Center, Department of Psychology, The University of Montana. Resource for low-income children who are not eligible for CHIPS or Medicaid. Provides confidential assessment and psycho-therapeutic services for children, adolescents, adults, couples and families.

The University of Montana Rural Institute: A Center for Excellence in Disability Education, Research and Services is part of the national network of programs funded by the Federal Administration on Developmental Disabilities (ADD) committed to increasing and supporting the independence, productivity, and inclusion of persons with disabilities into the community.

Yellowstone Boys and Girls Ranch (Billings) Psychiatric Residential Treatment Center provides multiple levels of residential treatment for seriously emotionally disturbed youth. Yellowstone Academy provides on-campus Special Education services. YBGR Community Homes provide less structured treatment settings that prepare and re-introduce youth back into their communities. The broad continuum of mental health services and programs also includes Case Management, Therapeutic Foster Care, In-Home Family Support, School Based Programs and Independent Living Program.

Youth Dynamics (Billings) Offices in Billings, Boulder, Bozeman, Butte, Glendive, Great Falls, Helena, Lame Deer, Livingston, Malta, Miles City, Sidney and Wolf Point provide a variety of mental health services for children and families: Therapeutic Family Care, Therapeutic Foster Care, the Guide Home Program, Therapeutic Group Care, Therapeutic Group Home Program, Shelter Care Program, Group Home Program, Day Treatment Program, Intensive Case Management Program, Family Support Team Program, Family Based Services Program, Outpatient Therapy Program, Family Support Assistant Program, and Therapeutic Respite Care Program. A Substance Abuse Program is planned.

National

About Our Kids New York University Child Study Center site provides information and resources on child and youth mental health issues.

Adaptive Information Resource Center, a 501(c)3 non-profit organization, provides a diverse, coordinated network of sports and recreation resources for children and adults with disabilities and their families.

Administration for Children and Families. Within the Department of Health and Human Services, ACF administers federal programs that promote the economic and social well-being of families, children, individuals, and communities. ACF partners with individuals, front-line service providers, communities, American Indian tribes, Native communities, states, and Congress to find solutions transcending traditional agency boundaries; to plan, reformulate, integrate and improve access to services; and to address the needs, strengths and abilities of people with developmental disabilities, refugees, and migrants.

Adolescent Health Transition Project, University of Washington. Helps smooth the transition from pediatric to adult health care for adolescents with special health care needs. This site is a resource for information, materials, and links to other people with an interest in health transition issues.

American Academy of Pediatrics Web site has a "Parenting Corner" section.

National Center of Medical Home Initiatives Sponsored by American Academy of Pediatrics, provides "Every Child Needs a Medical Home" Training Curriculum. Curriculum has seven components offering strategies and resources to provide care for children in a changing health care environment and provide a practical framework for creating medical home implementation awareness.

American Society for Deaf Children

ARCH National Resource Center Promotes respite services for families. Provides respite locator service, lending library, factsheets, and training.

Association for Positive Behavior Support International organization dedicated to the advancement of positive behavior support and application of this approach with children, adolescents, and adults who have problem behavior.

Association of Maternal and Child Health Programs.

Beginnings for Parents of Children Who are Deaf or Hard of Hearing, Inc.

Bellevue Community College Venture Program in Bellevue, Washington, is a 90-credit Associate in Essential Studies degree program for high-functioning individuals with learning, cognitive and intellectual disabilities.

Birth Defect Research for Children, Inc. Provides comprehensive fact sheets and other information about birth defects, parent matching opportunities, books, links to research on birth defects, and a National Birth Defect Registry.

Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids.

Center for Children with Special Needs Have developed the Care Notebook, an organizer for families who have children with special health care needs. Families use Care Notebooks to keep track of important information about their child's health and care. This makes it easier to find and share key information with their child's care team.

Child and Adolescent Bipolar Foundation

Childhood Apraxia of Speech Association of North America

Children's National Medical Center Comprises six Centers of Excellence:

The Center for Cancer and Blood Disorders

The Diana L. and Stephen A. Goldberg Center for Community Pediatric Health

The Center for Heart, Lung and Kidney Disease.

The Center for Hospital-based Specialties Core inpatient services, including emergency care, neonatal and pediatric critical care, general inpatient care, diagnostic imaging and radiology, and respiratory therapy, as well as multiple outpatient services.

The Center for Neuroscience and Behavioral Medicine. Treats illnesses involving a child's psychological well-being, brain and nervous system.

The Center for Surgical Care.

Children with Diabetes Foundation. Online community for kids, families and adults with diabetes.

