Resources on Accessibility
Accessible Health Care Series (Center for Disability Issues and the Health Professions):
Choosing and Negotiating an Accessible Facility Location (2008)
Health Care Facilities Access – Clinic and Out-patient (2009)
Importance of Accessible Examination Tables, Chairs, and Weight Scales (2009)
Improving Accessibility with Limited Resources (2008)
Tools for Decreasing Health Care Barriers (2005)
Americans with Disability Act:
Access to Medical Care for Individuals with Mobility Disabilities (2010) pdf file
Checklist for Readily Achievable Barrier Removal (2011) pdf file
Communicating with People Who Are Deaf or Hard of Hearing in Hospital Settings (2003)
Readily Achievable Barrier Removal, Van Accessible Parking Spaces (1996)
Tax Incentives for Businesses (2005)
Update: A Primer for Small Businesses
Other:
Exam Room Selection for Accessible Examination Tables & Chairs
Removing Barriers – Tips and Strategies to Promote Accessible Communication (1999)
Resources on Advocacy and Disability Policy
Accessing Safety Initiative helps organizations and communities meet the needs of women with disabilities & Deaf women who are victims or survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault, & stalking.
Alliance for Health Reform A non-partisan, non-profit group that provides objective health-related information in a number of formats to journalists, elected officials and their staffs, and other shapers of public opinion.
Center for the Study and Advancement of Disability Policy: Provides public education, leadership development and training, technical assistance and information dissemination, and conducts action-research and analysis of public policy issues affecting individuals with disabilities and their families.
Damon Brooks Associates Source of speakers on disability and entertainers with disabilities. They also publish an on-line e-newsletter, APPLAUSE.
DIMENet: Disabled Individuals’ Movement for Equality Network.
Disability Data in National Surveys The federal government collects extensive disability survey and administrative data used by federal and state agencies for a variety of purposes. This report, from the Mathematica Policy Research Center for Studying Disability Policy, presents the findings from a review of the disability-related information and other key features of 40 existing national surveys sponsored by the federal government.
Disability.gov One-stop online access to disability-related resources, services, and information available throughout the Federal government.
Federal Register Daily publication announces proposed and final regulations, legal notices from federal agencies, presidential proclamations, executive orders and notices of funding availability.
Henry J. Kaiser Family Foundation Non-profit, private operating foundation focusing on major health care issues facing the nation. The Foundation is an independent voice and source of facts and analysis for policymakers, the media, the health care community, and the general public.
Inclusion Solutions Simple, effective and affordable access solutions and services for businesses and public entities (such as polling places).
International Association of Rehabilitation Professionals serves a diverse membership practicing in the fields of longterm disability and disability management consulting, case management and managed care, forensics and expert testimony, life care planning, and Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) consulting.
Montana Association for the Blind (MAB) – This statewide, nonprofit, self-help consumer organization works for the social and economic improvement of Montanans with visual impairments.
Montana Chapter-National Association of Social Workers
Montana Fair Housing Full service, private, non-profit organization dedicated to the reduction and eradication of housing discrimination in Montana. Serves Montana housing providers and consumers and responds to inquiries and discriminatory housing complaints. Provides information and support to consumers and industry representatives, investigates allegations of housing discrimination, counsels victims of housing discrimination and assists them in filing federal and state complaints.
National Academy for State Health Policy Conducts research into areas of vital importance to states and those who depend on them for health coverage and protection.
National Committee on Quality Assurance. NCQA is an independent, non-profit organization which evaluates and reports on the quality of the nation’s managed care organizations. It provides information useful when deciding which health plan to choose for individual, family, or employee coverage.
National Council on Disability is an independent federal agency composed of members appointed by the President of the United States, by and with the advice and consent of the U.S. Senate. NCD advises the President, Congress, and executive branch agencies on policies, programs, practices, and procedures that guarantee equal opportunity for all individuals with disabilities, regardless of the nature or severity of the disability and empowers individuals with disabilities to achieve economic self-sufficiency, independent living, and inclusion and integration into all aspects of society.
National Council on Independent Living membership organization for Centers for Independent Living advances independent living and the rights of people with disabilities through consumer-driven advocacy.
National Disability Rights Network is the nonprofit membership organization for the federally mandated Protection and Advocacy (P&A) Systems and Client Assistance Programs (CAP) for individuals with disabilities.
National Health Law Program. National public interest law firm that seeks to improve health care for America’s working and unemployed poor, minorities, the elderly and people with disabilities. NHeLP serves legal services programs, community-based organizations, the private bar, providers and individuals who work to preserve a health care safety net for the millions of uninsured or underinsured low-income people.
National Patient Advocate Foundation is a national, non-profit organization dedicated to policy and legislative reform at the state and federal levels that improves access to, and reimbursement for, evolving therapies, therapeutic agents, and devices.
National Rehabilitation Information Center Resources for employment, advocacy, benefits and financial assistance, education, technology, and more.
National Technical Assistance Center for Voting and Cognitive Access helps protection and advocacy systems, election officials and people with disabilities make voting accessible for citizens with cognitive disabilities and visual disabilities.
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.
Facilitate — Learn more about how to facilitate a Living Well with a Disability group.
Paralyzed Veterans of America. Provides resources for professionals and for people with paralysis, including “Living with SCI” area, sports and recreation resources, research and education and national advocacy.
Resource Center to Address Discrimination and Stigma Describes stigma and discrimination associated with mental illness, how to counter this behavior, and what resources are available. Provides literature, speakers and information.
Rocky Mountain Americans with Disabilities Act Leadership Network Provides assistance on ADA implementation.
Montana representative: Equal Access Consulting (Missoula), Call Michael Regnier at 406-728-8220 or e-mail Mequall@msn.com
SurveyGizmo is a statistical tool that meets the accessibility and usability standards of Section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act.
Tardive Dyskinesia Center Tardive dyskinesia (TD) is a movement disorder caused by taking certain neurological medications. TD is a result of damage to the bodily systems that process dopamine, and is typically caused by exposure to certain neurological medications – including Reglan. The symptoms of TD are irreversible and incurable, and mimic those of Parkinson’s disease. Tardive dyskinesia victims have involuntary, repetitive movements which often continue after the drug is no longer used. The center has the most up-to-date information on Tardive Dyskinesia Treatment options. Additionally, it distributes free wristbands to all users in hopes of raising TD awareness.
U.S. 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.
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Administration on Developmental Disabilities
State Councils on Developmental Disabilities
State Protection and Advocacy Agencies
Association of University Centers on Disabilities. Conduct interdisciplinary training, promote exemplary community service programs, provide technical assistance at all levels from local service delivery to community and state governments, and conduct research and dissemination activities. University Centers for Excellence provide community training and technical assistance to family and individual support service organizations, and work with individuals with developmental disabilities, family members of these individuals, professionals, paraprofessionals, students, and volunteers.
The University of Montana Rural Institute: A University Center for Excellence in Disability Education, Research and Services
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office for Civil Rights. Has information on the New Freedom Initiatives.
U.S. Dept. of Justice, Civil Rights Division
Americans with Disabilities Act Home Page, U.S. Department of Justice
The Americans with Disabilities Act Questions and Answers
Guide to Disability Rights Law. Booklet describing ten federal disability rights laws that prohibit discrimination and establish the rights of people with disabilities to live a life of independence and dignity in the mainstream of America. Provides information on where to turn for help from the federal government in protecting civil rights.
Project Civic Access U.S. Department of Justice, Civil Rights Division: First Steps for Cities and Counties Toward Solving Common ADA Problems
Web Accessibility Center at The Ohio State University rates survey tools for accessibility features and usability by individuals with disabilities.
www.TheDesk.info Online Medicaid reference desk geared to people with cognitive disabilities, families, advocates, legislators, policy makers, state officials, and service providers.
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Resources on Aging and Disability
AARP Home Design Resources Lists Certified “Aging in Place” Specialists, profiles “livable” communities, has tips and checklists for making homes accessible and safe.
Aging and Disability Resource Centers promote the integration of long-term care information and referral services, benefits and options counseling services, and access to publicly and privately financed services and benefits for those in need of long-term supports and their families. 43 states have ADRCs that serve older adults and individuals with disabilities. In Montana these are:
Yellowstone County Council on Aging Resource Center (Billings)
Area II Agency on Aging (Roundup) serves Big Horn County, Carbon County, Fergus County, Golden Valley County, Judith Basin County, Musselshell County, Petroleum County, Stillwater County, Sweet Grass County, Wheatland County, Yellowstone County and the Northern Cheyenne and Crow Indian Reservations.
Aging in Place Initiative This collaboration of national organizations and the MetLife Foundation conducts civic engagement workshops and provides resources for communities on improving their livability for older persons, and in turn, increasing livability for all people.
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.
Alzheimers Association. Provides an online community and a toll-free, 24/7 Helpline in 140 languages. Local chapters offer core services to families and professionals, including information and referral, support groups, care consultation, education and safety services. CareFinder™ online guide helps individuals find the right care based on individual needs and preferences. Safe Return® is a nationwide identification, support and enrollment program that provides security for those who may wander. The Association also operates a large library, conducts an annual conference, supports research and publishes a peer-reviewed journal.
Alzheimer’s Disease International is the global umbrella organization of Alzheimer associations. It establishes and strengthens Alzheimer associations throughout the world, and raises global awareness about Alzheimer’s disease and all other causes of dementia.
Alzheimer’s Disease Research Center at Johns Hopkins University
Alzheimer’s Disease Research Center at Mayo Clinic
American Association of Homes and Services for the Aging
American Geriatrics Society Professional organization of health care providers dedicated to improving the health and well-being of all older adults.
American Society on Aging (ASA).
HealthWord Monthly e-mail newsletter produced by the ASA’s Live Well, Live Long project, funded by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Live Well, Live Long provides education and resources to professionals in the field of aging to help them improve health promotion and disease prevention efforts aimed at older adults. Current and past issues of HealthWord are available on the website.
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
Assisted Living Federation of America Largest national association exclusively dedicated to professionally-operated assisted living communities for seniors. ALFA sponsors national conferences, research, publications and executive networks; and works to influence public policy by advocating for informed choice, quality care and accessibility for all Americans seeking assistance with long-term care.
Association for Gerontology in Higher Education is the only national membership organization devoted primarily to gerontological education.
Association of Montana Health Care Providers is a leadership organization and a principal advocate for health care facilities in Montana. MHA serves a diverse membership, including hospitals, long-term care facilities, critical access hospitals, home health and hospice agencies, psychiatric facilities, physician groups, assisted living centers, senior housing and insurance services.
Center for Aging Services Technology is a national coalition of more than 400 technology companies, aging services organizations, research universities, and government representatives.
Center for Disability Issues in the Health Professions Western University of Health Sciences website offers products, courses and services, online resources, and news and announcements for health professions education, and to improve access for people with disabilities to health, health education and health care services. Resources include Aging with a Disability information and other tools for decreasing health care barriers.
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.
Consumer Direct Personal Care (Billings & Missoula offices, but coverage is statewide) allows individuals of any age with health care needs to remain in their homes and communities and to avoid placement in an institution. This program is for individuals who are capable of directing their own personal care services or appointing a Personal Representative to act on their behalf. Program requirements include: eligibility for Montana Medicaid; need for assistance with activities of daily living; need for assistance with instrumental activities of daily living; authorization by a health care professional that assistance is necessary; and completion of an assessment for placement in the program.
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.
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.
Fisher Center for Alzheimer’s Research Foundation
Gerontological Society of America.
HealthandAge.com Novartis Foundation for Gerontology site offers latest research articles and book supplements.
Health, Wellness and Aging with a Disability Resources developed by June Isaacson Kailes, Disability Policy Consultant.
Healthy Aging Dietetic Practice Group is a practice group of the American Dietetic Association
International Association of Homes and Services for the Aging
Mary S. Easton Center for Alzheimer’s Disease Research at University of California – Los Angeles
Meals on Wheels Association of America
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.
Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services
Division of Senior and Long-Term Care administers aging services, adult protective services, and the state’s two veterans’ homes. It also helps to fund care for elderly and disabled Montanans who are eligible for Medicaid and Supplemental Security Income (SSI).
Montana Geriatric Education Center is a consortium of The University of Montana, the Northwest Research and Education Institute, and Montana Tech.
Montana Gerontology Society is dedicated to enhancing professional development and understanding among providers of services, seniors, volunteers, researchers, educators, students, and others associated with the field of aging.
Montana Long-term Care Ombudsman Program Long-term Care Ombudsmen are advocates for residents of nursing homes and assisted living facilities.
Montana Senior Corps Montana has three Senior Corps programs: Foster Grandparents serve one-on-one as tutors and mentors to more than 3,100 young people who have special needs; Senior Companions help more than 1,100 homebound seniors and other adults maintain independence in their own homes; Retired and Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP) volunteers conduct safety patrols for local police departments, participate in environmental projects, tutor and mentor youth, respond to natural disasters, and provide other services through more than 890 groups across Montana.
National Adult Day Services Association
National Association of Area Agencies on Aging has information and resources to help older adults and persons with disabilities live independently in their communities.
Area II Agency on Aging (Roundup) serves Big Horn County, Carbon County, Fergus County, Golden Valley County, Judith Basin County, Musselshell County, Petroleum County, Stillwater County, Sweet Grass County, Wheatland County, Yellowstone County and the Northern Cheyenne and Crow Indian Reservations.
Area IV Agency on Aging (Helena) serves Broadwater, Gallatin, Jefferson, Lewis & Clark, Meagher and Park Counties.
Area VI Agency on Aging (Polson)
Older American’s Act provides services in Mineral, Lake, Sanders, the Flathead Reservation & Lincoln Counties
Retired & Senior Volunteer Program provides services in Ravalli, Mineral, The Flathead Reservation & Lake Counties
Foster Grandparents provides services in Flathead, Lake, Lincoln, Mineral, Ravalli, the Flathead Reservation & Sanders Counties.
Case Management Services are available in Lake, Lincoln, Mineral, Ravalli, the Flathead Reservation & Sanders Counties.
Information & Assistance Services are available in Mineral, Lake, Sanders, The Flathead Reservation & Lincoln Counties.
Long Term Care Ombudsman Services are available in Mineral, Lake, Sanders, The Flathead Reservation & Lincoln Counties.
Area VIII Agency on Aging (Great Falls)
Area X Agency on Aging (Missoula) Centers in Alberton, Arlee, Condon, Florence, Frenchtown, Missoula and Seeley Lake provide a variety of meal programs, transportation, information & referral, care management, Ombudsman, and advocacy services.
Specialized Intervention Services – Western Montana Chapter (Missoula) Community based organization strives to protect and promote the health and welfare of persons with disabilities and the elderly in Flathead, Lake, Sanders, Mineral, Missoula, Ravalli, and Lincoln Counties. It has affiliations with the local Area Agencies on Aging in each of these counties. Programs include: Carrier Alert Program, Guardianship Program, Gatekeeper Program, Conservatorship Program, Financial Institution Training, and Representative Payee Program.
Belgrade Senior Friendship Center
Belmont Senior Center (Butte)
Prairie County Senior Citizens Programs (Terry)
Three Forks Senior Citizen Club
West Yellowstone Senior Center
Yellowstone County Council on Aging (Billings) Centers in Billings, Broadview, Custer, Huntley, Laurel, and Worden provide Ombudsman services, Caregiver Support, Bookkeeping, Minor Home Repair, Meal Programs, and Transportation services (in Billings, Custer & Laurel).
National Association of Professional Geriatric Care Managers A geriatric care manager is a health and human services professional, such as a gerontologist, nurse, social worker, or psychologist with a specialized focus on issues related to aging and elder care. Geriatric care managers work privately with older adults and their families to create a plan of care that meets the needs of the older adult.
National Center for Assisted Living
National Center for Senior Transportation is administered by Easter Seals and National Association of Area Agencies on Aging. Provides resources for aging/human service providers; transportation providers; and for older adults & caregivers.
National Hispanic Council on Aging
National Indian Council on Aging (NICOA) serves as advocate for the nation’s estimated 296,000 American Indian and Alaska Native elders. NICOA strives to better the lives of the nation’s indigenous seniors through advocacy, employment training, dissemination of information, and data support.
National Institute of Osteoporosis and Related Bone Diseases Provides patients, health professionals, and the public with an important link to resources and information on metabolic bone diseases, including osteoporosis, Paget’s disease of the bone, osteogenesis imperfecta, and hyperparathyroidism.
National Osteoporosis Foundation. Provides information for patients and professionals on preventing and treating osteoporosis.
National Resource Center on Native American Aging Based at the University of North Dakota Center for Rural Health, the National Resource Center works closely with the local service providers throughout the nation to address the needs of American Indian, Alaskan Native and Native Hawaiian elders.
National Resource Center on Supportive Housing and Home Modification
Northern Montana Hospital – Senior Connections (Havre) is a health promotion outreach program geared specifically for the senior age group. Services are offered in surrounding communities within a 100-mile radius of NMH’s multi-level health care facility.
Northwest Research and Education Institute facilitates clinical and applied research, provides continuing medical education for physicians and other healthcare professionals, and coordinates community health education programs.
President’s Council on Physical Fitness and Sports encourages all Americans to make being active part of their everyday lives. Web site has a section for seniors.
Rehabilitation Research and Training Center on Aging with Developmental Disabilities.
Regional Access Mobility Program (RAMP) of Montana is a nonprofit charitable organization which builds interior and exterior wheelchair ramps and other accommodations for accessibility. Services include installing grab bars, widening doors, installing accessible cabinets, installing stair lifts and elevators, and modifying electrical and plumbing systems.
Resource, Support & Development, Inc. (RSD) is based in Billings and operates the Billings Senior Activity Program for adults with developmental disabilities.
Rural Caregivers Comprehensive site features resource materials, caregiver organizations, disability organizations, diagnosis-specific organizations, support groups, state and regional resources, and resources on finances, living arrangements, accessibility, and emergency preparedness.
Senior Living Assistance and Caregiver’s Network provides information on assisted living, nursing homes, and Alzheimers care options and lets users search for resources by state, city, and zip code. The Network will rate facilities by soliciting information from residents and family members to use in conjunction with licensure reports. The site also includes a list of the worst nursing homes (by number of licensure infractions) in the U.S. Background information on each state and maps augment other information.
Senior Housing What you Need to Know booklet discusses what to consider in making housing decisions for yourself or a family member, and provides resources.
Spring Meadow Resources (Helena) A senior day program is available for people aging with developmental disabilities. The Creative Activities Program is a component of the Day Programs for all adults with disabilities, along with a blind/low vision component, and the community volunteers component.
Take Charge Challenge Developed by the New Mexico Office on Disability and Health, this inclusive 10-week physical activity program helps participants determine their own goals, participate in activities of their choice and receive rewards for meeting their goals.
United We Ride is a program of the Federal Coordinating Council on Access and Mobility (CCAM), an interdepartmental council that coordinates a variety of federal programs funding transportation for older Americans, people with disabilities and persons with lower incomes. CCAM’s United We Ride Internet website includes information on transportation-focused grant opportunities, state activities, resources, and strategies for coordinating transportation across agencies. A newsletter is also available.
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services
Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans are designed so people can easily fit physical activity into their daily plan and incorporate activities they enjoy. The guidelines are based on the first thorough review of scientific research about physical activity and health in more than a decade. Guidelines are grouped by the following: children and adolescents, adults, older adults, pregnant women, adults with disabilities, and people with chronic medical conditions.
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency – Aging Initiative provides a variety of factsheets on how the environment affects aging individuals and ways to respond. Materials are available in several languages and in low-literacy versions.
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General Health Care | Mental Health | Physical/Intellectual/Developmental Disabilities | Substance Abuse
Resources for professionals serving Montana
children with disabilities
Center for Health and Health Care in Schools Based at Georgetown University, the Center tests model programs to expand dental and mental health services to children through school-based health centers; analyzes policy options for organizing and financing health programs in schools; advises government officials and leaders in schools and health care institutions on how to provide cost-effective, accountable school health programs; researches issues and publicizes findings on the effectiveness of various school-based health programs and services; informs policymakers and the public on alternative approaches to school-based health programs and services through the CHHCS website, listserv, e-journal, and print publications.