Consortium for Appropriate Dispute Resolution in Special Education (CADRE) Has published a set of resources designed to guide implementation of the mediation regulations under IDEA '97. Materials downloadable from site or available in print.

Council for Exceptional Children

Division for Early Childhood
Division on Career Development and Transition
Division on Developmental Disabilities

Disability, Abuse and Personal Rights Project Dedicated to the personal rights of children and adults with disabilities, with a mission to prevent abuse of people with disabilities and protect others from abuses that lead to disability.

Disability Rights Education Defense Fund National law and policy center which protects and advances the civil rights of people with disabilities through legislation, litigation, advocacy, technical assistance, and education and training of attorneys, advocates, persons with disabilities, and parents of children with disabilities.

DISCOVER CAMP! On-line resource for parents of children with disabilities sending their child to camp for the first time. Answers questions from how to select a camp to what to consider when attending open houses and meeting with camp staff. Links to a database of camps accredited by the American Camping Association.

Eldercare Locator provides home and community-based services to hard-to-reach older persons. Among these services are nutrition, such as home-delivered meals or meals served in congregate settings, transportation, legal assistance and health promotion counseling and training. This National Family Caregiver Support Program, focuses on those caring for family members who are chronically ill or who have disabilities. The program also helps those who are caring for younger family members, such as grandchildren and those with mental retardation or developmental disabilities.

Ensuring Access, Equity and Quality for Students with Disabilities in School-to-Work Systems . Publication helps policymakers, administrators, educators, parents, attorneys, and advocates understand the complex area of the legal rights of youth with disabilities in school-to-work systems.

Entering the World of Work: What Youth with Mental Health Needs Should Know about Accommodations Fact sheet provides guidance to assist with a successful transition into the workforce by answering questions regarding disclosure, accommodations and resources.

Epilepsy Foundation Provides training programs and "seizure smart" resource kits for teachers to increase their sensitivity and knowledge about seizures and supplies a comprehensive "Students with Seizures" manual for school nurses. An entire section is devoted to teachers, providing them with seizure information and suggestions on how to talk to kids in the classroom after a child has a seizure.

Exceptional Parent Magazine Provides information, support, ideas, encouragement & outreach for parents and families of children with disabilities, and the professionals who work with them.

FACES: The National Craniofacial Association Organization for people with facial differences.

Family and Advocates Partnership for Education Informs and educates families and advocates about the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act of 1997 and promising practices.

FamilyCare America Resources for people providing care for elders and those with disabilities and chronic illnesses.

Family Caregiver Alliance Addresses the needs of families and friends providing long-term care at home. Offers national, state and local-level programs to support and sustain caregivers.

Family Center on Technology and Disability Provides information about assistive technology to organizations that work with families of children with disabilities.

Family Doctor American Academy of Family Physicians has developed a web site designed to provide health information to the whole family, including teens. The teens section includes information about a number of childhood chronic health conditions, including sickle cell, cystic fibrosis, diabetes and cerebral palsy. Each brief condition specific entry includes information about "what doctors do" to treat the condition; and what teens can do to cope with the condition, and be healthier.

Family Village Global community integrates information, resources, and communication opportunities on the Internet for persons with cognitive and other disabilities, for their families, and for those that provide them services and support. Includes informational resources on specific diagnoses, communication connections, adaptive products and technology, adaptive recreational activities, education, worship, health issues, disability-related media and literature, and more.

Family Voices National grassroots network of families and friends, advocates for health care services that are family-centered, community-based, comprehensive, coordinated and culturally competent for all children and youth with special health care needs; promotes the inclusion of all families as decision makers at all levels of health care; and supports essential partnerships between families and professionals.

Federation of Families for Children's Mental Health

Generation Hope provides presentations and materials to raise awareness and understanding about disabilities and chronic illnesses. Founded by the parent of a child with multiple disabilities, bullying of children with disabilities and their physical fitness are particular concerns.

Genetics Home Reference National Institutes of Health online portal offers parents and physicians consumer-friendly information on over 200 genetic disorders and related genes. The site features an illustrated tutorial that explains the basics of genetics and includes a glossary of genetics terms. The lay-friendly site is particularly helpful to parents whose newborns have been detected with a genetic condition, and are looking for easy-to-read information on specific conditions.

Growing Up with Spina Bifida: What Have We Learned Report from the North Carolina Office on Disability and Health summarizes the major findings of the spina bifida research study, "Quality of Life and Secondary Conditions in Individuals with Spina Bifida."

Health Care Transition The Promising Practices in Health Care Transition Project at the Institute for Child Health Policy at the University of Florida.

Healthy and Ready to Work National Center Focuses on understanding systems, access to quality health care, and increasing the involvement of youth. It also includes provider preparation plus tools and resources needed to make more informed choices.

Healthy Mothers, Healthy Babies Coalition.

Institute for Family-centered Care Family-centered care is based on four principles:
1. People are treated with dignity and respect; 2. Health care providers communicate and share complete and unbiased information with patients and families in ways that are affirming and useful; 3. Patients and family members build on their strengths by participating in experiences that enhance control and independence; 4. Collaboration among patients, family members, and providers occurs in policy and program development and professional education, as well as in the delivery of care.

Kennedy Krieger Institute Internationally recognized facility in Baltimore, Maryland is dedicated to improving the lives of children and adolescents with pediatric developmental disabilities through patient care, special education, research, and professional training. The Institute's clinical programs offer an interdisciplinary approach in treatment tailored to the individual needs of each child. Services include over 40 outpatient clinics; neurobehavioral, rehabilitation, and pediatric feeding disorders inpatient units; plus several home and community programs providing services to assist families.

KidAbility Commercial site with accessible, affordable resources and tools for children with disabilities.

Kids Together, Inc. This site is designed to provide helpful information and resources to enhance the quality of life for children and adults with disabilities, and communities as a whole.

Let's Play Project Provides families with ways to play through the use of assistive technology. Site has articles, success stories and resources on using high and low tech tools.

Minnesota Governor's Council on Developmental Disabilities:

Partners in Education is a six-hour, self-directed online course to help parents with children with developmental disabilities better understand and maximize the benefits of special education services and inclusion for their children.

National Collaborative on Workforce and Disability for Youth. Ensures that young people with disabilities have access to high-quality services to maximize their opportunities for employment.

National Consortium on Leadership and Disability for Youth is a youth-led resource, information, and training center for youth and emerging leaders with developmental disabilities, funded by the Administration on Developmental Disabilities.

National Dissemination Center for Children and Youth with Disabilities Maintains state resource lists of elected officials, state disability-related agencies, parent resource centers, and disability organizations.

National Easter Seal Society. Helps children and young adults with physical disabilities achieve their full individual potential and future independence. Easter Seal provides direct services, programs, research, advocacy and public education. Camping and leisure programs are available nationwide.

National Family Caregivers Association .

National Institute of Child Health and Human Development

National Parent Information Network Provides access to research-based information about the process of parenting, and about family involvement in education. This is a project of the Educational Research Information Center system, which is administered by the U.S. Department of Education.

National Parent to Parent Network. National Parent-to-Parent organization for parents or care providers of a child with a disability, disorder, chromosomal abnormality or health condition. Matches parents or care providers with others whose children have the same or similar condition. Maintains database of over 18,000 families from 54 countries covering over 3500 disorders, very rare syndromes or conditions.

National Initiative for Children's Healthcare Quality Brings children's health care experts together with doctors, nurses, and other professionals to change the health care experience for children and their families and to close gaps in health care quality.

National Junior Disability Championships Program for children and youth, 7-21 years old, sponsored by Wheelchair Sports USA, and the National Disability Sports Alliance. Competitions are held in Olympic-style events including track, field, pentathlon, boccia, swimming, archery, table tennis, 3-on-3 wheelchair basketball and weightlifting.

National Lekotek Center Contributes to knowledge about the link between play and early learning for children with special needs (those with disabilities or at risk of developmental delays). Develops and demonstrates innovative practices for promoting learning-oriented play within families and for providing family supportive services which help parents strengthen their parenting skills. Disseminates learning about play, toys, technology, and family support to: (1) Lekotek programs across the country; (2) families of children with special needs and professionals who work with them; (3) community and educational institutions which seek to successfully include children with special needs in their play-based programming; (4) manufacturers and retailers of play-oriented products; and (5) the general public through media and publications.

National Mental Health Information Center Information on child and youth mental health issues.

National Native American Families Together Parent Center Outreach program to increase partnerships between Native American families and the professionals who serving their children. Provides information and training to families of children with disabilities who receive special education at school. NNAFT PC has a network of Community Friends throughout Indian Country who can provide families with information on the educational rights of children.

National Youth Leadership Network, sponsored by US Department of Education, National Council on Disability, Presidential Task Force on the Employment of Adults with Disabilities, Social Security Administration, US Department of Health and Human Services, Administration on Developmental Disabilities, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and US Department of Labor.