Children’s National Medical Center Comprises seven 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. Surgeons perform more than 15,000 surgeries each year on infants, children and adolescents. Children’s surgeons perform laser surgery and employ many types of minimally invasive techniques.
Child Health Advocacy Institute identifies and studies threats facing children and develops and and implements interventions to improve pediatric health outcomes.
Coordinated School Health Model A coordinated school health program (CSHP) model has eight interactive components 1) Health Education; 2) Physical Education; 3) Health Services; 4) Nutrition Services; 5) Counseling and Psychological Services; 6) Healthy School Environments; 7) Health Promotion for Staff; and 8) Family/Community Involvement.
Covering Kids: National Health Access Initiative for Low-income, Uninsured Children Helps states and local communities increase the number of eligible children who benefit from health insurance coverage programs.
Data Resource Center on Child and Adolescent Health Free, easy-to-use website with national, state, and regional survey findings, interactive data search tools, personalized technical help by email or telephone, and information and examples to help visitors use data more effectively.
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.
Health Care Transition The Promising Practices in Health Care Transition Project at the Institute for Child Health Policy at the University of Florida.
Health Resources and Services Administration, Maternal and Child Health Bureau, Division of Child, Adolescent and Family Health.
Healthy Mothers, Healthy Babies Coalition.
Montana CHIP (Children’s Health Insurance Plan)
Montana Public Health Home Visiting Program
National Alliance for Drug-Endangered Children supports a nationwide network of professionals serving drug endangered children by providing referrals to experts, updated research on topics concerning drug endangered children, and best practice information.
National Association of School Nurses
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.
National Institute of Child Health and Human Development. Conducts and supports laboratory, clinical, and epidemiological research on the reproductive, neurobiologic, developmental, and behavioral processes that determine and maintain the health of children, adults, families, and populations.
National Resource Center for Child Welfare Data and Technology
Public Policy Information and Analysis Center for Middle Childhood, Adolescent and Young Adult Health. Assists Maternal and Child Health Bureau in identifying, developing and analyzing information helpful to practitioners and policymakers at the national, state and local levels. The goal is to enhance the health status of the middle childhood and adolescent populations.
Research and Policy Center for Childhood and Adolescence, School of Medicine, University of California at San Francisco.
Teaching, Responding and Communicating Quality Physical Education: Creating Quality, Inclusive Physical Education & Physical Activity for all Students Publication from the North Carolina Office on Disability and Health.
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services
Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans are designed so people can easily fit physical activity into their daily plan and incorporate activities they enjoy. The guidelines are based on the first thorough review of scientific research about physical activity and health in more than a decade. Guidelines are grouped by the following: children and adolescents, adults, older adults, pregnant women, adults with disabilities, and people with chronic medical conditions.
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
Healthy School Environments Assessment Tool (HealthySEATv2) is a fully customizable and easy to use software program designed to help school districts evaluate and manage all of their environmental, safety and health issues.
Siting of School Facilities An EPA-wide work group is currently developing the draft of the Voluntary Model School Siting Guidelines and anticipates posting a draft for public comment in summer, 2009.
American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry.
American Professional Society on the Abuse of Children
American School Counselor Association
Casey Family Programs supports families, youth, and children in reaching their full potential. Casey provides an array of permanency planning, prevention, and transition services such as long-term family foster care, adoption, kinship care, job training, and scholarships. Through advocacy efforts, national and local community partnerships, and by serving as a center for information and learning about children in need of permanent family connections, the Programs aim to improve public and private services for children, youth, and families affected by the child welfare system.
Center for School Mental Health works with a wide range of stakeholders invested in integrated approaches to reduce barriers to student learning, including families, youth, educators, mental health and other child system staff, advocates, legislators, researchers and government officials. CSMH hosts national and regional conferences to advance research, policy, and practice related to mental health in schools.
Montana Association of School Psychologists
Montana Children’s Mental Health Services
Wraparound Montana: Psychiatric Residential Treatment Facility Demonstration Waiver
National Association of School Psychologists provides information for students, families and teachers.
National Early Childhood Technical Assistance Center is supported by the U.S. Department of Education’s Office of Special Education Programs. NECTAC serves all 50 states and 10 jurisdictions with an array of services and supports to improve service systems and outcomes for infants, toddlers, and preschool aged children with special needs and their families. Each state’s Part C and Section 619 Program Coordinators have a contact person at NECTAC and request TA on behalf of their state programs.
Developmental Screening and Assessment Instruments with an Emphasis on Social and Emotional Development for Young Children Ages Birth through Five (May, 2008) Almost 40 instruments are categorized by whether they address multiple domains of development or whether they focus on social emotional development. Each instrument comes with a description and information about the age range for which it is appropriate, the time needed to administer the instrument, how scoring works, and who should conduct the screening. This document should be helpful to early childhood special education teachers, early childhood mental health specialists, and pre-k teachers in general.
National Child Traumatic Stress Network provides information for parents and caregivers, military children and families, educators, the media, and other professionals. Distance learning is available for professionals and families. Special topics include natural disasters and terrorism.
National Technical Assistance Center for Children’s Mental Health. Based at Georgetown University, this center serves both vulnerable children and their families, and influences local, national, and international programs and policy.
Research and Training Center on Family Support and Children’s Mental Health Focuses on improving services to children and youth who have mental, emotional, or behavioral disorders and their families.
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.
Tunnels and Cliffs : A Guide for Workforce Development Practitioners and Policymakers serving Youth with Mental Health Needs helps workforce development practitioners, administrators, and policymakers increase their understanding of youth with mental health needs and the supports necessary to help them transition into the workforce successfully.
Physical/Intellectual/Developmental Disabilities
American Professional Society on the Abuse of Children
Association on Higher Education and Disability
Center on Inclusion in Early Childhood shares knowledge, fosters skills, and encourages attitudes that promote inclusion as a core component of excellence in early childhood. The Center expands child care options for children with disabilities and their families;
provides training and technical assistance for child care providers and other early childhood professionals (including specialists in early intervention and special education); and improves the quality of the child care experience for all children.
Community Services Locator Online Directory for finding community services for children and families. Service providers and families can use the directory to find health, mental health, family support, parenting, child care, and other services in their communities. Topics include education and special needs, health and wellness, mental health and well-being, family support, parenting, child care and early childhood education, and financial support.
Council of Administrators of Special Education is an international professional educational organization which is affiliated with the Council for Exceptional Children. Members are dedicated to the enhancement of the worth, dignity, potential, and uniqueness of each individual in society.
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.
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.
Frank Porter Graham Child Development Institute, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
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.”
Heath Clearinghouse on Postsecondary Education for Individuals with Disabilities at George Washington University has information for students with disabilities, educators, families, and guidance counselors.
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.
Montana Children’s Special Health Services
Montana Early Childhood Comprehensive System
Montana Education Association – Montana Federation of Teachers
Montana Parent Information and Resource Center provides leadership, technical assistance and coordination to help boost student academic achievement. The MT PIRC provides technical assistance and resources for school-family-community partnerships; and brings information, training and support to parents, educators, and those working with families. The focus is on early learning and school readiness; parent leadership; school-family-community partnerships; and statewide networking.
Montana Parent-Teacher Association
National Alliance for Medicaid in Education represents the nation’s Medicaid and Education agency staff, along with local education agency administrators, with programmatic responsibility for administering Medicaid’s Administrative Claiming and Direct Billing of Health Related Service programs in schools. The primary purposes of NAME are to provide an information network among the states on issues pertinent to the Medicaid programs in schools and to act as a focal point of communication between the states.
National Center on Birth Defects and Developmental Disabilities identifies the causes of and prevents birth defects and developmental disabilities, helps children to develop and reach their full potential, and promotes health and well-being among people of all ages with disabilities.
National Early Childhood Technical Assistance Center is supported by the U.S. Department of Education’s Office of Special Education Programs. NECTAC serves all 50 states and 10 jurisdictions with an array of services and supports to improve service systems and outcomes for infants, toddlers, and preschool aged children with special needs and their families. Each state’s Part C and Section 619 Program Coordinators have a contact person at NECTAC and request TA on behalf of their state programs.
Developmental Screening and Assessment Instruments with an Emphasis on Social and Emotional Development for Young Children Ages Birth through Five (May, 2008) Almost 40 instruments are categorized by whether they address multiple domains of development or whether they focus on social emotional development. Each instrument comes with a description and information about the age range for which it is appropriate, the time needed to administer the instrument, how scoring works, and who should conduct the screening. This document should be helpful to early childhood special education teachers, early childhood mental health specialists, and pre-k teachers in general.
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 Resource Center for Early Hearing Detection and Intervention at Utah State University helps state agencies, health care providers, hospitals, early intervention programs and families nationwide to develop and sustain comprehensive EHDI programs.
One Place for Special Needs is a web site created by a parent familiar with the frustrations of trying to locate appropriate services. She is creating a national database of organizations and is recruiting
therapists, tutors, special ed teachers, retired teachers, paraprofessionals, sitters/caregivers, students in the education/therapy/nursing fields, professionals in the medical and mental health field, vocational/social/life skills coaches and any people, organizations and businesses who help or offer services to those with special needs.
Online Oral Health Tutorial for Non-Dental Professionals: The UCLID Center (LEND Program) at the University of Pittsburgh has added a section on oral health in infants, toddlers, and preschoolers and children with disabilities to its free online tutorial. In addition to a general overview there is specific information regarding oral health in individuals with HIV/AIDS, Cerebral Palsy, and Down Syndrome.
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.
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.
Center for Treatment Research on Adolescent Drug Abuse . Develops, refines, and evaluates family-oriented treatments for drug abusing adolescents. CTRADA investigators also aim to develop a greater understanding of treatment factors and patient and family characteristics that increase or decrease the likelihood of treatment success.
Missoula Forum for Children and Youth is an alliance of prevention coalitions, agencies, and individuals united by a common mission: To build and maintain a supportive environment for collaborative and proactive work to help Missoula prevent substance abuse and other problem behaviors and grow healthy and resilient children and youth.
National Alliance for Drug-Endangered Children supports a nationwide network of professionals serving drug endangered children by providing referrals to experts, updated research on topics concerning drug endangered children, and best practice information.
National Drug and Alcohol Abuse Helpline helps individuals find a rehabilitation program for specific alcohol or drug addiction problem. Case workers are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
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Community Inclusion | Housing | Transportation
Resources on Community Living Supports and Services
Access Board Federal agency committed to accessible design.
Access Board’s ADA Disability Accessibility Guidelines (ADAAG) Education Course, produced by American Institute of Architects and the Access Board. On-line course focuses on ADAAG supplements covering public sector facilities.
Americans with Disabilities Act: Accessibility Guidelines for Buildings and Facilities
Detectable Warnings: Synthesis of U.S. and International Practice (pdf file)
Access Group, Inc. specializes in changing and removing negative attitudinal barriers in interactions with people with disabilities. A unique learning system and training program delivered by persons with disabilities changes behaviors and provides results either through in-person training sessions or do-it-yourself activities. Access Group publishes Ramping Up for Profit$, a book designed to help business owners tap into the market of people with disabilities. 149 pages, softcover.
Adaptive Environments Educational non-profit organization committed to advancing the role of design in expanding opportunity and enhancing experience for people of all ages and abilities. Adaptive Environments’ work balances expertise in legally required accessibility with promotion of best practices in human centered or universal design.
Administration on Developmental Disabilities Administers the following programs:
State Councils on Developmental Disabilities Composed of individuals with significant disabilities, parents and family members of people with developmental disabilities, and representatives of state agencies that serve individuals with developmental disabilities. Councils develop and implement statewide plans to address the federally-mandated employment priority and optionally any of three other Federal priorities (case management, child development, and community living) as well as one optional State priority.
Montana Council on Developmental Disabilities:
Montana 2009 Directory of Services for People with Developmental Disabilities
National Association of Developmental Disability Councils. Provides those with developmental disabilities the opportunity to make choices regarding the quality of their lives and be included in the community. NADDC provides support and assistance to member Councils in each state.
Association of University Centers on Disabilities. Conduct interdisciplinary training, promote exemplary community service programs, provide technical assistance at all levels from local service delivery to community and state governments, and conduct research and dissemination activities. University Centers for Excellence provide community training and technical assistance to family and individual support service organizations, and work with individuals with developmental disabilities, family members of these individuals, professionals, paraprofessionals, students, and volunteers.
The University of Montana Rural Institute: A University Center for Excellence in Disability Education, Research and Services
American Association for HomeCare works to strengthen access to care for Americans who require medical care in their homes. AAHomecare represents healthcare providers, equipment manufacturers, and other organizations in the homecare community. AAHomecare members serve the medical needs of Americans who require oxygen equipment and therapy, mobility assistive technologies, medical supplies, inhalation drug therapy, home infusion, and other home medical equipment, therapies, services, and supplies in the home. Membership reflects a broad cross-section of the homecare community, including providers of all sizes operating approximately 3,000 locations in all 50 states.
American Network of Community Options and Resources:
Briefing Report and Chartbook on Wage and Benefits Trends Affecting the Growing Crisis in Recruiting and Retaining the Direct Support Workforce Agencies serving people with developmental disabilities cannot attract and retain qualified direct support workers when wages in competitive markets are increasing at a much faster rate. While demand for direct support workers continues to increase especially due to an aging population and an increase in individuals with disabilities seeking support services, their hourly wage is far below that of peers in comparable job categories.
Association of Programs for Rural Independent Living. APRIL is a national network of rural independent living centers, other programs, and individuals concerned with the unique aspects of rural independent living.
Campus Community Partnerships for Health Nonprofit organization that promotes health through partnerships between communities and higher educational institutions. Has a growing network of over 1000 communities and campuses in the U.S. and the world that are collaborating to promote health through service-learning, community-based participatory research, broad-based coalitions and other partnership strategies. These partnerships are powerful tools for improving health professional education, civic engagement and the overall health of communities.
Center for Universal Design National research, information and technical assistance center that evaluates, develops and promotes universal design in housing, public and commercial buildings, and related products.
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.
Consumer-Directed Model Training Manual and Personal Care Attendant Handbook Developed by the Arkansas Independent Choices program, the Consumer-Directed training manual provides ideas and suggestions on hiring, training, and managing a personal care attendant. The Personal Care Attendant handbook provides training material to help personal care attendants do their jobs. Both manuals address hiring, communication and management issues.
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.
Community for All Tool Kit: Resources for Supporting Community Living, Web-Based Version 1.1, August 2004. This Tool Kit is a product of the following collaborators:
American Association on Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities
The Arc of the United States
The Center on Human Policy
The Council on Quality and Leadership
National Association of Councils on Developmental Disabilities
The University of Minnesota’s Research and Training Center on Community Living
TASH
Concrete Change International organization dedicated to making all homes “visitable”. Visitability means: A friend or family member with a physical disability can easily visit you in your home; basic accessibility features are integrated into all newly built, single-family housing in an affordable, sustainable way; emphasis is on the most essential access features, such as exterior entries and interior doors; and widespread construction change can happen more quickly.
Consumer Direct Personal Care (Billings & Missoula offices, but coverage is statewide) allows individuals of any age with health care needs to remain in their homes and communities and to avoid placement in an institution. This program is for individuals who are capable of directing their own personal care services or appointing a Personal Representative to act on their behalf. Program requirements include: eligibility for Montana Medicaid; need for assistance with activities of daily living; need for assistance with instrumental activities of daily living; authorization by a health care professional that assistance is necessary; and completion of an assessment for placement in the program.
Corporation for National and Community Service
Creating an Inclusive Environment: A Handbook for the Inclusion of People with Disabilities in National and Community Service Programs provides information on how to make national and community service programs more inclusive for persons with disabilities.
DIMENet: Disabled Individuals’ Movement for Equality Network.
Dimensions of Faith and Congregational Ministries with Persons with Developmental Disabilities and Their Families: A Bibliography and Address Listing of Resources for Clergy, Layperson, Families, and Service Providers. This resource guide is divided into areas of congregational ministry and outreach, e.g., worship, outreach, pastoral care, religious education, awareness videos, with sections on respite care, community building, person centered planning, coping with grief, and a new section on resources about history.
Direct Service Workforce Resource Center provides state Medicaid agencies, researchers, policymakers, employers, consumers, direct service professionals, and other state-level government agencies and organizations access to information and resources they may need about the direct service workforce.
Disability.gov One-stop online access to disability-related resources, services, and information available throughout the Federal government.
Disability Resources Monthly Guide to Disability Resources on the Internet 350 pages of alphabetically arranged disability topics and 50 state resource pages.
DO-IT (Disabilities, Opportunities, Internetworking, and Technology) Program is based at the University of Washington. It increases the participation of individuals with disabilities in challenging academic programs and careers in science, engineering, mathematics and technology.
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.
Funders’ Network for Smart Growth and Livable Communities is a non-partisan, not-for-profit organization that inspires, strengthens and expands philanthropic leadership and funders’ abilities to support organizations working to improve communities through better development decisions and growth policies. It brings together foundations, nonprofit organizations and other partners to address the range of environmental, social, and economic problems caused by development strategies that fail to consider the big picture.
Inclusion Solutions Simple, effective and affordable access solutions and services for businesses and public entities (such as polling places).
Independent Living Research Utilization Administered by and for people with disabilities, independent living centers provide supports and assistance with community accessibility. ILRU program is a national center for information, training, research, and technical assistance in independent living. Its goal is to expand the body of knowledge in independent living and to improve utilization of results of research programs and demonstration projects in this field.
Institute for Community Inclusion at Children’s Hospital Boston supports the rights of children and adults with disabilities to participate in all aspects of the community. Key areas include employment of people with disabilities in community settings; supporting children and young adults with special health care needs; accessing general education, and transition from school to adult life; expanding local recreation and school activities to include people with disabilities; promoting technology that aids participation in school, community and work activities; building organizations’ ability to serve culturally diverse people with disabilities; and examining the impact of national and state policies on people with disabilities and their families.
Institute on Community Integration Based at the University of Minnesota, the Institute improves community services and social supports for individuals with developmental and other disabilities, and their families through research, professional training, technical assistance, and publishing. Publishes Impact newsletter.
Interwork Institute focuses on promoting the integration of all individuals, including those with disabilities, into all aspects of school, work, family, and community life. The Institute conducts research, training, and education using a variety of strategies including distance learning technologies. Education and research efforts involve organizations and individuals in all states, the Pacific Basin, Asia, South America and Europe.
Living Well Under the Big Sky: Montana Disability and Health Program publications on community living:
Rural Facts: Visitability, Updated 2009
Rural Disability and Rehabilitation Research Progress Reports:
Characteristics of the Montana Direct Service Labor Market Rural Disability and Rehabilitation Research Progress Report #27
Montana Providers of Adult Developmental Disabilities Services: Direct Service Staff Demographics, Job Characteristics and Job Satisfaction Report #26, 2004
National Alliance for Direct Support Professionals Has developed and unveiled its first-ever national credentialing program for Direct Support Professionals (DSPs) who provide frontline human services in the community. The NADSP credentialing program gives DSPs the opportunity to commit to the profession of direct support through a three-tiered credential program. The three credentials are DSP-Registered, DSP-Certified and DSP-Specialist. Each level involves additional training and expertise and a commitment to the profession.
National Association of Qualified Mental Retardation Professionals Addresses the historical, conceptual, methodological and ethical issues confronting the QMRP of today.
National Association of Social Workers
National Association of State Directors of Developmental Disabilities Services, Inc.
National Center on Workforce and Disability/Adult (NCWD) provides training, technical assistance, policy analysis, and information to improve access in the workforce development system. A few of NCWD’s areas of expertise include: designing access for all; accommodations and assistive technology; developing employer relationships; helping customers find jobs; job-related support; legal requirements and guidelines; and disability policy. The NCWD has published Finding Transportation Solutions: Questions to Consider, an excellent source of questions and ideas for consideration regarding job-related transportation issues.
National Council on Independent Living Oldest cross disability, grassroots organization run by and for people with disabilities. NCIL represents over 700 organizations and individuals including: Centers for Independent Living, Statewide Independent Living Councils, individuals with disabilities, and other organizations. NCIL is a membership organization that advances the independent living philosophy and advocates for the human rights of, and services for, people with disabilities to further their full integration and participation in society.
Personal Assistance Services Center Provides research, training, dissemination and technical assistance on issues of personal assistance services (PAS) in the United States. PAS refers to help provided to people with disabilities to assist them with tasks essential for daily living, including bathing, dressing, getting around, toileting, eating, shopping, remembering things, and other activities.
Project Civic Access U.S. Department of Justice, Civil Rights Division: First Steps for Cities and Counties Toward Solving Common ADA Problems
Quality Mall Information on developmental disability-related services and programs, publications, videotapes, training curricula, and web sites.
Rehabilitation Research and Training Center on Disability in Rural Communities (RTC: Rural) uses scientific methods to develop solutions for problems faced by Rural Americans with disabilities and those who serve them. Problems include access to transportation and housing, employment and self-employment, independent living services, health and wellness facilities, and inclusion in community planning and activities.
Rehabilitation Research and Training Center on Positive Behavioral Support Provides extensive information and documents on definitions, features, and procedures in positive behavioral supports.
Research Information for Independent Living. Research reviews written in non-researcher language, news groups, and discussion groups.
Technical Assistance Collaborative National non-profit organization works to achieve positive outcomes on behalf of people with disabilities, people who are homeless, and people with other special needs by providing state-of-the-art information, capacity building, and technical expertise to organizations and policymakers in the areas of mental health, substance abuse, human services, and affordable housing.
AARP Home Design Resources Lists Certified “Aging in Place” Specialists, profiles “livable” communities, has tips and checklists for making homes accessible and safe.
American Planning Association is a nonprofit public interest and research organization committed to urban, suburban, regional, and rural planning.
Center for Housing and New Community Economics. Improves and increases access to integrated, affordable, and accessible housing coordinated with, but separate from, personal assistance and supportive services. CHANCE offers alternatives to approaches that segregate, congregate, and control people with disabilities.
Center for Inclusive Design and Environmental Access Improves the design of environments and products by making them more usable, safer and appealing to people with a wide range of abilities throughout their life spans.
Center for Universal Design National research, information and technical assistance center that evaluates, develops and promotes universal design in housing, public and commercial buildings, and related products.
Concrete Change International organization dedicated to making all homes “visitable”. Visitability means: A friend or family member with a physical disability can easily visit you in your home; basic accessibility features are integrated into all newly built, single-family housing in an affordable, sustainable way; emphasis is on the most essential access features, such as exterior entries and interior doors; and widespread construction change can happen more quickly.
Visit-Ability: Basic Access in Every New Home Presented on February 19, 2008, in Missoula, Montana by Eleanor Smith, Founder of Concrete Change and the Visitability movement (PowerPoint presentation in pdf format)
Visitability: A National Perspective, Local Possibilities Presented on February 20, 2008, in Helena, Montana by Eleanor Smith, Founder of Concrete Change and the Visitability movement (PowerPoint presentation in pdf format)
Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) .
Moving to Work Demonstration Program allows public housing authorities to design and test ways to promote self-sufficiency among assisted families; achieve programmatic efficiency and reduce costs; and increase housing choice for low-income households.
Department of Housing and Urban Development – People with Disabilities Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (Section 504) prohibits discrimination on the basis of disability in programs, services and activities that receive federal financial assistance. Web site provides resources that inform persons with disabilities about their rights under Section 504 and related statutes, the exercise of those rights, and information and resources available from HUD. Also provides recipients of HUD financial assistance with information regarding their obligations under Section 504, an overview of relevant regulatory provisions and information about steps they may take to ensure that they are in compliance.
Discrimination Against Persons with Disabilities: Guidance for Practitioners Last in a series of Housing and Urban Development reports specified by Congress to use paired testing to measure the level of discrimination in the United States.
Fair Housing Accessibility FIRST This is a HUD initiative designed to promote compliance with the Fair Housing Act design and construction requirements. The program offers comprehensive and detailed instruction programs, useful online web resources, and a toll-free information line for technical guidance and support.
Residential Remodeling and Universal Design: Making Homes More Comfortable and Accessible 1996 HUD report (large pdf file)
Easy Living Home Voluntary program encourages easy access to homes for everyone through a unique certification program that brings builders and home buyers together with homes that are easy to build, easy to live in and easy to sell.
Healthy Homes website from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention offers health and safety tips about home structure and land, and things you can do at home to protect your health and lower your risk for the leading causes of death. You can search for tips
by room, by topic, for a green home, or for specific audiences.
Healthy Places website from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention provides resources for designing and building communities that improve the quality of life for all people who live, work, worship, learn, and play within their borders — where every person is free to make choices amid a variety of healthy, available, accessible, and affordable options.
Healthy Places – Healthy Homes website highlights a holistic, comprehensive and integrated approach that provides necessary training and tools for traditional and non-traditional public health professionals (environmental public health practitioners, public health nurses, housing specialists, etc.) to address the broad range of housing deficiencies and hazards associated with unhealthy and unsafe homes.
Montana Disability and Health Program Publications:
Rural Facts: Visitability, Updated 2009
Brochure: Visit-ability: Basic Access in Every New Home Built for the Open Market, 2009
Montana Fair Housing Full service, private, non-profit organization dedicated to the reduction and eradication of housing discrimination in Montana. Serves Montana housing providers and consumers and responds to inquiries and discriminatory housing complaints. Provides information and support to consumers and industry representatives, investigates allegations of housing discrimination, counsels victims of housing discrimination and assists them in filing federal and state complaints.
Montana Home Choice Coalition is a group of Montana citizens; advocates; disability service providers; federal, state, tribal, and local agencies; the housing finance community; realtors; and the home-building industry working to create better community housing choices for all people with disabilities. AWARE, Inc. serves as the Coalition’s lead coordinating agency.
Montana Housing Reference Guide from the Montana Department of Commerce
National Alliance to End Homelessness is a leading voice on the issue of homelessness. The Alliance analyzes policy and develops pragmatic, cost-effective policy solutions. It works collaboratively with the public, private, and nonprofit sectors to build state and local capacity, leading to stronger programs and policies that help homeless individuals and families make positive changes in their lives. The Alliance provides data and research to policymakers and elected officials in order to inform policy debates and educate the public and opinion leaders nationwide.
National American Indian Housing Council supports tribal housing agencies in their efforts to provide culturally-relevant, decent, safe, sanitary, and affordable housing for native people in American Indian communities and Alaska native villages.
National Resource Center on Supportive Housing and Home Modification
Planning Portal Approved Document M – Access to and Use of Buildings, published May 3, 2006. This downloadable document covers the requirements in England for access to and the use of new buildings, including dwellings, for everyone. It also includes access and sanitary conveniences to extensions of buildings other than dwellings. It includes many useful diagrams on how to comply with the regulations, plus details on Access Statements.
Regional Access Mobility Program (RAMP) of Montana is a nonprofit charitable organization which builds interior and exterior wheelchair ramps and other accommodations for accessibility. Services include installing grab bars, widening doors, installing accessible cabinets, installing stair lifts and elevators, and modifying electrical and plumbing systems.
Surgeon General’s Call to Action to Promote Healthy Homes outlines simple steps to prevent many diseases and injuries caused by health hazards in the home.
Universal Design Alliance is a non-profit corporation committed to creating awareness and expanding the knowledge of universal design for all ages, sizes, and abilities to designers, builders, and consumers through educational programs, services, and resources. Members include design professionals, students, businesses, and consumers who want to share and learn about universal design.
Universal Design and Visitability: from Accessibility to Zoning, edited by Jack L. Nasar and Jennifer
Evans-Crowley, is available for free download in large print and pdf formats.
Visitability Initiative Project Although this project ended in 2004, the site still has resources in a variety of formats on legislation and planning for visitable communities.
American Public Transportation Association Nonprofit international association of organizations including public transportation systems; planning, design, construction and finance firms; product and service providers; academic institutions; and state associations and departments of transportation. The Association’s members seek to serve the public interest by providing safe, efficient and economical public transportation services and products. APTA provides an Internet website that allows people to identify public transportation in their communities.
Association of Travel Instruction supports providers of travel instruction for the purpose of teaching people with disabilities and seniors to travel safely and independently.
Center for Community Change Transportation Equity Network
Center for Transportation Education and Development at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee strengthens the role of transportation throughout North America through applied research, education and consulting services.
Community Transportation Association of America This national advocacy organization focuses on transportation for people without access to mass transit or private automobiles. CTAA supports public and community transportation efforts by serving community planners, transit providers, and citizens with instructional briefs, studies and reports, collected data, legislative facts, professional peer support, advice and mobility assistance. CTAA’s Information Station provides important community transportation news, resources and ideas for transit professionals, human service agencies, and others exploring community transportation issues. It also features a special section related to access to transportation for people with disabilities.
Distance and Modes of Transportation to Personal Physician/Health Care Provider:
2005 Montana Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS) Results
Montana Disability and Health Update, November 2008
Federal Transit Administration Ensures the availability of a transportation system that is accessible, integrated, and efficient, offers flexibility of choices to riders, and enhances community living. Improves services for low-income, elderly and other transit-dependent travelers including people with disabilities.
Easter Seals Project ACTION Federally-funded national technical assistance project matching the interests of public transportation and people with disabilities. Support is provided by a cooperative agreement with the U.S. Department of Transportation, Federal Transit Administration.
National Center for Senior Transportation is administered by Easter Seals and National Association of Area Agencies on Aging. Provides resources for aging/human service providers; transportation providers; and for older adults & caregivers.
National Rural Transit Assistance Program (RTAP) of the Federal Transit Administration is a block grant program for States that helps improve transportation in rural areas. Since many rural riders are elderly (36 percent) and 24 percent of the riders are disabled, many will require specialized transportation and/or passenger assistance. Rural transit agencies, therefore, must provide safe, dependable transit for people of all ages including special services for the elderly and people with disabilities.
Montana Coordinated Transportation The goal of this site is to get Montana transportation service providers working together. It is a starting point for providers interested in improving their services by sharing information, services or inventory and/or merging services to fill gaps within each provider’s area. Provides the online version of the Montana Coordinated Transportation Handbook, which gives instructions and guidance to all levels of service providers to help them improve service to their customers and operate more efficiently.
Montana Department of Transportation site provides links to Montana public transportation providers.
Small Urban and Rural Transit Center at North Dakota State University provides information, knowledge, and trained human capital to help transit stakeholders, users, providers, suppliers, and agencies use the latest technology and paradigms for better operation and management.
Transportation Research Board The Transportation Research Board (TRB) is a division of the National Research Council, which serves as an independent adviser to the federal government and others on scientific and technical questions of national importance. The mission of the Transportation Research Board is to promote innovation and progress in transportation through research. The Board facilitates the sharing of information on transportation policy and practice by researchers and practitioners; stimulates research and offers research management services that promote technical excellence; provides expert advice on transportation policy and programs; and disseminates research results broadly and encourages their implementation. TRB research projects include disability related topics surrounding transportation and the ADA, and others. Many TRB reports are available for free download from its Internet website.
United We Ride is a program of the Federal Coordinating Council on Access and Mobility (CCAM), an interdepartmental council that coordinates a variety of federal programs funding transportation for older Americans, people with disabilities and persons with lower incomes. CCAM’s United We Ride Internet website includes information on transportation-focused grant opportunities, state activities, resources, and strategies for coordinating transportation across agencies. A newsletter is also available.
Back to Resources for Professionals and Service Providers
Resources on Emergency Preparedness
American Association of the Deaf-Blind: Disaster Preparedness for Persons Who are Deaf and Blind
American Red Cross: People with Disabilities Information designed to assist people with disabilities and medical concerns to prepare for disasters.
American Red Cross Tips for People with Cognitive Impairments: Before, During and After a Disaster
Bridge Multimedia Communications New York City-based media company supports all facets of universally accessible media for entertainment, educational, commercial, and government applications.
30 Days, 30 Resources Thirty articles in four emergency preparedness categories: Back-to-School; Business Preparedness; Multicultural Preparedness; and Home and Family Preparedness. Each category includes information relevant to individuals with disabilities and/or individuals in rural areas. All articles may be published in whole or in part without further permission, free of charge, with attribution to Bridge Multimedia and EmergencyInfoOnline.org.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: Emergency Response
Extreme Heat: A Guide to Promote Your Personal Health and Safety
Disaster Resources for People with Disabilities and Emergency Managers, published by June Isaacson Kailes, Disability Policy Consultant
Emergency Evacuation: Taking Responsibility for Your Safety- A Guide for People with Disabilities
Emergency Preparedness Packet for Home Health Agencies from the National Association for Home Care and Hospice
Emergency Risk Communication: Public information materials from the Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services Crisis and Emergency Risk Communication program.
Federal Emergency Management Agency
Accommodating Individuals with Disabilities in the Provision of Disaster Mass Care, Housing and Human Services FEMA Reference Guide for use by those who serve individuals with disabilities in emergency preparedness and disaster relief.
Guide for Emergency Managers, Planners and Responders: The Special Needs of People with Disabilities Published by the National Organization on Disability’s Emergency Preparedness Initiative.
Inclusive Preparedness Center Focuses on helping ensure that all individuals are included in the development of and inclusion in plans for protection from both natural and man-made emergencies.
Independent Living Research Utilization: Web cast on Disaster Relief Strategies for Individuals with Disabilities
Montana Public Health and Emergency Preparedness
Montana State Disaster and Emergency Services
National Association of Emergency Medical Services Educators
National Association of Emergency Medical Services Physicians
National Association of State Emergency Medical Services Officials
National Center for Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder Provides information on the psychological effects of natural disasters.
National Council on Disability: Saving Lives: Including People with Disabilities in Emergency Planning
National Fire Protection Association
Emergency Evacuation Planning Guide for People with Disabilities
National Organization on Disability – Emergency Preparedness Initiative
National Weather Service provides information on radio receivers that, in conjunction with alerting devices, can alert people who are deaf, hard of hearing or vision impaired about severe weather and other emergencies. Messages may be converted to large print or braille.
National Native American Emergency Medical Services Association for first responders, emergency medical technicians, emergency nurses, and emergency physicians.
Rehabilitation Engineering Research Center for Wireless Technologies
12 Considerations for Accessible Emergency Communications (pdf file) Covers technology, policy and training & education considerations. Provides list of resources.
Rehabilitation Engineering Research Center on Communication Enhancement
Disaster Preparedness and People with Complex Communication Needs provides information on emergency preparedness for persons with complex communication needs that is applicable for families, schools, and professionals.
Tips for First Responders 11-page, color-coded, laminated field guide offers information on how to assist persons with a wide range of disabilities, including: Seniors, People with Service Animals, People with Mobility Challenges, People with Mental Illness, Blind or Visually Impaired People, Deaf or Hard of Hearing People, People with Cognitive Disabilities, People with Autism, and People with Multiple Chemical Sensitivities.
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services – Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration: Field Manual for Mental Health and Human Service Workers in Major Disasters
U.S. Department of Homeland Security Disability Preparedness Resource Center web site provides practical information on how people with and without disabilities can prepare for an emergency. It also provides disability-related information for family members, service providers, emergency planners and first responders.
Disaster Planning Guide for Home Health Care Providers
Interagency Coordinating Council on Emergency Preparedness and Individuals with Disabilities
Lessons Learned Information Sharing provides resources for local, state and federal emergency response providers and homeland security officials on Emergency Planning for Persons with Disabilities and Special Needs.
Preparedness Planning for Home Health Care Providers
Ready America has tips and a video on emergency preparations for people with disabilities and special needs. Videos are also available for elderly adults and for pet owners.
U.S. Department of Labor: Effective Emergency Preparedness Planning: Addressing the Needs of Employees with Disabilities
U.S. Department of Transportation Web site has information to help ensure safe and secure transportation for people with disabilities in the event of a disaster or emergency. Includes advice on emergency preparedness, transportation accessibility, and evacuation methods for certain modes of transportation, such as rail and transit systems. Individuals with disabilities can learn how to react and respond in situations ranging from evacuations of mass transit systems to being trapped in a car during a blizzard or hurricane.
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Resources on Emotional/Mental Health
AgriWellness, Inc. promotes accessible behavioral health services, such as addictions treatment, mental health therapy and marital and family counseling for underserved and at-risk populations of
agricultural workers, including farmers, ranchers, migrant/seasonal workers, fishers, foresters, their families and communities.
American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry.
American Association of Suicidology is a membership organization for all those involved in suicide prevention and intervention, or touched by suicide. AAS is a leader in the advancement of scientific and programmatic efforts in suicide prevention through research, education and training, the development of standards and resources, and survivor support services.
American Mental Health Counselors Association
American School Counselor Association
American Psychological Association
Benefis Healthcare – Behavioral Health Program (Great Falls) Addiction Treatment Center offers state-of-the-art addiction-counseling services for adults and adolescents.
Center for Deployment Psychology was developed to promote the education of psychologists and other behavioral health specialists about issues pertaining to the deployment of military personnel.
Center for School Mental Health Analysis and Action
Center for Treatment Research on Adolescent Drug Abuse
Dimensions of Faith and Congregational Ministries with Persons with Developmental Disabilities and Their Families, 2005 Edition: A Bibliography and Address Listing of Resources for Clergy, Layperson, Families, and Service Providers. A 180-page resource guide divided into areas of congregational ministry and outreach, e.g., worship, outreach, pastoral care, religious education, awareness videos, with sections on respite care, community building, person centered planning, coping with grief, and more. A new section on resources about history.
Harvard Injury Control Research Center:
Means Matter is a resource for suicide prevention groups. It is devoted to reducing suicide by reducing a suicidal person’s access to lethal means, especially firearms, during a suicidal crisis. The website has research summaries, practical strategies, slide shows, brochures, state survey results, state data, and program examples.
Healing Self-Injury provides information for people who have experienced self-inflicted violence; as well as information for their family members, providers, and others. The site includes frequently asked questions, fact sheets, resources, and general information about self-injury. This site is a product of the Sidran Traumatic Stress Institute which provides training and resources that help helps people understand, recover from, and treat: traumatic stress (including PTSD); dissociative disorders, and co-occurring issues, such as addictions, self injury, and suicidality.
Institute on Violence, Abuse and Trauma is a comprehensive resource, training and research center dealing with all aspects of violence, abuse and trauma.
International Association for Suicide Prevention is dedicated to preventing suicidal behavior, to alleviate its effects, and to provide a forum for academicians, mental health professionals, crisis workers, volunteers and suicide survivors. Brochures, flyers and other information are available for download in English, French, Spanish, and Chinese.
International Center for the Study of Psychology and Psychiatry
Military Family Research Institute at Purdue University conducts studies that provide insight into the experiences of military members and their families, and designs and implements outreach activities that assist military families in Indiana and beyond. MFRI strives to proactively build relationships with partners in both the military and civilian communities.
Missoula Forum for Children and Youth is an alliance of prevention coalitions, agencies, and individuals united by a common mission: To build and maintain a supportive environment for collaborative and proactive work to help Missoula prevent substance abuse and other problem behaviors and grow healthy and resilient children and youth.
Montana Association of School Psychologists
Mental Health Statistics Improvement Program Developed to improve the quality of decision making for all mental health stakeholders through guidance and technical assistance on the design, structure, content, and use of mental health information systems. Provides uniform, comparable statistical information about mental health services to enable broad-based research on systems of care and models for service delivery. Focuses on the need for and development of data standards for high-quality statistical information on mental health services.
Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services, Health Resources Division, Children’s Mental Health Bureau: Children’s Mental Health Services
Wraparound Montana: Psychiatric Residential Treatment Facility Demonstration Waiver
Montana Chapter-National Association of Social Workers
Montana Psychological Association
National Association for Dual Diagnosis An association for persons with developmental disabilities and mental health needs.
National Association of Peer Specialists is a private, non-profit organization dedicated to peer support in mental health systems.
National Association of Psychiatric Health Systems . Advocates for behavioral health and represents provider systems that are committed to the delivery of responsive, accountable, and clinically effective prevention, treatment, and care for children, adolescents, and adults with mental and substance use disorders.
National Association of State Mental Health Program Directors May help people who have mental illness and/or addictions with job placement, transportation, personal and living supports .
National Child Traumatic Stress Network provides information for parents and caregivers, military children and families, educators, the media, and other professionals. Distance learning is available for professionals and families. Special topics include natural disasters and terrorism.