Native American Diabetes Project Has developed a four-book children's series about a bald eagle that lives in a fictional Indian village on the outskirts of a city. The eagle counsels kids about the healthy Indian old ways, such as a diet rich in fruits and vegetables and a life filled with physical activity.

PACER Center Through its ALLIANCE and other national projects, this national center responds to thousands of parents and professionals each year. Based on the concept of parents-helping-parents, PACER expands opportunities and enhances the quality of life of children and young adults with disabilities and their families.

Research and Training Center on Family Support and Children's Mental Health Based at the University of Portland, the Center increases knowledge of supports, services, and policies that build on family strengths; are community based, family driven, and youth guided; promote cultural competence; and
are based on evidence of effectiveness.

Shaken Baby Alliance. Collaborates with community agencies and professionals to provide support for Shaken Baby Syndrome victim families (Including adoptive and foster parents), advocates for justice for SBS victims, and increases SBS awareness.

Think College U.S. Department of Education web site for students with intellectual disabilities, family members, and professionals. Provides a searchable database of postsecondary education programs that support youth with intellectual disabilities, a discussion board designed by students for others interested in sharing college experiences, "Choice for Everyone" Listserv for family members and a wide range of professionals, and a resource section of web-based resources and publications.

Tool Kit on Teaching and Assessing Students With Disabilities: Parents' Materials The CD version of this toolkit for parents is designed to help parents and states in their efforts to work together to raise the achievement of all students with disabilities. The Parent Tool Kit compiles materials identified to augment the previously released CD, Tool Kit on Teaching and Assessing Students with Disabilities, and offers a collection of resources on assessment, instructional practices, behavior and accommodations. These documents were written for parents and include information they need as they work with schools to ensure that their children are receiving a quality education.

Toy Adaptation Network On the National Rehabilitation Awareness Foundation site: click on Link for "Toy Adaptation Network". Provides rehabilitation-related facilities with resources to help children with disabilities experience play.

Toys for Kids with Special Needs. An on-line newsletter of Toy Directory.com.

Toys R Us Toy Catalog for Differently Abled Kids

Toy Tips. Com Unbiased information about toys and children's products that build skills and enhance a child's personal development.

United States Department of Education, Office of Civil Rights . Describes an individual's educational rights under U.S. law and provides many resources for minority students and students with disabilities.

Work Incentives Transition Network is a collaborative project funded by the U.S. Department of Education, Office of Special Education Programs. The Network increases educators’, family members’, transition age students’, and advocates’ awareness of Social Security Work Incentives for school-aged youth with disabilities including the Plan for Achieving Self-Support (PASS), the Impairment Related Work Expense (IRWE), and the Student Earned Income Exclusion (SEIE).

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Cerebral Palsy:

Rehabilitation Research and Training Center on Health and Wellness Promotes wellness for persons with cerebral palsy, multiple sclerosis, post polio syndrome, amputations, and spinal cord injury, as well as all other persons with disabilities.

United Cerebral Palsy has online state resource guides for parents, news, and resources for adults on employment, health, recreation and leisure, housing and travel.

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Deafness/Hearing Impairment:

Alexander Graham Bell Association for the Deaf

American Sign Language Teachers Association membership organization of more than 1,000 ASL and Deaf Studies educators from elementary through graduate education as well as agencies.

American Society for Deaf Children believes that deaf or hard-of-hearing children are entitled to full communication access in their home, school, and community; and that language development, respect for the Deaf, and access to deaf and hard-of-hearing role models are important to assure optimal intellectual, social, and emotional development.

American Speech-Language-Hearing Association

Association of Late-Deafened Adults Late-deafness happens any time after the development of speech and language, often after adolescence. Usually a late-deafened adult (LDA) identifies with hearing society and is usually unable to understand speech without visual aids such as speech-reading, sign language, and/or Computer Aided Real-time Transcription. Late-deafness may be sudden or gradual as a result of inherited causes, accident, illness, medication, surgery, noise or other factors. LDAs share the common experience of having grown up in the hearing world and becoming deaf rather than being born deaf.

Beginnings for Parents of Children Who are Deaf or Hard of Hearing, Inc.

DeafDigest weekly newsletter featuring articles, ads, and employment postings for the deaf community.

Deaf Doc Developed by a medical doctor who has been deaf from birth, this site offers free, reliable healthcare information, both directly and indirectly, for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing (D/HOH) community. Deaf Doc has separate areas for the D/HOH community, interpreters, healthcare and educational providers and institutions and others. The site offers a Medical Video Dictionary, which is both signed and captioned.

Deafness Research Foundation Leading source of private funding for basic and clinical research in hearing science. Site has a directory of state resources.

Deaf Professional Network promotes career development and networking opportunities for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing community.

Deaf Wellness Center, University of Rochester Medical Center. Produced My Body, My Responsibility, an open-captioned videotape about women's health issues. All dialogue is spoken and signed in ASL.

Flathead Deaf Club A group of Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing people who meet regularly for social and recreational activities on the first Saturday of each month.

Hands and Voices Nationwide non-profit organization dedicated to supporting families and their children who are deaf or hard of hearing, as well as the professionals who serve them. This parent-driven, parent/professional collaborative group is unbiased towards communication modes and methods. The membership includes those who are deaf, hard of hearing, and hearing impaired and their families who communicate orally, with signs, cue, and/or combined methods.

Hearing Exchange Online community for people with hearing loss. Has e-newsletter, parent resources, events calendar, books, and chat rooms.

Hearing Loss Association of America provides information, education, advocacy and support.

Helen Keller National Center for Deaf-Blind Youths and Adults National rehabilitation program serving youth and adults who are deaf-blind.

International Hearing Dog, Inc. Trains and places hearing dogs with persons who are deaf or hard-of-hearing, with and without multiple disabilities, at no charge to the recipient.

Intertribal Deaf Council Preserves and carries out traditions, languages and cultures of First Nations deaf, deaf-blind and hard of hearing people. Provides information exchange, traditional and education activities, and awareness activities for non-Native and/or non-deaf people.

Montana Association for the Deaf Advocates for the social, legal, educational, and economic welfare of Montanans with deafness.

Montana Deaf and Hard of Hearing Services The non-profit "Deaf Center" is a division of the Montana Association of the Deaf.

Montana Speech-Language and Hearing Association

National Association of the Deaf Advocates for policy and procedural changes that benefit Americans who are deaf or have impaired hearing.

National Black Deaf Advocates is the official voice of Black deaf and hard of hearing Americans—a community that has historically been neglected in terms of provision of equal access to education, employment and social services.

National Consortium on Deaf-Blindness is a comprehensive source of information and resources for families and teachers on deaf-blindness, technical assistance, and personnel training.

National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders.

National Technical Institute for the Deaf World’s first and largest technological college for students who are deaf or hard of hearing. Also prepares individuals to work in fields related to deafness and encourages research designed to enhance the lives of deaf and hard-of-hearing people.

National Weather Service provides information on how a National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's weather radio can be used as an emergency warning tool for people who are deaf or hard of hearing.

Northeast Technical Assistance Center Improves educational access and enhances postsecondary education opportunities for students who are deaf or hard of hearing.

Questions and Answers about Deafness and Hearing Impairments in the Workplace and the Americans with Disabilities Act Fact sheet from the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission

Teaching Research Division, Western Oregon University. Resources and training for children and adults with deaf-blindness, their families, and the professionals who serve them.

Telecommunications for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing, Inc National advocacy organization focuses on equal access issues in telecommunications and media for people who are deaf, hard-of-hearing, late-deafened, or deaf-blind.

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Diabetes:

American Academy of Periodontology provides information for individuals with diabetes.

American Diabetes Association

Awakening the Spirit: Pathways to Diabetes Prevention & Control The American Diabetes Association works with organizations such as the Indian Health Service to develop and disseminate educational materials and participate in advocacy activities that encourage Congress to continue funding diabetes education programs in tribal communities.

Children with Diabetes Foundation. Online community for kids, families and adults with diabetes.

Community Medical Center - Diabetes Management Program (Missoula)

Diabetes Library Online. Information on diabetes, dieting, fitness and nutrition.

DiabetesXChange.org is an online clearinghouse for promising diabetes -related community-based programs, university-sponsored initiatives, corporate wellness programs, and government projects.

Foot Physicians.com Sponsored by the American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons, this site provides instructions for proper foot and ankle care, is a dependable source for information on common conditions and their treatments, information on foot and ankle surgery and how to locate a local surgeon in your area.

Montana Diabetes Project

Montana Diabetes Resource Center

National Diabetes Program at the National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

National Federation of the Blind Sponsors the Diabetes Action Network and publishes Voice of the Diabetic newsletter.

National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases.

Native American Diabetes Project works with Native American communities to help people eat healthy foods and increase exercise. Has developed a four-book children's series about a bald eagle that lives in a fictional Indian village on the outskirts of a city. The eagle counsels kids about the healthy Indian old ways, such as a diet rich in fruits and vegetables and a life filled with physical activity.