National Council for Community Behavioral Healthcare is a not-for-profit 501(c)(3) association representing 1,300 organizations providing treatment and rehabilitation to help people recover from mental illnesses and addiction disorders.
National Institute of Mental Health
National Technical Assistance Center for Children’s Mental Health. Based at Georgetown University, this center serves both vulnerable children and their families, and influences local, national, and international programs and policy.
National Technical Assistance Center for State Mental Health Planning Provides focused, state-of-the-art technical assistance and consultation to State Mental Health Agencies, state mental health planning and advisory councils, consumers, and families to help ensure that the best practices and most up-to-date knowledge in mental health and related fields are translated into action at the state and local levels.
New Directions for Living Well with a Disability 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.
Facilitate — Learn more about how to facilitate a Living Well with a Disability group.
Rehabilitation Research and Training Center on Community Integration of People with Psychiatric Disabilities (University of Pennsylvania) This Center publishes the Parenting With A Mental Illness: Programs and Resources Guide , a downloadable comprehensive resource to help parents, providers, and advocates find information about programs in their area.
Renfrew Center Foundation is a tax-exempt, nonprofit organization advancing education and research on eating disorders, and their prevention and treatment. It provides professional training and educational opportunities for mental health and medical professionals; produces educational seminars and publications for the public and participates in media activities; and conducts research into the pathology and recovery patterns of people with eating disorders.
Research and Training Center on Family Support and Children’s Mental Health Focuses on improving services to children and youth who have mental, emotional, or behavioral disorders and their families.
Resource Center to Address Discrimination and Stigma Describes stigma and discrimination associated with mental illness, how to counter this behavior, and what resources are available. Provides literature, speakers and information.
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.
Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration
Homelessness Resource Center is for providers who work with people who are homeless. The website shares state-of-the art knowledge, evidence-based practices, and practical resources. It provides an interactive learning community for researchers, providers, consumers, and government agencies at all levels.
National Mental Health Information Center Information on child and youth mental health issues.
State Profiles of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services in Medicaid Summary of each states’ coverage of behavioral health in Medicaid and in the State Children’s Health Insurance Program (SCHIP).
Technical Assistance Collaborative National non-profit organization works to achieve positive outcomes on behalf of people with disabilities, people who are homeless, and people with other special needs by providing state-of-the-art information, capacity building, and technical expertise to organizations and policymakers in the areas of mental health, substance abuse, human services, and affordable housing.
Tunnels and Cliffs : A Guide for Workforce Development Practitioners and Policymakers serving Youth with Mental Health Needs helps workforce development practitioners, administrators, and policymakers increase their understanding of youth with mental health needs and the supports necessary to help them transition into the workforce successfully.
U.S. Psychiatric Rehabilitation Association provides members with educational opportunities, advocates for legislative and regulatory changes, and promotes the development of leadership within the field of psychiatric rehabilitation.
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Resources on Employment
AgrAbility Project assists agricultural employees, farmers and ranchers with disabilities by linking Cooperative Extension Services at land-grant universities with private nonprofit disability service organizations. The Project assists people who work on small or large production agricultural operations. State AgrAbility staff provide farmers or ranchers who have disabilities with training, site visits, on-farm assessments, technical assistance, and other information.
AgriWellness, Inc. promotes accessible behavioral health services, such as addictions treatment, mental health therapy and marital and family counseling for underserved and at-risk populations of
agricultural workers, including farmers, ranchers, migrant/seasonal workers, fishers, foresters, their families and communities.
AmeriCorps: Opening Doors to Community Service Helps Montanans with disabilities and their agency partners understand the opportunities that AmeriCorps programs offer, such as work experience in quality professional activities, and opportunities to make personal contacts that can lead to careers. Montanans with disabilities receive guidance in choosing the appropriate AmeriCorps experience. Montana disability organizations and service providers have access to a toll-free number, an internet site, and a one-step liaison to link persons with disabilities to all AmeriCorps state programs.
Ask-a-Pro Network This resource for vocational rehabilitation counselors serving people with disabilities who want to be self-employed features five self-employment experts who provide information about pertinent topics.
Association of Persons in Supported Employment Improves and expands integrated employment opportunities, services, and outcomes for persons experiencing disabilities.
Bender Consulting Services, Inc. Provides technology consulting services to customers while creating employment and career opportunities, independence and freedom for people with disabilities.
Breaking New Ground Resource Center Primary source for information and resources on rehabilitation technology for persons working in agriculture.
Businesspeople Overcoming Limitations from Disabilities (BOLD) provides resources, consulting services, and training for organizations that want to start, modify or expand entrepreneurship programs for people with disabilities; works with government and non-profit organizations on the development and management of entrepreneurship programs for people with disabilities; is dedicated to providing persons with disabilities the opportunity to explore entrepreneurship as an employment option.
Business Leadership Network Recognizes and promotes best practices in hiring, retaining, and marketing to people with disabilities.
Capacity Building for American Indian Vocational Rehabilitation Projects at Western Washington University’s Center for Continuing Education in Rehabilitation.
Center for Strategic Capacity Building on Minorities with Disabilities Research at the University of Illinois at Chicago. Created to increase the capacity of State Vocational Rehabilitation Agencies and community-based organizations to develop culturally competent services, the Center proposes to develop long-term relationships with agencies, conduct participatory research and demonstration projects, engage in active dissemination efforts, and provide state-of-the-art training and technical assistance to professionals and researchers in the field.
Center for Workers with Disabilities Technical assistance center for states enhancing or developing employment supports programs for working persons with disabilities; most of the 30 plus states supported by the Center are supporting employment supports development with Medicaid Infrastructure Grant (MIG) funds established under the Ticket to Work and Work Incentives Improvement Act of 1999 (P.L. 106-170).
Consortia of Administrators for Native American Rehabilitation (CANAR). Allows administrators of Native American rehabilitation projects for persons with disabilities to collaborate and cooperate to increase the quantity and enhance the quality of services. CANAR newsletter is on the website — click on “Publications”.
Council of State Administrators of Vocational Rehabilitation is composed of the chief administrators of the public rehabilitation agencies serving individuals with physical and mental disabilities in the States, District of Columbia, and the territories. The Council is the only national organization whose sole purpose and function is to advocate for the Public Vocational Rehabilitation Program. The mission is to maintain and enhance a strong, effective and efficient national program of public vocational rehabilitation services which empowers individuals with disabilities to achieve employment, economic self-sufficiency, independence, and inclusion and integration into communities.
Council on Rehabilitation Education. CORE accredits graduate programs in Rehabilitation Counselor Education.
Deaf Professional Network promotes career development and networking opportunities for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing community.
Denver Options, Inc., Region VIII Community Rehabilitation Program /Rehabilitation Continuing Education Program Serves Colorado, Montana, North Dakota, South Dakota, Utah, and Wyoming
Diabetes at Work can help businesses and managed care companies assess the impact of diabetes in the workplace, and provide intuitive information to help employees manage their diabetes and take steps toward reducing risks for related complications, such as heart disease. Provides information, tip sheets, tools, resources, etc. Information is also available in Spanish.
Employer Assistance & Recruiting Network: A free service to connect employers with disability staffing agencies.
International Association of Rehabilitation Professionals serves a diverse membership practicing in the fields of longterm disability and disability management consulting, case management and managed care, forensics and expert testimony, life care planning, and Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) consulting.
Meeting the Challenge, Inc.: Rocky Mountain ADA Disability and Business Technical Assistance Center
Accommodating Employees with Disabilities DVD shows common examples of how to recognize and respond to requests for job accommodations in familiar job settings.
Montana Association for Rehabilitation Professional organization of vocational rehabilitation counselors, orientation and mobility specialists, independent living specialists, vocational evaluators, job placement specialists, job coaches, social workers, teachers, students of rehabilitation, and rehabilitation program support staff and administrators. MAR’s mission is to create a supportive environment in which committed individuals in the field of rehabilitation share goals, values, and experiences in an atmosphere of dignity, affirmation, celebration, and hope that promotes growth and fulfillment.
Montana Governor’s Disability Advisory Council Advises the Governor’s Office, the Department of Administration, and the Department of Public Health and Human Services on issues affecting the implementation of the federal American with Disabilities Act (ADA) in state government.
National Association of Rehabilitation Counselors
National Association of Workforce Boards represents the interests of the nation’s 600 state and local Workforce Investment Boards (WIBs). These private-sector businesses and employer representatives provide governance and oversight for One-Stop Career Centers and other federal training investments.
National Business and Disability Council Provides free national resume database, job listings from member organizations, NBDC Yellow Pages, career events, internships and job search tips.
National Center on Workforce and Disability Based at the Institute for Community Inclusion at the University of Massachusetts Boston. Funded through the U.S. Department of Labor’s Office of Disability Employment Policy.
National Clearinghouse of Rehabilitation Training Materials Collects, archives, and disseminates rehabilitation training materials.
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.
Tunnels and Cliffs : A Guide for Workforce Development Practitioners and Policymakers serving Youth with Mental Health Needs helps workforce development practitioners, administrators, and policymakers increase their understanding of youth with mental health needs and the supports necessary to help them transition into the workforce successfully.
National Consortium for Health Systems Development is a technical assistance partnership providing flexible, state-tailored technical assistance for Medicaid Infrastructure Grant projects across the country. These Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services-funded state projects are developing comprehensive health and employment service systems for people with disabilities who want to work. Serving people with disabilities, providers, state agencies, research institutes, advocates and businesses, NCHSD is a project of Health & Disability Advocates.
National Rehabilitation Association. Provides advocacy, awareness and career advancement for professionals in the fields of rehabilitation. Members include rehab counselors, physical, speech and occupational therapists, job trainers, consultants, independent living instructors and other professionals involved in the advocacy of programs and services for people with disabilities.
National Rehabilitation Awareness Foundation Educates people about the benefits and impact of rehabilitation; develops programs to increase opportunities for Americans with disabilities, and helps people with disabilities live up to their fullest potential.
National Rehabilitation Information Center Resources for employment, advocacy, benefits and financial assistance, education, technology, and more.
Proyecto Vision Training and technical assistance center for Latinos with disabilities. Bilingual website has an employment focus, plus other information of interest to Latinos with disabilities.
Reasonable Accommodations for People with Psychiatric Disabilities: An On-line Resource for Employers and Educators From Boston University’s Center for Psychiatric Rehabilitation.
RecruitABILITY: Bridging the Disability Divide. Free resume posting, job posting and resume search
Rehabilitation Research and Training Center on Disability Demographics and Statistics has prepared fairly detailed statistical status reports on working-age people with disabilities for the United States and for each state.
Rehabilitation Research and Training Center on Disability in Rural Communities (RTC: Rural) uses scientific methods to develop solutions for problems faced by Rural Americans with disabilities and those who serve them. Problems include access to transportation and housing, employment and self-employment, independent living services, health and wellness facilities, and inclusion in community planning and activities. The Center works with vocational rehabilitation agencies and Independent Living Centers to promote the use of self-employment and economic development activities within those programs. As a result of research, the center has developed a model state VR policy, implementing procedures, and a counselor curriculum.
Rehabilitation Research and Training Center on Drugs and Disability Addresses substance abuse issues among individuals qualifying for vocational rehabilitation services. Collaborative sites include the Miami Valley Hospital, New York University, Ohio State University, and the Rehabilitation Institute of Chicago.
Rehabilitation Research and Training Center on State Systems and Employment
Rehabilitation Research and Training Center on Workplace Supports.
Rehabilitation Services Administration Oversees:
Montana Blind and Low Vision Vocational Rehabilitation Services
Provides services to help eligible individuals with visual disabilities find or maintain employment.Montana Vocational Rehabilitation Services Provides services based on individual employment needs, including evaluation, career counseling and guidance, and medical or psychological services.
Montana Tribal Vocational Rehabilitation Programs:
Blackfeet Manpower
George Kipp, IV, Project Coordinator
Blackfeet Tribal Business Council
PO Box 1090
Browning, MT 59417
(403) 338-2111 FAX: 406-338-5540
george_kipp@yahoo.com or jowax_00@hotmail.comChippewa Cree Tribe
Evelyn Oats, Project Director
RR 1, Box 544
Box Elder, MT 59521
(406) 395-5739 FAX: 406-395-4489
eoats@mtintouch.netConfederated Salish & Kootenai Tribes of the Flathead Nation
April Zimmerer, Project Director
DHRD Vocational Rehabilitation
P.O. Box 278
Pablo, MT 59855
(406) 675-2700 Ext. 1038 FAX: (406) 675-2775
aprilz@cskt.org or arlenet@cskt.orgGros Ventre & Assiniboine Tribes, Fort Belknap
Warren Matte, Project Director
RR 1, Box 66
Harlem, MT 59526
(406) 353-2205, ext. 410 FAX: (406) 353-4572
tvr@ttc-cmc.netFort Peck Assiniboine & Sioux Tribes
Wilfred “Max” Bear, Project Director
Vocational Rehabilitation Program E-mail: asvrp@nemontel.net
P.O. Box 1027
Poplar, MT 59255
(406) 768-3488 or 866-768-3485
FAX: (406) 768-5668Northern Cheyenne Tribe Tribal VR
Richard Littlebear
P.O. Box 128
Lame Deer, MT 59043
406-477-6215
SEED Provides training for job coaches and job developers in rehabilitation, supported employment, welfare-to-work, school-to-work transition and special education settings.
Self-Employment for People with Disabilities Free In-Service/Pre-Service Training Curriculum for Rehabilitation Professionals
Start-Up-USA provides technical assistance and disseminate resources nationally to individuals with disabilities interested in pursuing self-employment. Successful entrepreneurs will share their secrets for success in a live web cast series during year one of the project. START-UP/USA also will provide assistance to three projects, START-UP/Alaska, START-UP/Florida, and START-UP/New York. These projects will generate data and information to validate systems capacity-building strategies and systems change models for successfully increasing self-employment opportunities for individuals with disabilities. The information generated through these model programs will be disseminated nationally for replication through technical assistance and support.
Tech Connections. Assistive technology database for vocational rehabilitation and employment-related needs.
The Abilities Fund Services are designed specifically for individuals with disabilities interested in business ownership and the organizations that serve them. The Fund focuses on entrepreneurs with disabilities, microenterprise development organizations, and vocational rehabilitation agencies and other disability-related organizations. The Abilities Fund offers a range of financial products, customized training, technical assistance, policy recommendations, and links to resources.
University of Northern Colorado Region VIII Rehabilitation Continuing Education Program Serves Colorado, Montana, North Dakota, South Dakota, Utah, and Wyoming
University of Wisconsin-Stout Master’s Degree in Vocational Rehabilitation Available through Distance Education and specifically designed for individuals who are already working in the field of rehabilitation or have related experience, and wish to pursue their graduate degree on a part-time basis. Uses asynchronous “anytime anywhere” learning. CORE accredited and graduates are eligible to take the CRC exam upon program completion.
Western Washington Center for Continuing Education in Rehabilitation
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).
Workforce Management Human resources trends and tools. “Research Center” link includes section, “Legal Issues on Disabilities.”
Work Healthy, Live Healthy Curriculum developed by the North Carolina Office on Disability and Health for persons with disabilities who receive services through community rehabilitation programs. Work Healthy, Live Healthy combines environmental changes with health education and individual supports. Core activities include a consumer directed and staff supported wellness committee, time limited health education classes, regular opportunities for moderate physical activity, such as a walking club, and changes to vending selections. Work Healthy, Live Healthy is designed to encourage the workplace to become supportive of health and wellness for all.
Workplace Rehabilitation Engineering Research Center Identifies, designs, and develops devices and systems to help people with disabilities be more productive in the workplace.
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Resources on General Medical & Health
General
Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality This Public Health Service agency funds research projects on improving healthcare quality, pain management, domestic violence, children’s health, elderly health, prevention, health promotion and other key topics.
National Guideline Clearinghouse Guidelines for assessment and treatment of hundreds of diseases and medical conditions.
American Academy of Family Physicians. AAFP is the national association of family doctors, with more than 93,100 members in 50 states, D.C., Puerto Rico, the Virgin Islands, and Guam. The Academy promotes and maintains high quality standards for family doctors who are providing continuing comprehensive health care to the public.
American Association for HomeCare works to strengthen access to care for Americans who require medical care in their homes. AAHomecare represents healthcare providers, equipment manufacturers, and other organizations in the homecare community. AAHomecare members serve the medical needs of Americans who require oxygen equipment and therapy, mobility assistive technologies, medical supplies, inhalation drug therapy, home infusion, and other home medical equipment, therapies, services, and supplies in the home. Membership reflects a broad cross-section of the homecare community, including providers of all sizes operating approximately 3,000 locations in all 50 states.
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.
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.
Association of American Indian Physicians AAIP’s mission is to pursue excellence in Native American health care by promoting education in the medical disciplines, honoring traditional healing practices and restoring the balance of mind, body, and spirit.
Association of Native American Medical Students. ANAMS is a student organization representing Native American graduate health professions students throughout North America. Membership comprises Native American students enrolled in medical school or in the allied health professions of dentistry, veterinary medicine, optometry, podiatry, and pharmacy.
Association of Maternal and Child Health Programs supports state maternal and child health programs and provides national leadership on issues affecting women and children.
Association of Montana Health Care Providers is a leadership organization and a principal advocate for health care facilities in Montana. MHA serves a diverse membership, including hospitals, long-term care facilities, critical access hospitals, home health and hospice agencies, psychiatric facilities, physician groups, assisted living centers, senior housing and insurance services.
Montana Informed Patient provides Montana’s health care consumers with information, resources and tools for making informed health care decisions.
Association of State and Territorial Dental Directors
National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion
Community Health Resources Web-Based Searchable Database helps community health partners, coalitions and activists navigate CDC’s web-based resources for planning, implementing and evaluating community-level health interventions related to a variety of chronic disease, injury and violence prevention, environmental health, and other important community health topics.
Coordinated School Health Model A coordinated school health program (CSHP) model has eight interactive components 1) Health Education; 2) Physical Education; 3) Health Services; 4) Nutrition Services; 5) Counseling and Psychological Services; 6) Healthy School Environments; 7) Health Promotion for Staff; and 8) Family/Community Involvement.
Promoting Health Equity: A CDC Resource to Help Communities Address Social Determinants of Health (pdf file) is a workbook for community-based organizations seeking to affect the social determinants of health through community-based participatory approaches and nontraditional partnerships.
National Center for Health Statistics
National Center for Injury Prevention and Control
National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health
Office of Public Health Genomics
Office of Public Health Practice
Guide to Community Preventive Services Compiled by the independent, non-federal, multi-disciplinary Task Force on Community Preventive Services. The Task Force includes representatives of state and local health departments, managed care, academia, behavioral and social sciences, communications sciences, mental health, epidemiology, quantitative policy analysis, decision and cost-effectiveness analysis, information systems, primary care, and management and policy.
Partnership on the Mobilizing Action Toward Community Health (MATCH) Project is designed to: 1) Increase awareness of factors—health care access and quality, health-promoting behaviors, socio-economic factors, and the physical environment—that contribute to the health of communities; 2) Foster engagement among public and private decision makers to improve community health; 3) Develop incentives to encourage coordination across sectors for community health improvement, and 4) Create innovative approaches to sharing the results of community health improvement efforts.
Community Voices Healthcare for the Underserved is a group of community-based demonstration projects dedicated to finding real-life ways to provide greater access to quality health care to the underserved and uninsured people in America. Community Voices eight “learning laboratories” (Albuquerque, NM; Baltimore, MD; Denver, CO; Lansing, MI; Miami, FL; New York, NY; Oakland, CA; Pinehurst, NC), demonstrate what does and doesn’t work in real-life situations.
Distance and Modes of Transportation to Personal Physician/Health Care Provider:
2005 Montana Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS) Results
Montana Disability and Health Update, November 2008
Diversity Rx Promotes language and cultural competence to improve the quality of health care for minority, immigrant, and ethnically diverse communities.
Frontier Education Center: National Clearinghouse for Frontier Communities Uses Healthy Communities model to address lack of access to health care and services in frontier communities.
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.