St. Vincent Healthcare - Diabetes Center (Billings) Interdisciplinary team includes nurses, dietitians, physicians, pharmacists, physical therapists, a counselor and an American Diabetes Association representative. Eight members of the Diabetes Team are Certified Diabetes Educators.

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Disability:

American Association on Health and Disability Contributes to national, state, and community efforts to prevent additional health disparities between people with disabilities and the general population.

Cornucopia of Disability Information. CODI serves as a community resource for consumers and professionals by providing disability information in a wide variety of areas. The information addresses local (Buffalo & Western New York), state, national and international audiences.

Disaboom.com Disability community site for anyone touched by a functional limitation or disability. Offers a career center, media room, discussion forums, advice on how to stay healthy and active, classifieds, accessibility reviews of businesses and restaurants, and social networking.

Health Promotion for Women with Disabilities . This web site addresses issues shared by women with disabilities, regardless of the cause of their disability. Although not all information will apply to all women, the information can be useful to women who are interested in learning more about their own health and about ways to improve their health and quality of life.

New Directions for Living Well with a Disability. Based at The University of Montana Rural Institute, this 8-week Health Promotion Workshop teaches tools that help people with disabilities continue to do the things they enjoy. Topics include goal setting, problem solving, optimistic thinking, avoiding depression, healthy communication, information seeking, nutrition, physical activity, advocacy and maintaining a healthy lifestyle.

Would you like to facilitate a Living Well with a Disability group? Click HERE to learn more!
Would you like to participate in a Living Well with a Disability group?
Click HERE to locate Montana's Living Well trainings!

Montana DPHHS Disability Services Division:

Montana DPHHS Disability Resource Center

Montana Tobacco Quit Line: Offers free phone counseling and nicotine patches. Call 866-485-7848.

Online Health Resources Directory Includes a section on disabilities.

Women with Disabilities at the National Women's Health Information Center.

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Down Syndrome:

Disability Solutions Resource for families and others interested in Down Syndrome and autism and related disorders.

National Down Syndrome Congress provides information, advocacy and support concerning all aspects of life for individuals with Down syndrome.

National Down Syndrome Society uses education, research and advocacy to ensure that all people with Down syndrome have the opportunity to achieve their full potential.

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Dystonia:

Dystonia Medical Research Foundation The Foundation advances research into the causes and treatments of this neurological disorder, builds awareness of dystonia in the medical and lay communities, and sponsors patient and family support groups and programs.

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Epilepsy:

Benefis Healthcare - Montana Neurology and Neurosciences (Great Falls) Benefis Healthcare provides comprehensive neurological services for Northcentral Montana, treating head trauma, stroke, and acute and chronic diseases of the brain and nerve system, such as Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, muscular dystrophy, multiple sclerosis, amputation and spinal-cord injury. Surgeons at Benefis perform a wide range of brain and spinal surgeries, including highly specialized operations to curtail severe epilepsy. Special facilities include: Spine Institute; Stroke Center; Montana Epilepsy Program; Sleep Center; Dedicated neurodiagnostic lab; Inpatient rehabilitation unit (acute care); Therapy Center (outpatient).

Epilepsy Foundation Works to ensure that people with seizures are able to participate in all life experiences; and supports research, education, advocacy and services tol prevent, control and cure epilepsy.

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Fetal Alcohol Syndrome/Fetal Alcohol Effect

Fetal Alcohol Syndrome (FAS) Family Resource Institute

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General Health Info: Montana Resources National Resources

General Montana Resources

Missoula City/County Public Health

Montana Academy of Family Physicians

Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services:

Montana Public Health and Human Safety Division

Big Sky Rx - Medicare Prescription Assistance Montana state program to help pay drug-coverage premiums for eligible Montanans enrolled in a prescription drug plan under Medicare Part D. The program was created by the 2005 Legislature and is funded with tobacco tax revenue. To be eligible for the program, you must be a Montana resident, be a Medicare recipient, and have a family income of 200 percent or less of the federal poverty level.

Medicaid Services Bureau

CHIP (Children's Health Insurance Plan)

Information for Clients

Montana Medicaid Provider Web Portal

Team Care (a component of the PASSPORT to Health Program)

Montana Nurses Association

Montana Office of Rural Health Web site has HealthInfo resource page.

Partners for Health Newsletter A collaboration of the Montana Primary Care Office, the Montana Primary Care Association, and the Montana Area Health Education Center/Office of Rural Health

Montana Public Health Association

Primary Care Association of Montana

General Health, National Resources

American Medical Association . Provides information that will help patients lead healthy lives and become active participants in their health care, from finding a doctor or hospital to nutritional and fitness articles, to content about specific medical diseases and conditions. This section also contains News From the AMA and information about upcoming meetings and events.

American Public Health Association.

Center for Medicare and Medicaid

Beneficiary Fact Sheet: Using Your Medicare Drug Coverage in 2007 Explains what beneficiaries who joined a Medicare drug plan for the first time, or have switched to a new Medicare drug plan during the 2007 open enrollment should do to make sure their first visit to the pharmacy in 2007 goes smoothly.

Clearinghouse for the Community Living Exchange Collaborative provides information and training and technical assistance to state and territorial recipients of Systems Change Grants for Community Living.

Nursing Home to Community Program: A Discharge Planning Manual Designed to orient long-term care providers to the nursing home discharge process. Defines roles of the key partners who are involved in returning residents to community living and documents a standard protocol for accessing and maximizing partner resources.

Ensuring Continuity of Care for Dual Eligibles: A Guide to Transition From Medicaid to Medicare's Prescription Drug Coverage for People with Developmental Disabilities This guide was developed by the Disability Policy Collaboration, a partnership of The Arc and United Cerebral Palsy and the web tool was developed by TheArcLink Incorporated.
Hospital Compare Tool allows consumers to compare the quality of care provided by local hospitals for adult patients with certain medical conditions. Hospital Compare was created by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services and organizations representing hospitals, doctors, employers, accrediting organizations, other Federal agencies and the public.

Family Doctor American Academy of Family Physicians has developed a web site designed to provide health information to the whole family, including teens

Healthfinder Service Provides health library on prevention & wellness, diseases & conditions, and alternative medicine, plus medical dictionaries, an encyclopedia, journals, and more; publishes articles on special health topics organized by age from kids to seniors, by race and ethnicity, for men and women, and for parents, caregivers, health professionals, and others; provides information about doctors, dentists, public clinics, hospitals, long term care, nursing homes, health insurance, prescriptions, health fraud, Medicare, Medicaid, and medical privacy; and offers carefully selected health information web sites from government agencies, clearinghouses, nonprofits, and universities.

Health Grades Medicare data on medical services by state.

Inland Empire Health Plan Online Resource Center Highlights disability initiatives and accessibility issues related to health care. The HEALTH section comprises disability initiatives, organized according to the principal tenets of Healthy Living, Education & outreach, Access to care, Leading the way, Training our team and providers, and Health care with heart. ADA & Beyond focuses on breaking down barriers to ensure access to care for people with diverse disabilities.

Medicaid 101 - The Basics of America's Biggest Health Program, Web Broadcast provides basic information, contacts, and resources on the Medicaid Program.

MedlinePlus More "user-friendly" than the National Library of Medicine's Medline database -- MedlinePlus offers less-technical information on medical conditions. Search results provide links to additional resources.

Medline Plus, General Disabilities Resources from the National Library of Medicine.

National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine, National Institutes of Health

National Institute of General Medical Sciences.

National Institute of Nursing Research.

National Library of Medicine

National Organization on Rare Disorders Has more than 25 patient assistance programs for specific medications.

NeedyMeds.com Provides information about patient assistance programs and other programs designed to help those who can't afford their medicines.

Nicotine Anonymous Non-Profit 12-Step Fellowship of men and women helping each other live nicotine-free lives.

Online Guide to Quitting includes tobacco cessation resources, expert advice and support, referrals to local resources, tools for individuals and professionals, and more.

Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturers of America Provides the Directory of Prescription Drug Patient Assistance Programs. These programs provide prescription medicines free of charge to physicians whose patients might not otherwise have access to necessary medicines. Under the entry for each program is information about how to make a request for assistance, what prescription medicines are covered, and basic eligibility criteria. Also see http://www.helpingpatients.org

Public Health and Prevention A collaboration between the American Public Health Association and WebMD Medscape, this site is intended to bring valuable resources and information to new audiences. Please note you will need to register before accessing the site.

RxAssist Patient Assistance Program Center provides a comprehensive database of pharmaceutical manufacturers' patient assistance programs.

RxHope Lists resources for consumers, advocates and health care providers who want to access federal, state and charitable agencies.

Tobacco Information and Prevention Source at the National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion

Together Rx Access Free prescription savings program for eligible individuals and families who lack prescription drug coverage and are not eligible for Medicare. Most cardholders save 25-40% on brand name and generic drugs.