Healthy People 2010 This comprehensive, nationwide health promotion and disease prevention agenda contains 467 objectives designed to serve as a road map for improving the health of all people in the United States during the first decade of the 21st century.
Healthy People Resources Portal to the web sites of a number of multi-agency health initiatives and activities of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and other Federal departments and agencies.
Henry M. Jackson Foundation for the Advancement of Military Medicine
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.
MEDLINEplus: Rural Health Concerns
MedlinePlus Multilingual Feature provides access to high quality health information on almost 250 topics in 40 languages other than English and Spanish. This service benefits people who prefer to read consumer health information in their native language. It also helps the information professionals and health care providers who serve them.
Missoula City/County Public Health
Mobile Health Clinics Network advocates for Mobile Healthcare as a key solution for advancing access to healthcare on a continuing basis and in times of national emergency disaster.
Montana Area Health Education Centers
Montana Association of Naturopathic Physicians
Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services:
Public Health and Safety Division:
Breast and Cervical Cancer Screening Program
Comprehensive Cancer Control Program:
Montana Comprehensive Cancer Control Plan Surveillance Reports
Cardiovascular Health Program:
The Burden of Heart Disease and Stroke in the Big Sky State, 2007
Early Childhood Comprehensive System
Montana Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System
Joanne Oreskovich, Ph.D., Health Planning Section Supervisor
Public Health and Safety Division, Public Health System Improvement & Preparedness Bureau, C317 Cogswell Bldg., P.O. Box 202951
Helena, MT 59620-2951
406-444-2973; 406-444-7465; joreskovich@mt.govMontana Tobacco Use Prevention Program:
Health Resources Division, Health Care Resources Bureau:
Montana Primary Care Association
Montana State University College of Nursing
National Academy for State Health Policy
National Alliance for Medicaid in Education represents the nation’s Medicaid and Education agency staff, along with local education agency administrators, with programmatic responsibility for administering Medicaid’s Administrative Claiming and Direct Billing of Health Related Service programs in schools. The primary purposes of NAME are to provide an information network among the states on issues pertinent to the Medicaid programs in schools and to act as a focal point of communication between the states.
National Association of Community Health Centers
Montana Community Health Centers:
Ashland Community Health Center
501 Main St.
Ashland, MT 59003-0047
Phone: 406-784-2346
These are places where patients can also see a doctor or nurse:Ashland Public School, Ashland, MT 59003
Isabel Bills Learning Center, Colstrip, MT 59323-0520Patients need to call the health center to find out if it can provide needed medical services and to schedule an appointment.
________________Bullhook Community Health Center
110 13th St.
Havre, MT 59501
Phone: 406-265-5481
This is a location where patients can also see a doctor or nurse:Michael Chael Shelby, DMD, P.L.L.C., Havre, MT 59501-3654
Patients need to call the health center to find out if Dr. Shelby can provide needed medical services and to schedule an appointment.
__________________Butte-Silver Bow Primary Health Care
445 Centennial Ave.
Butte, MT 59701-2870
Phone: 406-496-6009
These are locations where patients can also see a doctor or nurse:Butte Community Health Center – Dental Clinic, Butte, MT 59701-1622
Butte Headstart, Butte, MT 59701-2920
Butte North American Indian Alliance, Butte, MT 59701-1826
Butte Rescue Mission, Butte, MT 59701-2716
Homeward Bound, Butte, MT 59701-9306
Community Health Center Outreach Clinic, Twin Bridges, MT 59754
Dillon Community Health Center, Dillon, MT 59725-3513
Sheridan Community Health Center, Sheridan, MT 59749-9636Patients need to call the health center to find out if it can provide needed medical services and to schedule an appointment.
_____________________Community Health Care Center
115 4th St. South
Great Falls, MT 59401-3618
Phone: 406-454-6950
This is a location where patients can also see a doctor or nurse:CCHD/Community Health Care Center, Great Falls, MT 59401-3618
Patients need to call the health center to find out if it can provide needed medical services and to schedule an appointment.
______________________________Community Health Partners, Inc.
126 S. Main St.
Livingston, MT 59047-2624
Phone: 406-823-6301
These are locations where patients can also see a doctor or nurse:Fishes and Loaves, Livingston, MT 59047-3458
Park County Jail, Livingston, MT 59047-2746
Community Health Partners Dental Clinic, Bozeman, MT 59718-3911
Community Health Partners, Bozeman, MT 59715-3638
Gallatin Community Clinic, Bozeman, MT 59715-4661
Community Health Partners, Belgrade, MT 59714-3715
West Yellowstone Clinic, West Yellowstone, MT 59758Patients need to call the health center to find out if it can provide needed medical services and to schedule an appointment.
_______________________Custer County Community Health Center, Inc.
210 S. Winchester, #136
Miles City, MT 59301-4798
Phone: 406-234-8793
________________________Deering Clinic
123 S. 27th St.
Billings, MT 59101-4200
Phone: 406-247-3338
This health center also provides care in the following locations:Gateway House, Billings, MT 59101-1638
HUB, Billings, MT 59101-1110
Montana Women’s Prison, Billings, MT 59101-4511
Rescue Mission, Billings, MT 59101-4148
Women and Family Shelter, Billings, MT 59101-2319
Yellowstone County Detention Facility, Billings, MT 59107
Yellowstone County Youth Service, Billings, MT 59101-4163Patients need to call the health center to find out if it can provide needed medical services and to schedule an appointment.
Montana Migrant Council Inc.
3318 3rd Ave. N., Ste. 100
Billings, MT 59101-1900
Phone: 406-248-3149This health center also provides care in the following locations.
Montana Migrant Council Inc., Fairview, MT 59221-9702
Montana Migrant Council Inc., Glendive, MT 59330-9999
Montana Migrant Council Inc., Hardin, MT 59034-1806
Montana Migrant Council Inc., Bridger, MT 59014-9999
Montana Migrant Council Inc., Forsyth, MT 59327-9999
Montana Migrant Council Inc., Polson, MT 59860-9698
Montana Migrant Council Inc., Big Fork, MT 59911
Montana Migrant Council Inc., Dillon, MT 59725-3353Patients need to call the health center to find out if it can provide needed medical services and to schedule an appointment.
____________________Glacier Community Health Center
519 E. Main St.
Cut Bank, MT 59427-0315
Phone: 406-873-5670
______________________Lewis and Clark City/County Health Dept.
1930 9th Ave.
Helena, MT 59601-4760
Phone: 406-443-2584
This health center also provides care in the following locations:Healthcare for the Homeless, Helena, MT 59601-3346
Parker Medical Center, Lincoln, MT 59639Patients need to call the health center to find out if it can provide needed medical services and to schedule an appointment.
_______________________Lincoln County Community Health Center
320 E. 2nd St.
Libby, MT 59923-1972
Phone: 406-293-3755
This health center also provides care in the following locations:Libby Clinic, Libby, MT 59923-2047
Lincoln County Community Health Center – Dental Site, Libby, MT 59923-2052
Lincoln County Community Health Center – Libby High School, Libby, MT 59923-2816
Lincoln County Community Health Center – Libby Middle School, Libby, MT 59923-2843
Eureka Outreach Clinic, Eureka, MT 59917
Lincoln County Community Health Center – Eureka, MT 59917
Lincoln County Community Center, Troy, MT 59917Patients need to call the health center to find out if it can provide needed medical services and to schedule an appointment.
________________________________Marias Healthcare Services, Inc.
640 Park Drive
Shelby, MT 59474
Phone: 406-434-3100
This health center also provides care in the following locations:Marias Healthcare Services, Inc., Sunburst, MT 59486
Marias Healthcare Services, Inc., Valier, MT 59486Patients need to call the health center to find out if it can provide needed medical services and to schedule an appointment.
_________________________Missoula City/County Public Health
Partnership Health Center
323 W. Alder St.
Missoula, MT 59802-4192
Phone: 406-258-4789
This health center also provides care in the following location:Partnership Health Care Portable Dental, Missoula, MT 59802-4123
Patients need to call the health center to find out if it can provide needed medical services and to schedule an appointment.
____________________________Sweet Medical Center Inc.
419 Pennsylvania
Chinook, MT 59523-0309
Phone: 406-357-2294
This health center also provides care in the following locations:Belknap Indian Health Services Facility, Harlem, MT 59526-9705
Little Rocks Senior Citizens Center, Harlem, MT 59526Patients need to call the health center to find out if it can provide needed medical services and to schedule an appointment.
National Association of County and City Health Officials
National Association of Emergency Medical Services Educators
National Association of Emergency Medical Services Physicians
National Association of State Emergency Medical Services Officials
National Association of Rural Health Clinics
National Cooperative of Health Networks is a national association of health network executives and strategic health partners. Our mission is to support and strengthen health alliances through collaborative efforts, networking, and educational opportunities.
National Council for Community Behavioral Healthcare
National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization
National Institutes of Health:
National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine
National Center on Minority Health and Health Disparities,
National Human Genome Research Institute
National Institute of Biomedical Imaging and Bioengineering
National Institute of General Medical Sciences
National Institute of Nursing Research
National Indian Health Board (NIHB) represents Tribal Governments operating their own health care delivery systems through contracting and compacting, as well as those receiving health care directly from the Indian Health Service. The NIHB is a non-profit organization that conducts research, policy analysis, program assessment and development, national and regional meeting planning, training and technical assistance programs, and project management. Services are provided to tribes, area health boards, tribal organizations, federal agencies, and private foundations.
American Indian Health sponsored by the National Library of Medicine, this web portal brings together health and medical resources pertinent to the American Indian population including policies, consumer health information, and research. Links are provided to an assortment of documents, Web sites, databases, and other resources.
National Native American Emergency Medical Services Association for first responders, emergency medical technicians, emergency nurses, and emergency physicians.
National Rehabilitation Information Center
National Rural Health Association Site has links to many professional organizations and health resources.
National Rural Recruitment & Retention Network members are not-for-profit organizations helping health professionals find practice opportunities in rural and underserved areas throughout the country. Professions served include: Physicians, Dentists, Nurse Practitioners, Physician Assistants, Registered Nurses, Mental Health Professionals, Other Health Care Professionals, Administrative and Management Professionals, and Allied Health and Support Staff.
National Society of Genetic Counselors
National Wellness Institute serves professionals and organizations that promote optimal health and wellness in individuals and communities.
National Women’s Health Information Center
Nicotine Anonymous Non-Profit 12-Step Fellowship of men and women helping each other live nicotine-free lives.
Northern Montana Hospital (Havre)
Northwest Research and Education Institute facilitates clinical and applied research, provides continuing medical education for physicians and other healthcare professionals, and coordinates community health education programs.
Online Guide to Quitting includes tobacco cessation resources, expert advice and support, referrals to local resources, tools for individuals and professionals, and more.
Prevention Education Resource Center Web-based repository of educational materials for teaching about prevention and population health-related topics. The Association for Prevention Teaching and Research launched the Center as a core project for the Healthy People Curriculum Task Force. The Center facilitates the exchange of teaching resources and promotes collaboration across health care disciplines, professions, and institutions. Resources include public health education and curriculum frameworks and materials for undergraduate courses in public health and epidemiology.
Remote Area Medical Foundation Volunteer Corps is a non-profit, volunteer, airborne relief corps dedicated to serving mankind by providing free health care, dental care, eye care, veterinary services, and technical and educational assistance to people in remote areas of the United States and the world. Volunteer doctors, nurses, pilots, veterinarians and support workers participate in expeditions (at their own expense). Medical supplies, medicines, facilities and vehicles are donated.
Rural Health Resource Center is based in Duluth, Minnesota. Thisnational non-profit organization serves as the knowledge center for rural hospitals, and provides technical assistance, information, education and other resources to rural health care providers and their communities. Primary areas of focus are performance improvement, health information technology, health care work force, organizational development and community health initiatives.
Rural Nurse Organization offers a discussion group and resource list of members who are knowledgeable about administrative, clinical, and other issues. RNO publishes The Online Journal of Rural Nursing and Healthcare and Rural Nurse Connection, the official RNO publication.
Smoking Cessation Leadership Center is a national program office of the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, with support from the American Legacy Foundation. SCLC aims to decrease smoking rates and increase the number of health professionals who help smokers quit. The Center partners with dental hygienists, nurses, pharmacists, emergency physicians, hospitals, labor unions, family physicians, the Veterans Health Administration and myriad other groups to increase cessation rates and cessation interventions.
Society for Public Health Education
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services
Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans are designed so people can easily fit physical activity into their daily plan and incorporate activities they enjoy. The guidelines are based on the first thorough review of scientific research about physical activity and health in more than a decade. Guidelines are grouped by the following: children and adolescents, adults, older adults, pregnant women, adults with disabilities, and people with chronic medical conditions.
American Association for HomeCare works to strengthen access to care for Americans who require medical care in their homes. AAHomecare represents healthcare providers, equipment manufacturers, and other organizations in the homecare community. AAHomecare members serve the medical needs of Americans who require oxygen equipment and therapy, mobility assistive technologies, medical supplies, inhalation drug therapy, home infusion, and other home medical equipment, therapies, services, and supplies in the home. Membership reflects a broad cross-section of the homecare community, including providers of all sizes operating approximately 3,000 locations in all 50 states.
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.
American Occupational Therapy Association
California Office on Disability and Health Profiles the California Take Action Project; Universal Livability: A Dream for Tomorrow, A Plan for Today; and provides data on Californians with disabilities.
Centers for Disease Control: National Center on Birth Defects and Developmental Disabilities
Center for Health Care Strategies. Nonprofit, policy resource center promoting high quality health care services for low-income populations and people with chronic illnesses and disabilities. Conducts policy analysis, tests model products and provides “real world” training and technical assistance to purchasers of publicly-financed health care, managed care organizations and consumer groups.
Henry M. Jackson Foundation for the Advancement of Military Medicine is a private, not-for-profit organization dedicated to improving military medicine and public health by building qualified scientific teams of researchers and creating an effective research infrastructure; maintaining an academic affiliation with the Uniformed Services University; providing access to cutting-edge science and technology and fostering cross-disciplinary collaboration; establishing relationships with more than 160 military medical and organizations worldwide; and employing about 1,600 medical, scientific, management and administrative personnel.
Medline Plus: General Disabilities
Montana Newborn Screening Program
Montana Children’s Special Health Services
Medicaid Services Bureau: Provider Information
National Center on Physical Activity and Disability. Operated by the Department of Disability and Human Development at the University of Illinois at Chicago, the NCPD works in partnership with the Rehabilitation Institute of Chicago (RIC) and the National Center on Accessibility (NCA) at Indiana University. Offers a variety of resources to help people with disabilities become more active, and also offers resources for fitness and exercise professionals, health professionals, and researchers interested in promoting increased physical activity for people with disabilities.
National Chronic Care Consortium Organization of leading-edge health networks dedicated to transforming the delivery of chronic care services. Each shares a vision of integrated care for individuals with chronic health conditions, from the time of earliest condition awareness until problem resolution or death.
North Carolina Office on Disability and Health Publishes “A Providers’ Guide for the Care of Women with Physical Disabilities and Chronic Medical Conditions“, and “Partners in Health Care” (fact sheet).
Health Promotion Resource Guide: Promoting the Health and Wellness of People with Disabilities This guide from the North Carolina Office on Disability and Health provides health educators, service providers, and program planners with a carefully selected collection of resources that address accessibility, communication, and topic-specific health promotion.
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.
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services
Community Health Status Indicators is a partnership of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the National Institutes of Health/National Library of Medicine, the Health Resources Services Administration, the Public Health Foundation, the Association of State and Territorial Health Officials, National Association of County and City Health Officials, National Association of Local Boards of Health, and Johns Hopkins University School of Public Health. The site includes county health status profiles for the 3,141 U.S. counties (excluding territories) Profiles include data on access and utilization of healthcare services, birth and death measures, Healthy People 2010 targets and U.S. birth and death rates, vulnerable populations, risk-factors for premature deaths, communicable diseases and environmental health.
Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans are designed so people can easily fit physical activity into their daily plan and incorporate activities they enjoy. The guidelines are based on the first thorough review of scientific research about physical activity and health in more than a decade. Guidelines are grouped by the following: children and adolescents, adults, older adults, pregnant women, adults with disabilities, and people with chronic medical conditions.
www.TheDesk.info Online Medicaid reference desk geared to people with cognitive disabilities, families, advocates, legislators, policy makers, state officials, and service providers.
Back to Resources for Professionals and Service Providers
Resources on Intellectual
and/or Developmental Disabilities
Administration on Developmental Disabilities
State Councils on Developmental Disabilities
Association of University Centers on Disabilities. Conduct interdisciplinary training, promote exemplary community service programs, provide technical assistance at all levels from local service delivery to community and state governments, and conduct research and dissemination activities. University Centers for Excellence provide community training and technical assistance to family and individual support service organizations, and work with individuals with developmental disabilities, family members of these individuals, professionals, paraprofessionals, students, and volunteers.
The University of Montana Rural Institute: A University Center for Excellence in Disability Education, Research and Services
American Academy for Cerebral Palsy and Developmental Medicine has a library and resources section.
American Association on Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities
Health Bytes: Information for Consumers, Family, and Health Care Providers is a list of resources about health information for people with disabilities, families and advocates, developed by the AAIDD Communicating for Health Subcommittee of the Health Promotion Coordinating Committee.
American Network of Community Options and Resources
Dimensions of Faith and Congregational Ministries with Persons with Developmental Disabilities and Their Families: A Bibliography and Address Listing of Resources for Clergy, Layperson, Families, and Service Providers. This resource guide is divided into areas of congregational ministry and outreach, e.g., worship, outreach, pastoral care, religious education, awareness videos, with sections on respite care, community building, person centered planning, coping with grief, and a new section on resources about history.
GeneTests Based at the University of Washington, GeneTests is a free, NIH-funded medical genetics information resource for physicians, other healthcare providers, and researchers. The site offers expert-authored disease reviews, international directories of genetic testing laboratories and genetics/prenatal diagnosis clinics, and an illustrated glossary.
Indiana Resource Center for Autism Fosters communities that welcome, value, and support the participation and contributions of people of all ages and abilities through research, education, and service.
Institute for Community Inclusion offers training, clinical, and employment services, conducts research, and provides assistance to organizations to promote inclusion of people with disabilities in school, work, and community activities
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.
Montana 2009 Directory of Services for People with Developmental Disabilities
National Association for Dual Diagnosis An association for persons with developmental disabilities and mental health needs.
National Association of Councils on Developmental Disabilities
National Association of Qualified Mental Retardation Professionals Addresses the historical, conceptual, methodological and ethical issues confronting the QMRP of today.
National Association of State Directors of Developmental Disabilities Services, Inc. (NASDDDS)
The Guide: NASDDDS Handbook on Inclusive Meetings and Presentations These guidelines ensure that people with disabilities receive the support and assistance they need to fully contribute to NASDDDS sponsored activities. However the issues, challenges, and solutions offered in this report are universally applicable to the involvement of all self advocates. This document provides a framework for involving recipients of state-funded developmental disabilities services.
National Leadership Consortium on Developmental Disabilities has been established at the University of Delaware to support the next generation of leaders. The Consortium is working in partnership with the major national developmental disability organizations to offer a variety of short-term, intensive leadership development experiences, an on-line certificate program, undergraduate- and graduate-level campus based programs, distance learning opportunities, mentoring opportunities, a resource-rich website as well as research and technical assistance.
North Carolina Office on Disability and Health Publishes:
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Partners in Health Care: Women with Disabilities and their Health Care Providers Brochure is filled with tips for health care providers in promoting the health of people with cognitive and physical disabilities. Suggestions are given for people with disabilities on ways to help build positive partnerships with their medical care providers.
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Women Be Healthy Curriculum Curriculum teaches women with intellectual disabilities to become more active participants in their health care. Its primary emphasis is teaching women about reproductive health and breast / cervical cancer screenings. The curriculum focuses on: health education, anxiety reduction and empowerment training.
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Work Healthy, Live Healthy Curriculum for persons with disabilities who receive services through community rehabilitation programs. Work Healthy, Live Healthy combines environmental changes with health education and individual supports. Core activities include a consumer directed and staff supported wellness committee, time limited health education classes, regular opportunities for moderate physical activity, such as a walking club, and changes to vending selections. Work Healthy, Live Healthy is designed to encourage the workplace to become supportive of health and wellness for all.
Shodair Hospital (Helena) Shodair 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.
Take Charge Challenge Developed by the New Mexico Office on Disability and Health, this inclusive 10-week physical activity program helps participants determine their own goals, participate in activities of their choice and receive rewards for meeting their goals.
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.
Walk Your Way to Fitness: Walk, Workout, Be Active for People with Intellectual Disabilities Fitness course on DVD and CD-ROM by Iris Educational Media. Designed for adults, support staff and learning partners, Disk 1 features a walking class. Disk 2, “Work Out with Sonny and Pedro: Walk, Dance and Stretch Your Way to Fitness”, presents workout routines of different lengths.
Wellness Club: A Wellness Program for People with Developmental Disabilities model system for organizing resources and supports that prevent and manage secondary conditions by building and maintaining healthy lifestyles.
Back to Resources for Professionals and Service Providers
Resources Other Disabilities and Special Populations
Medical Services/Information on Specific Disabilities or Populations
Blindness/Visual Impairment | Cancer | Cardiovascular Conditions | Communication Disabilities |
Deafness/Hearing Impairment | Infectious Disease | Limb Loss | Metabolic Conditions |
Mobility Impairment | Native Americans with Disabilities | Neurological Conditions |
Prescription Drug Assistance Programs | Pulmonary Conditions | Rare Disorders | Skin Conditions
Substance Abuse | Traumatic Brain Injury | Women with Disabilities
Association for Education & Rehabilitation of the Blind & Visually Impaired International membership organization dedicated to supporting and assisting professionals who work in all phases of education and rehabilitation of blind and visually impaired children and adults.
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.
Hadley School for the Blind is the largest worldwide distance educator of blind and visually impaired people, their families and blindness service professionals. Hadley offers classes free of charge to its blind and visually impaired students and their families and affordable tuition classes to blindness professionals.
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.
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 for the Blind (MAB) – This statewide, nonprofit, self-help consumer organization works for the social and economic improvement of Montanans with visual impairments.
Prevent Blindness America . Provides public and professional education, community and patient services programs and research.
Virginia Marie Sowell Center for Research & Education in Visual Impairment at Texas Tech University in Lubbock, Texas, offers degree and certification programs in visual impairment, orientation and mobility, and deafblindness.
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
Kristin.Nei@cancer.orgLinda Lang, Montana Grassroots Advocacy Manager
550 North 31st Suite 103
Billings, MT 59101
Linda.Lang@cancer.org
1.800.252.5470, opt 3, ext 2112007 Cancer Facts & Figures Includes reports on death rates and new cases by state.
Intercultural Cancer Council Promotes policies, programs, partnerships, and research to eliminate the unequal burden of cancer among racial and ethnic minorities and medically underserved populations in the U.S. and its territories.
Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services:
Public Health and Safety Division:
Breast and Cervical Cancer Screening Program
Comprehensive Cancer Control Program:
Montana Comprehensive Cancer Control Plan Surveillance Reports
Montana Central Tumor Registry
Montana Tobacco Use Prevention Program:
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.
Online Guide to Quitting includes tobacco cessation resources, expert advice and support, referrals to local resources, tools for individuals and professionals, and more.
Smoking Cessation Leadership Center is a national program office of the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, with support from the American Legacy Foundation. SCLC aims to decrease smoking rates and increase the number of health professionals who help smokers quit. The Center partners with dental hygienists, nurses, pharmacists, emergency physicians, hospitals, labor unions, family physicians, the Veterans Health Administration and myriad other groups to increase cessation rates and cessation interventions.
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.
Montana Association of Cardiovascular and Pulmonary Rehabilitation
Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services
Public Health and Safety Division
Cardiovascular Health Program:
Cardiovascular Disease (CVD) And CVD Risk Factors Among Montana American Indians With And Without Disability Montana Clinical Communication Surveillance Report, April-June 2006 (Text file with described figures and tables).
The Burden of Heart Disease and Stroke in the Big Sky State, 2007
Montana Tobacco Use Prevention Program:
National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute .
Honoring the Gift of Heart Health: A Heart Health Educator’s Manual for American Indians From the National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute, this comprehensive, culturally-appropriate, user-friendly 10 lesson course on heart health education for American Indians has skill-building activities, reproducible handouts and idea starters. Appendices include recipes and Heart Health Educator training activities for program implementation.
National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke.
National Rehabilitation Hospital Specializes in traumatic brain injury, cardiac rehabilitation, orthopedic rehabilitation, spinal cord injury, and stroke recovery.
National Stroke Association Provides info on stroke prevention, recovery, treatment and clinical trials. Lists area support groups.
Online Guide to Quitting includes tobacco cessation resources, expert advice and support, referrals to local resources, tools for individuals and professionals, and more.
Smoking Cessation Leadership Center is a national program office of the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, with support from the American Legacy Foundation. SCLC aims to decrease smoking rates and increase the number of health professionals who help smokers quit. The Center partners with dental hygienists, nurses, pharmacists, emergency physicians, hospitals, labor unions, family physicians, the Veterans Health Administration and myriad other groups to increase cessation rates and cessation interventions.
Velo-Cardio-Facial Syndrome Educational Foundation, Inc.
National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders Conducts and supports biomedical and behavioral research and research training in the normal and disordered processes of hearing, balance, smell, taste, voice, speech, and language. Also conducts and supports research and research training related to disease prevention and health promotion; addresses special biomedical and behavioral problems associated with people who have communication impairments or disorders; and supports efforts to create devices which substitute for lost and impaired sensory and communication function.
Rehabilitation Engineering Research Center on Communication Enhancement is a collaborative research group dedicated to the development of effective augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) technology. AAC refers to ways (other than speech) that are used to send a message from one person to another.
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.
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.
Described and Captioned Media Program Provides a free-loan media program of over 4,000 open-captioned or described titles (videos, CD-ROM, and DVD) available to individuals with visual and hearing impairments, teachers, parents, and others with no rental, registration, or postage fees. DCMP also provides a print/online clearinghouse of information and materials on the subject of captioning/describing available to consumers, agencies, businesses, and schools. The clearinghouse maintains a database of described and captioned media available for purchase.
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.
Montana Universal Newborn Hearing Screening Program Assures that all infants receive screening for hearing loss before hospital discharge, or by one month of age if the infant is not born in a hospital.
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 Conducts and supports biomedical and behavioral research and research training in the normal and disordered processes of hearing, balance, smell, taste, voice, speech, and language. Also conducts and supports research and research training related to disease prevention and health promotion; addresses special biomedical and behavioral problems associated with people who have communication impairments or disorders; and supports efforts to create devices which substitute for lost and impaired sensory and communication function.
National Resource Center for Early Hearing Detection and Intervention at Utah State University helps state agencies, health care providers, hospitals, early intervention programs and families nationwide to develop and sustain comprehensive EHDI programs.
PEPNet is a national network of regional centers that provides resources, information, in-service training, and expertise to enhance educational opportunities for individuals who are deaf or hard of hearing and their families. PEPNet works with services providers in 2-year and 4-year colleges, universities, secondary education programs, community rehabilitation programs, continuing education programs, adult basic education programs, and vocational and technical training programs.
Rehabilitation Engineering Research Center on Communication Enhancement is a collaborative research group dedicated to the development of effective augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) technology. AAC refers to ways (other than speech) that are used to send a message from one person to another.
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Civil Rights has several online publications to help hospitals meet the communication needs of individuals who do not speak English as their primary language (i.e. are limited English proficient) or who are deaf or hard of hearing.
International Association of Physicians in AIDS Care offers members online educational and technical assistance to help improve the quality of care and treatment delivered to men, women, and children living with HIV/AIDS.
National Center for HIV, STD, and TB Prevention
National Center for Infectious Diseases
National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases Conducts research aimed at developing better ways to diagnose, treat and prevent many infectious, immunologic and allergic diseases.
National Minority AIDS Council
Amputee Coalition of America: Sponsors the National Limb Loss Information Center and publishes First Step: A Guide to Adapting to Limb Loss.
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.
American Academy of Periodontology provides information for individuals with diabetes.
American Association of Diabetes Educators is a professional association promoting the expertise of diabetes educators. Diabetes educators are healthcare professionals who help people with diabetes understand their disease and learn how to develop diabetes self-management skills.
American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons Offers free brochures, including Diabetic Foot Problems and Treatments.
American Optometric Association Diabetes Hot Line: 800-262-3947.
Community Medical Center – Diabetes Management Program (Missoula) Offers Certified Diabetes Management services.
Diabetes at Work can help businesses and managed care companies assess the impact of diabetes in the workplace, and provide intuitive information to help employees manage their diabetes and take steps toward reducing risks for related complications, such as heart disease. Provides information, tip sheets, tools, resources, etc. Information is also available in Spanish.
Diabetes Prevention Program’s Lifestyle Balance Fat Counter lists fat grams and calories for more than 1,500 foods, including regional foods from all parts of the U.S.
Large print version: Lifestyle Balance Fat Counter (Word document)
Large print version: Lifestyle Balance Fat Counter (pdf document)
DiabetesXChange.org is an online clearinghouse for promising diabetes -related community-based programs, university-sponsored initiatives, corporate wellness programs, and government projects.
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
National Diabetes Education Program has information and resources for people with diabetes, providers, family members, communities, employers, etc. Free publications are available.
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.
American Association of Spinal Cord Injury Nurses
American Association of Spinal Cord Injury Psychologists and Social Workers is an organization of psychologists and social workers who provide for the emotional, behavioral and psychosocial care of persons affected by spinal cord impairment (SCI).
American Physical Therapy Association.
Arthritis Foundation. Offers more than 100 free brochures on arthritis and related conditions, such as fibromyalgia.
Rocky Mountain Arthritis Foundation Serves Colorado, Montana and Wyoming
Lisa Crowley, Program Coordinator
P.O. Box 769
Helena, Montana 59624
406-461-8368
lcrowley@arthritis.org
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.”
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.
Model Systems Knowledge Translation Center Summarizes research, identifies health information needs and develops systems for sharing information for the NIDRR model systems programs in traumatic brain injury, spinal cord injury and burn injury.
Northwest Regional SCI System at the University of Washington, Seattle
Rocky Mountain Regional SCI System at Craig Hospital, Englewood, Colorado
Muscular Dystrophy Association. Sponsors 230 hospital-affiliated clinics with staff experienced in dealing with neuromuscular diseases. Clinics also serve as sites for clinical trials of the latest experimental therapies and drugs. MDA also offers support groups for those with neuromuscular diseases and their families. More than 4000 children attend annual MDA summer camps.
National Center on Physical Activity and Disability Provides “Physical Activity Guidelines for Individuals with Spina Bifida” .
National Council on Folic Acid NCFA is a partnership of national organizations and associations, state folic acid councils and government agencies whose mission is to improve health by promoting the benefits and consumption of folic acid.
National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases (NIAMS)
National Institute of Osteoporosis and Related Bone Diseases Provides patients, health professionals, and the public with an important link to resources and information on metabolic bone diseases, including osteoporosis, Paget’s disease of the bone, osteogenesis imperfecta, and hyperparathyroidism.
National Osteoporosis Foundation. Provides information for patients and professionals on preventing and treating osteoporosis.
National Rehabilitation Hospital Specializes in traumatic brain injury, cardiac rehabilitation, orthopedic rehabilitation, spinal cord injury, and stroke recovery.
National Spinal Cord Injury Association. On-line Resource Center provides an overview of spinal cord injury and disease, lists support resources, and updates visitors on research studies, political action initiatives and news stories.
Spinal Cord Central Operated jointly by United Spinal Association and the National Spinal Cord Injury Association, this web site is for members of the spinal cord injury/disease (SCI/D) community who are seeking information and resource referrals related to SCI/D. The program serves all people with paralysis as a result of spinal cord injury or disease, their families, friends and others who have a strong interest or involvement with them.
Paralyzed Veterans of America. Provides resources for professionals and for people with paralysis, including “Living with SCI” area, sports and recreation resources, research and education and national advocacy.
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.
Rehabilitation Research and Training Center on Secondary Conditions in Individuals with Spinal Cord Injury Focuses on the quality of life for people with spinal cord injury, and studies the effect of exercise as a way to prevent a wide range of secondary conditions, such as cardiovascular disease, osteoporosis, respiratory dysfunction, urinary tract infection, depression, and pain.
Rehabilitation Research and Training Center on Spinal Cord Injury: Promoting Health and Preventing Complications through Exercise Focuses on the quality of life for people with spinal cord injury, and studies the effect of exercise as a way to prevent a wide range of secondary conditions, such as cardiovascular disease, osteoporosis, respiratory dysfunction, urinary tract infection, depression, and pain.
Sexuality and Reproductive Health Following Spinal Cord Injury, Evidence Report/Technology Assessment: Number 109 This report focuses on: 1. Issues related to fertility, pregnancy rates, pregnancy complications and management, and live births in persons with SCI, and 2. Issues related to male impotence post-SCI.
Shepherd Spinal Cord Injury Center. Atlanta-based catastrophic care hospital treats people with spinal cord injuries, acquired brain injuries, multiple sclerosis and other neuromuscular illnesses and urological problems.
Spina Bifida Association of America Addresses the specific needs of infants, children and adults with spina bifida, their families, and professionals who serve them. As the national representative of over 70 chapters, provides information and referral services, publishes materials, funds research, provides training, and conducts individual and systems advocacy.
The Institute for Rehabilitation and Research. Home to the Brain Injury Research Center, Amputee Program Research Projects, Spinal Cord Injury Research Program, and Independent Living Research Utilization
American Indian Health sponsored by the National Library of Medicine, this web portal brings together health and medical resources pertinent to the American Indian population including policies, consumer health information, and research. Links are provided to an assortment of documents, Web sites, databases, and other resources.
Association for Multicultural Rehabilitation Concerns This diverse group advocates for the rehabilitation needs of multicultural persons with disabilities; ensures the provision of quality and equitable services; and enhances the development of multicultural rehabilitation professionals.
Capacity Building for American Indian Vocational Rehabilitation Projects at Western Washington University’s Center for Continuing Education in Rehabilitation.
Center for Research on Ethnicity, Culture and Health Provides a forum for basic and applied public health research on relationships among ethnicity, culture, socioeconomic status and health. The Center develops new interdisciplinary frameworks for understanding these relationships while promoting effective collaborations among public health academicians, health providers, and local communities.
Center for the Study of Cultural Diversity in Health Care Focuses on the role of race and ethnicity in shaping physicians’ and patients’ expectations, beliefs, and attitudes; disparities in the effects of many diseases and conditions on racial and ethnic groups; and inequities in health care delivery. Conducts educational programs, research initiatives, and outreach activities.
Consortia of Administrators for Native American Rehabilitation seeks to serve as an avenue for collaboration and cooperation between Administrators of rehabilitation projects serving Native American persons with disabilities, to increase and enhance the quality of services, resulting in positive outcomes for Native American persons with disabilities.
Honoring the Gift of Heart Health: A Heart Health Educator’s Manual for American Indians From the National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute, this comprehensive, culturally-appropriate, user-friendly 10 lesson course on heart health education for American Indians has skill-building activities, reproducible handouts and idea starters. Appendices include recipes and Heart Health Educator training activities for program implementation.
Indian Health Service, Billings Area
Intercultural Cancer Council Promotes policies, programs, partnerships, and research to eliminate the unequal burden of cancer among racial and ethnic minorities and medically underserved populations in the U.S. and its territories.
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.
Minority Health Project. Works to improve the quality of available data on racial and ethnic populations, to expand the capacity of minority-health researchers to conduct statistical research and develop research proposals, and to foster a network of researchers in minority health.
Minority Nurse Resources and information pertaining to education, career development and minority health for the growing population of minority nurses in America.
National American Indian Housing Council supports tribal housing agencies in their efforts to provide culturally-relevant, decent, safe, sanitary, and affordable housing for native people in American Indian communities and Alaska native villages.
National Center for Cultural Competence at Georgetown University, increases the capacity of health care and mental health programs to design, implement and evaluate culturally and linguistically competent service delivery systems.
National Center on Minority Health and Health Disparities
National Coalition of Deaf People of Color Organization for African-American, Latino, Asian, (Native) American Indian, biracial, and multiracial individuals with deafness. Its goal is to train and educate professionals and students.
National Council of Urban Indian Health Supports and develops quality accessible healthcare programs for all American Indian and Alaska Natives living in urban communities through advocacy, training, education and leadership development.
National Indian Council on Aging (NICOA) serves as advocate for the nation’s estimated 296,000 American Indian and Alaska Native elders. The NICOA strives to better the lives of the nation’s indigenous seniors through advocacy, employment training, dissemination of information, and data support.
National Indian Health Board (NIHB) represents Tribal Governments operating their own health care delivery systems through contracting and compacting, as well as those receiving health care directly from the Indian Health Service. The NIHB is a non-profit organization that conducts research, policy analysis, program assessment and development, national and regional meeting planning, training and technical assistance programs, and project management. Services are provided to tribes, area health boards, tribal organizations, federal agencies, and private foundations.
National Minority AIDS Council
National Native American Emergency Medical Services Association for first responders, emergency medical technicians, emergency nurses, and emergency physicians.
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.
“Understanding Disabilities in American Indian and Alaska Native Communities: Toolkit Guide” National Council on Disability publication provides information about disabilities, Indian tribes, and resources. Also suggests ways to improve services, provide protections, and tap resources in local tribal communities for people with disabilities. Focuses primarily on health care, independent living, education, vocational rehabilitation, housing and transportation.
University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, College of Dentistry – Native American Center of Excellence Consortium.
American Association of Spinal Cord Injury Nurses
Brain Injury Association of America
Center for Neuroscience and Behavioral Medicine. Treats illnesses involving a child’s psychological well-being, brain and nervous system.
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.
Epilepsy Foundation. Features a “channel” aimed at health care professionals who can help people with epilepsy live better lives. Content includes assessment, planning, treatment, populations, and resources.
Multiple Sclerosis Coalition This advocacy and education organization is an affiliation of independent MS organizations dedicated to the enhancement of the quality of life for all those affected by MS. The vision of the founding members, which include the Consortium of MS Centers, the Multiple Sclerosis Association of America, and the Multiple Sclerosis Foundation, is to improve the quality of life for those affected by this disease.
National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke.
National Rehabilitation Hospital Specializes in traumatic brain injury, cardiac rehabilitation, orthopedic rehabilitation, spinal cord injury, and stroke recovery.
National Resource Center for Traumatic Brain Injury
Tardive Dyskinesia Center Tardive dyskinesia (TD) is a movement disorder caused by taking certain neurological medications. TD is a result of damage to the bodily systems that process dopamine, and is typically caused by exposure to certain neurological medications – including Reglan. The symptoms of TD are irreversible and incurable, and mimic those of Parkinson’s disease. Tardive dyskinesia victims have involuntary, repetitive movements which often continue after the drug is no longer used. The center has the most up-to-date information on Tardive Dyskinesia Treatment options. Additionally, it distributes free wristbands to all users in hopes of raising TD awareness.
Prescription Drug Assistance Programs:
Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services
How the Coverage Gap works for People with Medicare Prescription Drug Plans Tip sheet for partners who work with people with Medicare and contains several questions and answers related to the coverage gap.
Part D Information for State Policymakers (3rd document in series)
Point-of-Sale Facilitated Enrollment (POS FE) Process: Four Steps for Pharmacists
MedLearn Matters Articles for Physicians & Other Health Care Professionals, and Pharmacists and Other Pharmacy Professionals with information about the Medicare prescription discount card and $600 credit.
NeedyMeds.com Provides information about patient assistance programs and other programs designed to help those who can’t afford their medicines.
Partnership for Prescription Assistance Brings together America’s pharmaceutical companies, doctors, patient advocacy organizations and civic groups to help low-income, uninsured patients get free or nearly free brand-name medicines. The Partnership offers a single point of access to more than 275 public and private patient assistance programs, including more than 150 programs offered by pharmaceutical companies.
Partnership for Prescription Assistance – Montana Chapter Patients and service providers may call 888-477-2669 or visit the web site.