Understanding Changes in Prescription Drug Coverage for People with Disabilities on Medicare: A Guide for People with Disabilities, Benefits Counselors, Disability Organizations and Others On Transitioning to the Medicare Part D Prescription Drug Benefit Reading this guide should enable individuals to better understand the changes in their prescription drug coverage and what key steps they can take to ensure that their prescription drug needs are met. The focus is on issues of particular importance to people who are dually eligible, although much of the information is critical for all Medicare beneficiaries with disabilities.

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Heart and Circulatory Conditions:

American Heart Association AHA web site provides prevention and treatment information, resources, and links for people at risk for cardiovascular conditions, the general public, and health care professionals/researchers.

AHA's American Stroke Association.

Benefis Healthcare - Heart Institute (Great Falls)

Benefis Healthcare - Montana Neurology and Neurosciences (Great Falls) Benefis Healthcare provides comprehensive neurological services for Northcentral Montana, treating head trauma, stroke, and acute and chronic diseases of the brain and nerve system, such as Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, muscular dystrophy, multiple sclerosis, amputation and spinal-cord injury. Surgeons at Benefis perform a wide range of brain and spinal surgeries, including highly specialized operations to curtail severe epilepsy. Special facilities include: Spine Institute; Stroke Center; Montana Epilepsy Program; Sleep Center; Dedicated neurodiagnostic lab; Inpatient rehabilitation unit (acute care); Therapy Center (outpatient).

Children's National Medical Center: The Center for Heart, Lung and Kidney Disease

Community Medical Center - Montana Heart Center (Missoula)

Community Medical Center - Community Bridges Program (Missoula) comprehensive day treatment and residential services for individuals who have had a brain injury or have other neurological diagnoses.

Montana Association of Cardiovascular and Pulmonary Rehabilitation

Montana Cardiovascular Health Program:

    Billings Resource Guide for Individuals Recovering from Heart Attack or Stroke
    Bozeman Resource Guide for Individuals Recovering from Heart Attack or Stroke
    Great Falls Resource Guide for Individuals Recovering from Heart Attack or Stroke
    Helena Resource Guide for Individuals Recovering from Heart Attack or Stroke
    Kalispell Resource Guide for Individuals Recovering from Heart Attack or Stroke
    Missoula Resource Guide for Individuals Recovering from Heart Attack or Stroke

Montana Tobacco Use Prevention Program

National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute .

National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke.

National Stroke Association Provides info on stroke prevention, recovery, treatment and clinical trials. Lists area support groups.

Nicotine Anonymous Non-Profit 12-Step Fellowship of men and women helping each other live nicotine-free lives.

Online Guide to Quitting includes tobacco cessation resources, expert advice and support, referrals to local resources, tools for individuals and professionals, and more.

St. Vincent Healthcare - New Hope Rehabilitation Center (Billings) Specializes in rehabilitation of people who have experienced a stroke, spinal cord injury, brain injury, multiple trauma, neurological disorder (including Parkinson’s, Multiple Sclerosis, and Guillian Barre). an orthopedic condition, amputation, arthritis and osteoporosis. Headway Program is a treatment program for people who have an acquired brain injury caused by an external physical force or trauma from a motor vehicle accident, assault, or fall; or as the result of internal damage from a stroke, tumor, or chemical exposure.

Tobacco Information and Prevention Source at the National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion

Velo-Cardio-Facial Syndrome Educational Foundation, Inc.

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Learning and Behavior Disabilities:

ADDitude Magazine is dedicated to serving people and families with AD/HD. Every issue has inspiring stories, expert advice, parenting and coaching tips as well as all the up-to-date information on treatment and health issues related to AD/HD.

American Council on Rural Special Education

American School Counselor Association Web site has articles for parents and back-to-school tips.

Association for Positive Behavior Support International organization dedicated to the advancement of positive behavior support and its application with children, adolescents, and adults who have problem behavior.

Association of Educational Therapists Educational therapists provide a broad range of individualized educational interventions for children and adults with learning disabilities and other learning challenges.

Attention Deficit Disorder Association provides information, resources and networking to adults with AD/HD and to the professionals who work with them.

Attention Deficit Disorder Resources National non-profit organization helps people with ADD or ADHD achieve their full potential through education, support and networking opportunities. The site offers reading material, teleclasses and membership information.

Bookshare Provides accessible books in digital formats for people with print disabilities.

Children and Adults with Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder CHADD improves the lives of people with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder through education, advocacy and support. Members qualify for a benefits package to help fight the high costs of prescription drugs, vision and eyecare expenses.

Council for Exceptional Children

Council for Learning Disabilities promotes effective teaching and research. CLD is composed of professionals who represent diverse disciplines and who are committed to enhance the education and life span development of individuals with learning disabilities.