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
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.
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.
Volunteers in Health Care: RxAssist: Designed to help health care providers locate programs for which their patients might qualify.
American Lung Association. Provides information on asthma, living with lung disease, tobacco control, and occupational and environmental risks.
Montana Tobacco Use Prevention Program:
National Center for Environmental Health
National Center for HIV, STD, and TB Prevention
National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI)
National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID). Conducts research aimed at developing better ways to diagnose, treat and prevent many infectious, immunologic and allergic diseases.
National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences (NIEHS).
Online Guide to Quitting includes tobacco cessation resources, expert advice and support, referrals to local resources, tools for individuals and professionals, and more.
Smoking Cessation Leadership Center is a national program office of the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, with support from the American Legacy Foundation. SCLC aims to decrease smoking rates and increase the number of health professionals who help smokers quit. The Center partners with dental hygienists, nurses, pharmacists, emergency physicians, hospitals, labor unions, family physicians, the Veterans Health Administration and myriad other groups to increase cessation rates and cessation interventions.
GeneTests Based at the University of Washington, GeneTests is a free, NIH-funded medical genetics information resource for physicians, other healthcare providers, and researchers. The site offers expert-authored disease reviews, international directories of genetic testing laboratories and genetics/prenatal diagnosis clinics, and an illustrated glossary.
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.
National Organization on Rare Disorders Has a database of rare disorders, a prescription assistance program, and offers a free, unique online community service for rare-disease patients, their families, and caregivers.
Velo-Cardio-Facial Syndrome Educational Foundation, Inc.
National Center for Environmental Health
National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID). Conducts research aimed at developing better ways to diagnose, treat and prevent many infectious, immunologic and allergic diseases.
National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases (NIAMS)
National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences (NIEHS).
Benefis Healthcare – Behavioral Health Program (Great Falls) Addiction Treatment Center offers state-of-the-art addiction-counseling services for adults and adolescents.
Montana Tobacco Use Prevention Program:
National Alliance for Drug-Endangered Children supports a nationwide network of professionals serving drug endangered children by providing referrals to experts, updated research on topics concerning drug endangered children, and best practice information.
National Association on Alcohol, Drugs and Disability Works to improve access to substance abuse services for people with disabilities, provides information on prevention and treatment, and facilitates networking of individuals and organizations.
National Center on Addiction and Substance Abuse.
National Clearinghouse for Alcohol and Drug Information
National Drug and Alcohol Abuse Helpline helps individuals find a rehabilitation program for specific alcohol or drug addiction problem. Case workers are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA).
National Institute on Drug Abuse .
Nicotine Anonymous Non-Profit 12-Step Fellowship of men and women helping each other live nicotine-free lives.
Online Guide to Quitting includes resources, expert advice and support, referrals to local resources, tools for individuals and professionals, and more.
Smoking Cessation Leadership Center is a national program office of the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, with support from the American Legacy Foundation. SCLC aims to decrease smoking rates and increase the number of health professionals who help smokers quit. The Center partners with dental hygienists, nurses, pharmacists, emergency physicians, hospitals, labor unions, family physicians, the Veterans Health Administration and myriad other groups to increase cessation rates and cessation interventions.
Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration .
Center for Substance Abuse Prevention.
Center for Substance Abuse Treatment.
State Profiles of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services in Medicaid Summary of each states’ coverage of behavioral health in Medicaid and in the State Children’s Health Insurance Program (SCHIP).
Substance Abuse Resources and Disability Issues Program, Wright State University Conducts research, provides collaborative consultation and treatment, and conducts training on the intersection between substance abuse and disability conditions. Considers all physical, cognitive and emotional disabilities and their correlations with substance abuse. SARDI also investigates disability issues arising as sequellae of substance abuse
Technical Assistance Collaborative National non-profit organization works to achieve positive outcomes on behalf of people with disabilities, people who are homeless, and people with other special needs by providing state-of-the-art information, capacity building, and technical expertise to organizations and policymakers in the areas of mental health, substance abuse, human services, and affordable housing.
Tobacco Information and Prevention Source at the National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion
National Association of State Head Injury Administrators.
National Resource Center for Traumatic Brain Injury provides relevant, practical information, intervention programs and assessment tools for professionals, persons with brain injury, and family members.
Perspectives Network focuses on positive communication between persons with brain injury, family members/caregivers/friends of persons with brain injury, professionals who treat persons with brain injury, and community members. The goal is to create positive changes and enhance public awareness and knowledge of acquired/traumatic brain injury.
Rehabilitation Research and Training Center on Community Integration of Persons with Brain Injury at the The Institute for Rehabilitation and Research. Provides National Database of Educational Resources on Traumatic Brain Injury.
Tip Sheet-Improving Social Skills after Traumatic Brain Injury
Traumatic Brain Injury Technical Assistance Center Helps TBI State Demonstration Grant recipients implement statewide systems that ensure access to comprehensive and coordinated TBI services. Site includes TBI Resource Database.
Traumatic Brain Injury Toolkit PDF file. Designed to support diagnosis and management of both mild and acute traumatic brain injury (TBI). There are two sections — one for health care providers and the other for individuals with mild or acute TBI and their families.
Access to Health Care by Women with Disabilities
Center for Research on Women with Disabilities – Baylor College of Medicine web site serves as a clearinghouse for information about the health and wellness of women with disabilities, and shares information generated from 13 years of studies. Includes information from, and links to, research conducted around the country and serves as a networking forum for researchers, educators, clinicians, students, women with disabilities, and advocates.
North Carolina Office on Disability and Health Publishes:
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Providers’ Guide to Care of Women with Physical Disabilities and Chronic Health Conditions Published by the North Carolina Office on Disability and Health and designed for clinicians to improve their knowledge and practice in providing care to women with physical disabilities and chronic health conditions. It includes information on access to general medical care, removing common barriers, comprehensive reproductive health care and health promotion and wellness.
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Women Be Healthy Curriculum Developed by the North Carolina Office on Disability and Health, this curriculum teaches women with intellectual disabilities to become more active participants in their health care. Its primary emphasis is teaching women about reproductive health and breast / cervical cancer screenings. The curriculum focuses on: health education, anxiety reduction and empowerment training.
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Partners in Health Care: Women with Disabilities and their Health Care Providers Publication of the North Carolina Office on Disability and Health is filled with tips for health care providers in promoting the health of people with cognitive and physical disabilities. Suggestions are given for people with disabilities on ways to help build positive partnerships with their medical care providers.
Pathway™ Series: Breast Care CD-ROM A training series from Western University of Health Sciences about providing preventative health care services for disabled women.
Social Security Administration
Public Affairs Specialist:
10 West 15th St., Ste. 1600
Helena, MT 59626
(406) 441-1270
406-441-1065 fax
robert.hudson@ssa.govi3368 PRO Application developed for third-party professionals and organizations which help children and adults apply for Social Security Disability Benefits.
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Resources on Nutrition
American Dietetic Association Professional organization for registered dieticians can help individuals locate local resources.
Healthy Aging Dietetic Practice Group is a practice group of the American Dietetic Association
American Obesity Association Focuses on research, education, prevention and treatment.
Center for Science in the Public Interest Nutrition advocacy organization.
Diabetes Prevention Program’s Lifestyle Balance Fat Counter lists fat grams and calories for more than 1,500 foods, including regional foods from all parts of the U.S.
Large print version: Lifestyle Balance Fat Counter (Word document)
Large print version: Lifestyle Balance Fat Counter (pdf document)
Eat Right Montana Statewide coalition of committed individuals, agencies and organizations, including the Montana Dietetic Association, Department of Public Health and Human Services (WIC, CACFP, Cardiovascular Disease, and Nutrition and Physical Activity), Office of Public Instruction, MSU Extension Food and Nutrition, Montana Team Nutrition, Area Health Education Center, Montana Beef Council and the Western Dairy Council.
Gateway to Food Safety Information
Good Nutrition Ideas disseminates innovative nutrition products and services developed for children and adults (including those with disabilities or special health care needs) by researchers at The University of Montana’s Rural Institute .
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.
Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services:
Human and Community Services Division: Public Assistance Bureau
Public Health and Safety Division:
Family and Community Health Bureau:
Child and Adult Care Food Program
Farmers’ Market Nutrition Program-WIC
Montana Diabetes Resource Center
Nutrition, Physical Activity, Overweight, and Obesity Among Adults in Montana – 2008
Public Health Home Visiting Program
Nutrition/Women, Infants, Children (WIC) Special Supplemental Nutrition Program
Montana Disability and Health Program Publications:
The Wise Choices Food Pyramid: What if We Did Compare Apples and Oranges? 2008
Eat Well to Feel Well: Your Plan for Good Health 2005
Using Commodities and Canned Foods in Group Homes for Adults with Disabilities, Practice Guideline, 2004
Food On Film©: An Innovative Method for Recording Food Intake of Adults with Intellectual Disabilities or Communication Difficulties Research Progress Report #22, 2004
Nutrition and Disability Research Progress Report #14, 2002
National Center on Physical Activity and Disability Specialized information about exercise and activity, including general exercise guidelines, for persons with all types of disabilities.
National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute Obesity Education Initiative:
“Calculate Your Body Mass Index”
“Menu Planner“ Allows user to select total daily calories and build breakfast, lunch and dinner menus.
We Can! Ways to Enhance Children’s Activity and Nutrition ideas/resources for families
New Directions for Living Well with a Disability 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.
Facilitate — Learn more about how to facilitate a Living Well with a Disability group.
Office of the Surgeon General “Call To Action To Prevent and Decrease Overweight and Obesity”
Overweight in Children and Adolescents Knowledge Path National Center for Education in Maternal and Child Health site provides current, high-quality resources about the identification, prevention, management, and treatment of overweight and obesity in children and adolescents.
Pacific West Maternal and Child Health Distance Learning Network has developed three curricula for health professionals to strengthen nutrition services for children with special health care needs and their families:
1. Nutrition For Children With Special Health Care Needs – Self Study Curriculum (six modules, one CEU each): Information on functional nutrition assessment and interventions for children with special health care needs.
2. Nutrition For Children With Special Health Care Needs – Group Study Curriculum (four modules, one CEU each): Integrates knowledge of clinical nutrition and systems of care to improve service delivery -designed to be delivered to small groups by a facilitator experienced in providing nutrition services.
3. Nutrition and Oral Health – Self Study Curriculum (five modules, one CEU each): This program provides information on preventing oral health problems and providing anticipatory guidance that can be delivered by many health care providers; designed to be used as a quick reference.
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.
Renfrew Center Foundation is a tax-exempt, nonprofit organization advancing education and research on eating disorders, and their prevention and treatment. It provides professional training and educational opportunities for mental health and medical professionals; produces educational seminars and publications for the public and participates in media activities; and conducts research into the pathology and recovery patterns of people with eating disorders.
USDA Food and Nutrition Information Center Provides information on nutrition, food safety, the food pyramid, and government programs such as Food Stamps and WIC. Has a searchable index.
Dietary Guidelines for Americans, 5th Edition: Developed by USDA and U.S. Department of Health and Human Services to help consumers, families and professionals find ways to enjoy food while maintaining good health.
Food Stamp Nutrition Connection Nutrition and Disability Resources include general information; food resource management/shopping with disabilities; physical activity and special populations; and training materials for professionals.
Food Stamp Nutrition Education Program Website for administrators of state Food Stamp Nutrition Education Programs and statewide networks.
National Nutrient Database at the U.S. Department of Agriculture
Nutrition.gov Comprehensive source of information on nutrition and dietary guidance.
U.S. Health and Human Services Healthfinder: Gateway to reliable health information, including diet, nutrition and physical activity.
Healthy People 2010, Office of Disease Prevention and Health Promotion: National health promotion objectives for Americans with and without disabilities.
Weight Control Information Network A service of the National Institute on Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, the Network raises awareness and provide up-to-date, science-based information on obesity, physical activity, weight control, and related nutritional issues to health professionals, people who are overweight or obese, the media, Congress, and the general public.
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Resources on Oral/Dental Health
Academy of General Dentistry provides its members with continuing education, advocacy, and an opportunity to connect with others in the field.
American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry
American Academy of Periodontology provides information for individuals with diabetes.
American Dental Association provides Tips for People with Special Needs.
Community Oral Health Station is a centralized resource center for community-based dental prevention programs.
American Dental Hygienists Association Has a Diabetes Fact Sheet and information on nutrition for oral health.
Association of State and Territorial Dental Directors in collaboration with the Ohio Department of Health, Indian Health Service, and National Maternal and Child Oral Health Resource Center has developed:
Mobile/Portable Dental Clinic Manual is a companion to the Safety Net Dental Clinic Manual. This online reference tool focuses on using public health approaches to create health care systems to serve populations that have difficulty accessing the traditional system of oral health service delivery.
Safety Net Dental Clinic Manual highlights all aspects of dental clinic development as well as ongoing operations. Beginners may follow its series of steps for starting a dental clinic. Others may use selected information to improve an existing dental clinic facility or services. The searchable manual provides links to user-friendly tools, interactive worksheets, decision-making tools, and online help.
Dental Education in Care of Persons with Disabilities University of Washington offers many formats of instruction in the dental management of persons with disabilities, including Short-Term Fellowships with Stipend; Extended Variable-Length Fellowships with Stipend; Individualized Lecture/Clinical Instruction; Research Training in Rehabilitation Dentistry; Attendant and Staff Training; and Self-Directed Modules.
Gallatin Dental Alliance is made up of members from the Montana Office of Rural Health and Area Health Education Center, Gallatin City-County Health Department, MSU College of Nursing, MSU Office for Community Involvement, school nurses in Gallatin County, local dentists and their staff members, a dental hygienist, the parent liaison for the Bozeman public schools, HRDC Head Start, and other community members. The main activity of the Alliance at the present time is the school oral health screening program. This program is volunteer driven and relies upon donated time and supplies.
Head Start Oral Health Resource Guide includes journal articles and resources on children with special health care needs.
Montana Board of Dentistry Licenses dentists, dental hygienists and denturists to practice in the state.
Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services, Health and Public Safety Division:
Montana Tobacco Use Prevention Program:
Montana Disability and Health Program Publications:
Oral Health Program for Adults with Intellectual and/or Developmental Disabilities: Results of a Pilot Study Rural Disability and Rehabilitation Research Progress Report #30
Oral Health and Hygiene: Priorities for Adults with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities Rural Disability and Rehabilitation Research Progress Report #29
National Dental Association Premier dental organization for ethnic minorities represents 10,000 dentists, students, hygienists, assistants, spouses, and the communities they serve. It is the parent organization of the Student National Dental Association, and umbrella to the National Dental Hygienists Association, the National Dental Assistants Association.
National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research (NIDCR).
National Maternal and Child Health Oral Resource Center
Special Care: An Oral Health Professional’s Guide to Serving Young Children with Special Health Care Needs free online course for oral health professionals (dentists, dental hygienists, and dental assistants), prepared by the National Maternal and Child Oral Health Resource Center at Georgetown University and designed by the Center for Advanced Distance Education at the University of Illinois at Chicago with support from the MCHB. Four CE credits through the Indian Health Service or through the American Dental Hygienists’ Association are awarded upon successful completion of the course.
National Oral Health Information Clearinghouse A resource for special care patients.
Online Oral Health Tutorial for Non-Dental Professionals: The UCLID Center (LEND Program) at the University of Pittsburgh has added a section on oral health in infants, toddlers, and preschoolers and children with disabilities to its free online tutorial. In addition to a general overview there is specific information regarding oral health in individuals with HIV/AIDS, Cerebral Palsy, and Down Syndrome.
Oral Health America Public awareness campaign provides information on legislation, oral health news, reports and other publications.
Pacific West Maternal and Child Health Distance Learning Network has developed three curricula for health professionals to strengthen nutrition services for children with special health care needs and their families as a result of a MCHB-funded distance learning grant to the University of Southern California Center for Excellence in Developmental Disabilities in collaboration with the University of Washington Center on Human Development and Disabilities. Suitable for LEAH, PPC and LEND interdisciplinary training. Curriculum 3 is:
Nutrition and Oral Health – Self Study Curriculum (five modules, one CEU each): This program provides information on preventing oral health problems and providing anticipatory guidance that can be delivered by many health care providers; designed to be used as a quick reference.
Proctor and Gamble Dental ResourceNet Resources for professionals and consumers.
Smoking Cessation Leadership Center is a national program office of the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, with support from the American Legacy Foundation. SCLC aims to decrease smoking rates and increase the number of health professionals who help smokers quit. The Center partners with dental hygienists, nurses, pharmacists, emergency physicians, hospitals, labor unions, family physicians, the Veterans Health Administration and myriad other groups to increase cessation rates and cessation interventions.
Special Care Dentistry SCD is a national organization where oral health and other professionals meet, communicate, exchange ideas, and work together to improve oral health for people with special needs. It publishes a bi-monthly journal, Special Care in Dentistry and a bi-monthly newsletter, Interface, maintains an e-mail list serve, and sponsors the annual National Conference on Special Care Issues. SCD’s fellowship programs allow practitioners to earn credentials demonstrating advanced knowledge and expertise in their fields. SCD promotes and advocates for national and local legislation and joins with other groups in coalitions on specific issues. SCD is involved in dental residency education with a strong program directors group within the American Association of Hospital Dentists component group.
Special Olympics Special Smiles Special Smiles is a core component of the Special Olympics Healthy Athletes initiative which focuses on improving the health of Special Olympics athletes. Special Smiles provides access to dental care for athletes and others with intellectual disabilities at Special Olympics games in each state and around the world.
University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, College of Dentistry – Native American Center of Excellence Consortium.
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Resources on Exercise and Recreation
Accessible Playground Equipment . The World Playground, Parks and Recreation Products and Services Web Directory lists vendors of accessible equipment in the U.S. and Canada.
Active Living Research Sponsored by Robert Wood Johnson Foundation and based at San Diego State University, this project works to find creative approaches for re-integrating physical activity into American life. Rather than addressing obesity as an individual health problem, this new, transdisciplinary field of active living focuses on how the built environment — including neighborhoods, transportation systems, buildings, parks and open space — can promote more active lives.
Active Living Resource Center provides resources and tools to help make walking and bicycling part of a community’s healthy lifestyle. The Center helps planners network with knowledgeable people to design and implement programs that make communities more activity-friendly environments.
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.
American College of Sports Medicine Members work in a wide range of medical specialties, allied health professions, and scientific disciplines to diagnose, treat, and prevent sports-related injuries and to advance the science of exercise.
Northwest Chapter of ACSM Serves the sports medicine community in Montana, Idaho, Oregon, Washington, Alberta and British Columbia
Association of Travel Instruction supports providers of travel instruction for the purpose of teaching people with disabilities and seniors to travel safely and independently.
AXIS Dance Company creates and performs high quality contemporary dance developed through the collaboration of dancers with and without disabilities. AXIS teaches dance and educates about collaboration and disability through community outreach and education programs. AXIS promotes and supports physically integrated dance, locally, nationally and internationally.
IDEA Health and Fitness Association is a membership organization of personal trainers, program and fitness directors, business owners and managers, and group fitness instructors, with more than 22,000 members in over 80 countries. IDEA provides health and fitness professionals with data, pertinent information, educational resources, career development and industry leadership.
Inclusive Fitness Coalition Led by the National Center on Physical Activity and Disability and the American College of Sports Medicine, this group of elected leaders, health and fitness professionals, researchers, and other advocates will address policy, environmental, and societal issues associated with the lack of access to physical activity among people with disabilities.
International Council of Sport Science and Physical Education is an international “umbrella” organization concerned with the promotion and dissemination of results and findings in the field of sport science and their practical application in cultural and educational contexts. It aims to contribute to the awareness of human values inherent in sport and physical activity, to improve health and physical well-being, and to develop physical activity, physical education and sport in all countries to a high level. It hopes to defend and develop the concept of fair play, the formation of the sporting ethic and to promote peace and understanding between people.
International Federation of Adapted Physical Activity is a cross-disciplinary professional organization of individuals, institutions, and agencies supporting, promoting and disseminating information about adapted physical activity, disability sport, and all aspects of sport, movement, and exercise science for individuals of all abilities.
Living Art of Montana (Missoula) Promotes the arts and nature in creating healing environments. Conducts half-day to 12-week long workshops for professional caregivers, social work students, healthcare providers and organizations, and individuals with chronic illness and disability. Creates therapeutic gardens in Missoula’s healthcare environments.
Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks: Crossing the Barriers Program Site has FWP’s Accessibility & Implementation Plans, regional lists of facilities rated by accessibility from “easy” to “most difficult”, disability-related articles from Montana Outdoors magazine, descriptions of available outdoor recreation activities, and information on fee exemptions.
Montana Statewide Outdoor Recreation Plan, 2008-2012
Nutrition, Physical Activity, Overweight, and Obesity Among Adults in Montana – 2008
National Center for Bicycling & Walking is an advocacy organization supporting bicycle friendly and walkable communities across North America. The center is the major program of the Bicycle Federation of America. The center also provides training in designing pedestrian facilities for accessibility.
National Center on Physical Activity and Disability. Operated by the Institute on Disability and Human Development at the University of Illinois at Chicago, the NCPD works in partnership with the Rehabilitation Institute of Chicago (RIC) and the National Center on Accessibility (NCA) at Indiana University. Offers a variety of resources to help people with disabilities become more active, and also offers resources for fitness and exercise professionals, health professionals, and researchers interested in promoting increased physical activity for people with disabilities.
“Physical Activity Guidelines for Individuals with Spina Bifida”
National Consortium for Physical Education and Recreation for Individuals with Disabilities promotes research, professional preparation, service delivery, and advocacy of Physical Education and Recreation for individuals with disabilities. Membership is open to all who are or have been involved in training, demonstration, or research activity related to physical education and recreation for individuals with disabilities. University faculty of adapted physical education and therapeutic recreation as well as public school and residential facility personnel are encouraged to become members.
National Recreation and Park Association advocates to make parks, open space, and recreational opportunities available to all Americans.
New Directions Living Well with a Disability 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.
Facilitate — Learn more about how to facilitate a Living Well with a Disability group.
New Directions Wellness Center (wheelchair accessible) on the campus of The University of Montana provides physical therapy and supervised fitness for persons with physical limitations, chronic conditions, or disabilities. Health promotion program includes a fully equipped fitness facility designed for people with chronic illness or disability.
North American Riding for the Handicapped Association. Non-profit organization promotes the rehabilitation of individuals with physical, emotional and learning disabilities through equine-facilitated activities at a worldwide network of member therapeutic riding centers.
Region 9 NARHA Association affiliates from Alaska, Alberta, British Columbia, Idaho, Montana, Oregon, and Washington
Montana Programs:
STAR Riding Program, Inc. NARHA Premier Accredited Center
2005 Bitterroot Dr, Billings, MT 59105 (406) 245-7227
dkkirk@bresnan.netEagle Mount–Bozeman NARHA Premier Accredited Center
6901 Goldenstein Lane, Bozeman, MT 59715 (406) 586-1781
gengel@eaglemount.orgButte Special Riders NARHA Center
P.O. Box 664, Whitehall, MT 59759 (406) 494-2612
bkiss0529@hotmail.comBitterroot Therapeutic Riding NARHA Center
599 Popham Lane, Corvallis, MT 59828 (406) 961-2999
btr@bitterrootriding.orgShooting Star Ranch Therapeutic Riding Program NARHA Center, 321 Hairpin Lane, Darby, MT 59829, 406-821-4700 diane@nevadajoe.net
Fresh Steps Equine Assisted Psychotherapy, Inc. North American Riding for the Handicapped (NARHA) Center
6515 Green Meadow Drive, Helena, MT 59602. Contact: Darcie Kelly at 406-558-4743 or therapy@freshsteps.netFaith Therapeutic Riding Service, Inc. NARHA Center
123 Tyler Way, Apt. C, Lolo, MT 59843; 406-531-6525
faiththerapeuticriding@yahoo.comEagle Mount–Great Falls #9 3rd St. North, Suite 1, Great Falls, MT 59401 (406) 454-1449 eaglemount@eaglemount.net
North Carolina Office on Disability and Health Publishes “Removing Barriers to Health Clubs and Fitness Facilities” A Guide for Accommodating All Members, Including People with Disabilities and Older Adults”.
Paralyzed Veterans of America. Provides resources for professionals and for people with paralysis, including “Living with SCI” area, sports and recreation resources, research and education and national advocacy.
Pedestrian and Bicycling Information Center Community solutions, statistics, design and engineering resources, policy and planning information and much more.
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.
SmallStep.gov U.S. Department of Health and Human Services site provides information on diet and exercise that can help individuals improve their health through incremental changes in various habits.
Teaching, Responding and Communicating Quality Physical Education: Creating Quality, Inclusive Physical Education & Physical Activity for all Students Publication from the North Carolina Office on Disability and Health
Accessible Fishing Piers and Platforms: A Summary of Accessibility Guidelines (pdf file)
Americans with Disabilities Act: Accessibility Guidelines for Buildings and Facilities
Outdoor Developed Areas: Architectural Barriers Act Accessibility Guidelines for Outdoor Developed Areas (pdf file) The guidelines cover trails, outdoor recreation access routes, beach access routes, and picnic and camping facilities.
Walk Your Way to Fitness: Walk, Workout, Be Active for People with Intellectual Disabilities Fitness course on DVD and CD-ROM by Iris Educational Media. Designed for adults, support staff and learning partners, Disk 1 features a walking class. Disk 2, “Work Out with Sonny and Pedro: Walk, Dance and Stretch Your Way to Fitness”, presents workout routines of different lengths.
Back to Resources for Professionals and Service Providers
Social Security Administration
Public Affairs Specialist:
10 West 15th St., Ste. 1600
Helena, MT 59626
(406) 441-1270
406-441-1065 fax
robert.hudson@ssa.govBack to Resources for Professionals and Service Providers
Medical Services/Information on Specific Disabilities or Populations:
Blindness/Visual Impairment | Cancer | Cardiovascular Conditions | Communication Disabilities |
Deafness/Hearing Impairment | Infectious Disease | Limb Loss | Metabolic Conditions |
Mobility Impairment | Native Americans with Disabilities | Neurological Conditions |
Prescription Drug Assistance Programs | Pulmonary Conditions | Rare Disorders | Skin Conditions
Substance Abuse | Traumatic Brain Injury | Women with Disabilities
Association for Education & Rehabilitation of the Blind & Visually Impaired International membership organization dedicated to supporting and assisting professionals who work in all phases of education and rehabilitation of blind and visually impaired children and adults.
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.
Hadley School for the Blind is the largest worldwide distance educator of blind and visually impaired people, their families and blindness service professionals. Hadley offers classes free of charge to its blind and visually impaired students and their families and affordable tuition classes to blindness professionals.
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.
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 for the Blind (MAB) – This statewide, nonprofit, self-help consumer organization works for the social and economic improvement of Montanans with visual impairments.
Prevent Blindness America . Provides public and professional education, community and patient services programs and research.
Virginia Marie Sowell Center for Research & Education in Visual Impairment at Texas Tech University in Lubbock, Texas, offers degree and certification programs in visual impairment, orientation and mobility, and deafblindness.
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
Kristin.Nei@cancer.orgLinda Lang, Montana Grassroots Advocacy Manager
550 North 31st Suite 103
Billings, MT 59101
Linda.Lang@cancer.org
1.800.252.5470, opt 3, ext 2112007 Cancer Facts & Figures Includes reports on death rates and new cases by state.
Intercultural Cancer Council Promotes policies, programs, partnerships, and research to eliminate the unequal burden of cancer among racial and ethnic minorities and medically underserved populations in the U.S. and its territories.
Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services:
Public Health and Safety Division:
Breast and Cervical Cancer Screening Program
Comprehensive Cancer Control Program:
Montana Comprehensive Cancer Control Plan Surveillance Reports
Montana Central Tumor Registry
Montana Tobacco Use Prevention Program:
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.
Online Guide to Quitting includes tobacco cessation resources, expert advice and support, referrals to local resources, tools for individuals and professionals, and more.
Smoking Cessation Leadership Center is a national program office of the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, with support from the American Legacy Foundation. SCLC aims to decrease smoking rates and increase the number of health professionals who help smokers quit. The Center partners with dental hygienists, nurses, pharmacists, emergency physicians, hospitals, labor unions, family physicians, the Veterans Health Administration and myriad other groups to increase cessation rates and cessation interventions.
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.
Montana Association of Cardiovascular and Pulmonary Rehabilitation
Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services
Public Health and Safety Division
Cardiovascular Health Program:
Cardiovascular Disease (CVD) And CVD Risk Factors Among Montana American Indians With And Without Disability Montana Clinical Communication Surveillance Report, April-June 2006 (Text file with described figures and tables).
The Burden of Heart Disease and Stroke in the Big Sky State, 2007
Montana Tobacco Use Prevention Program:
National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute .
Honoring the Gift of Heart Health: A Heart Health Educator’s Manual for American Indians From the National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute, this comprehensive, culturally-appropriate, user-friendly 10 lesson course on heart health education for American Indians has skill-building activities, reproducible handouts and idea starters. Appendices include recipes and Heart Health Educator training activities for program implementation.
National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke.
National Rehabilitation Hospital Specializes in traumatic brain injury, cardiac rehabilitation, orthopedic rehabilitation, spinal cord injury, and stroke recovery.
National Stroke Association Provides info on stroke prevention, recovery, treatment and clinical trials. Lists area support groups.
Online Guide to Quitting includes tobacco cessation resources, expert advice and support, referrals to local resources, tools for individuals and professionals, and more.
Smoking Cessation Leadership Center is a national program office of the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, with support from the American Legacy Foundation. SCLC aims to decrease smoking rates and increase the number of health professionals who help smokers quit. The Center partners with dental hygienists, nurses, pharmacists, emergency physicians, hospitals, labor unions, family physicians, the Veterans Health Administration and myriad other groups to increase cessation rates and cessation interventions.
Velo-Cardio-Facial Syndrome Educational Foundation, Inc.
National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders Conducts and supports biomedical and behavioral research and research training in the normal and disordered processes of hearing, balance, smell, taste, voice, speech, and language. Also conducts and supports research and research training related to disease prevention and health promotion; addresses special biomedical and behavioral problems associated with people who have communication impairments or disorders; and supports efforts to create devices which substitute for lost and impaired sensory and communication function.
Rehabilitation Engineering Research Center on Communication Enhancement is a collaborative research group dedicated to the development of effective augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) technology. AAC refers to ways (other than speech) that are used to send a message from one person to another.
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.
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.
Described and Captioned Media Program Provides a free-loan media program of over 4,000 open-captioned or described titles (videos, CD-ROM, and DVD) available to individuals with visual and hearing impairments, teachers, parents, and others with no rental, registration, or postage fees. DCMP also provides a print/online clearinghouse of information and materials on the subject of captioning/describing available to consumers, agencies, businesses, and schools. The clearinghouse maintains a database of described and captioned media available for purchase.
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.
Montana Universal Newborn Hearing Screening Program Assures that all infants receive screening for hearing loss before hospital discharge, or by one month of age if the infant is not born in a hospital.
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 Conducts and supports biomedical and behavioral research and research training in the normal and disordered processes of hearing, balance, smell, taste, voice, speech, and language. Also conducts and supports research and research training related to disease prevention and health promotion; addresses special biomedical and behavioral problems associated with people who have communication impairments or disorders; and supports efforts to create devices which substitute for lost and impaired sensory and communication function.
National Resource Center for Early Hearing Detection and Intervention at Utah State University helps state agencies, health care providers, hospitals, early intervention programs and families nationwide to develop and sustain comprehensive EHDI programs.
PEPNet is a national network of regional centers that provides resources, information, in-service training, and expertise to enhance educational opportunities for individuals who are deaf or hard of hearing and their families. PEPNet works with services providers in 2-year and 4-year colleges, universities, secondary education programs, community rehabilitation programs, continuing education programs, adult basic education programs, and vocational and technical training programs.
Rehabilitation Engineering Research Center on Communication Enhancement is a collaborative research group dedicated to the development of effective augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) technology. AAC refers to ways (other than speech) that are used to send a message from one person to another.
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Civil Rights has several online publications to help hospitals meet the communication needs of individuals who do not speak English as their primary language (i.e. are limited English proficient) or who are deaf or hard of hearing.
International Association of Physicians in AIDS Care offers members online educational and technical assistance to help improve the quality of care and treatment delivered to men, women, and children living with HIV/AIDS.
National Center for HIV, STD, and TB Prevention
National Center for Infectious Diseases
National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases Conducts research aimed at developing better ways to diagnose, treat and prevent many infectious, immunologic and allergic diseases.
National Minority AIDS Council
Amputee Coalition of America: Sponsors the National Limb Loss Information Center and publishes First Step: A Guide to Adapting to Limb Loss.
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.
American Academy of Periodontology provides information for individuals with diabetes.
American Association of Diabetes Educators is a professional association promoting the expertise of diabetes educators. Diabetes educators are healthcare professionals who help people with diabetes understand their disease and learn how to develop diabetes self-management skills.
American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons Offers free brochures, including Diabetic Foot Problems and Treatments.
American Optometric Association Diabetes Hot Line: 800-262-3947.
Community Medical Center – Diabetes Management Program (Missoula) Offers Certified Diabetes Management services.
Diabetes at Work can help businesses and managed care companies assess the impact of diabetes in the workplace, and provide intuitive information to help employees manage their diabetes and take steps toward reducing risks for related complications, such as heart disease. Provides information, tip sheets, tools, resources, etc. Information is also available in Spanish.
Diabetes Prevention Program’s Lifestyle Balance Fat Counter lists fat grams and calories for more than 1,500 foods, including regional foods from all parts of the U.S.
Large print version: Lifestyle Balance Fat Counter (Word document)
Large print version: Lifestyle Balance Fat Counter (pdf document)
DiabetesXChange.org is an online clearinghouse for promising diabetes -related community-based programs, university-sponsored initiatives, corporate wellness programs, and government projects.
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 Diabeticnewsletter.
National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases
National Diabetes Education Program has information and resources for people with diabetes, providers, family members, communities, employers, etc. Free publications are available.
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.
American Association of Spinal Cord Injury Nurses
American Association of Spinal Cord Injury Psychologists and Social Workers is an organization of psychologists and social workers who provide for the emotional, behavioral and psychosocial care of persons affected by spinal cord impairment (SCI).
American Physical Therapy Association.
Arthritis Foundation. Offers more than 100 free brochures on arthritis and related conditions, such as fibromyalgia.
Rocky Mountain Arthritis Foundation Serves Colorado, Montana and Wyoming
Lisa Crowley, Program Coordinator
P.O. Box 769
Helena, Montana 59624
406-461-8368
lcrowley@arthritis.orgGrowing 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.”
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.
Model Systems Knowledge Translation Center Summarizes research, identifies health information needs and develops systems for sharing information for the NIDRR model systems programs in traumatic brain injury, spinal cord injury and burn injury.
Northwest Regional SCI System at the University of Washington, Seattle
Rocky Mountain Regional SCI System at Craig Hospital, Englewood, Colorado
Muscular Dystrophy Association. Sponsors 230 hospital-affiliated clinics with staff experienced in dealing with neuromuscular diseases. Clinics also serve as sites for clinical trials of the latest experimental therapies and drugs. MDA also offers support groups for those with neuromuscular diseases and their families. More than 4000 children attend annual MDA summer camps.
National Center on Physical Activity and Disability Provides “Physical Activity Guidelines for Individuals with Spina Bifida” .
National Council on Folic Acid NCFA is a partnership of national organizations and associations, state folic acid councils and government agencies whose mission is to improve health by promoting the benefits and consumption of folic acid.
National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases (NIAMS)
National Institute of Osteoporosis and Related Bone Diseases Provides patients, health professionals, and the public with an important link to resources and information on metabolic bone diseases, including osteoporosis, Paget’s disease of the bone, osteogenesis imperfecta, and hyperparathyroidism.
National Osteoporosis Foundation. Provides information for patients and professionals on preventing and treating osteoporosis.
National Rehabilitation Hospital Specializes in traumatic brain injury, cardiac rehabilitation, orthopedic rehabilitation, spinal cord injury, and stroke recovery.
National Spinal Cord Injury Association. On-line Resource Center provides an overview of spinal cord injury and disease, lists support resources, and updates visitors on research studies, political action initiatives and news stories.
Spinal Cord Central Operated jointly by United Spinal Association and the National Spinal Cord Injury Association, this web site is for members of the spinal cord injury/disease (SCI/D) community who are seeking information and resource referrals related to SCI/D. The program serves all people with paralysis as a result of spinal cord injury or disease, their families, friends and others who have a strong interest or involvement with them.
Paralyzed Veterans of America. Provides resources for professionals and for people with paralysis, including “Living with SCI” area, sports and recreation resources, research and education and national advocacy.
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.
Rehabilitation Research and Training Center on Secondary Conditions in Individuals with Spinal Cord Injury Focuses on the quality of life for people with spinal cord injury, and studies the effect of exercise as a way to prevent a wide range of secondary conditions, such as cardiovascular disease, osteoporosis, respiratory dysfunction, urinary tract infection, depression, and pain.
Rehabilitation Research and Training Center on Spinal Cord Injury: Promoting Health and Preventing Complications through Exercise Focuses on the quality of life for people with spinal cord injury, and studies the effect of exercise as a way to prevent a wide range of secondary conditions, such as cardiovascular disease, osteoporosis, respiratory dysfunction, urinary tract infection, depression, and pain.
Sexuality and Reproductive Health Following Spinal Cord Injury, Evidence Report/Technology Assessment: Number 109 This report focuses on: 1. Issues related to fertility, pregnancy rates, pregnancy complications and management, and live births in persons with SCI, and 2. Issues related to male impotence post-SCI.
Shepherd Spinal Cord Injury Center. Atlanta-based catastrophic care hospital treats people with spinal cord injuries, acquired brain injuries, multiple sclerosis and other neuromuscular illnesses and urological problems.
Spina Bifida Association of America Addresses the specific needs of infants, children and adults with spina bifida, their families, and professionals who serve them. As the national representative of over 70 chapters, provides information and referral services, publishes materials, funds research, provides training, and conducts individual and systems advocacy.
The Institute for Rehabilitation and Research. Home to the Brain Injury Research Center, Amputee Program Research Projects, Spinal Cord Injury Research Program, and Independent Living Research Utilization
American Indian Health sponsored by the National Library of Medicine, this web portal brings together health and medical resources pertinent to the American Indian population including policies, consumer health information, and research. Links are provided to an assortment of documents, Web sites, databases, and other resources.
Association for Multicultural Rehabilitation Concerns This diverse group advocates for the rehabilitation needs of multicultural persons with disabilities; ensures the provision of quality and equitable services; and enhances the development of multicultural rehabilitation professionals.
Capacity Building for American Indian Vocational Rehabilitation Projects at Western Washington University’s Center for Continuing Education in Rehabilitation.
Center for Research on Ethnicity, Culture and Health Provides a forum for basic and applied public health research on relationships among ethnicity, culture, socioeconomic status and health. The Center develops new interdisciplinary frameworks for understanding these relationships while promoting effective collaborations among public health academicians, health providers, and local communities.
Center for the Study of Cultural Diversity in Health Care Focuses on the role of race and ethnicity in shaping physicians’ and patients’ expectations, beliefs, and attitudes; disparities in the effects of many diseases and conditions on racial and ethnic groups; and inequities in health care delivery. Conducts educational programs, research initiatives, and outreach activities.
Consortia of Administrators for Native American Rehabilitation seeks to serve as an avenue for collaboration and cooperation between Administrators of rehabilitation projects serving Native American persons with disabilities, to increase and enhance the quality of services, resulting in positive outcomes for Native American persons with disabilities.
Honoring the Gift of Heart Health: A Heart Health Educator’s Manual for American Indians From the National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute, this comprehensive, culturally-appropriate, user-friendly 10 lesson course on heart health education for American Indians has skill-building activities, reproducible handouts and idea starters. Appendices include recipes and Heart Health Educator training activities for program implementation.
Indian Health Service, Billings Area
Intercultural Cancer Council Promotes policies, programs, partnerships, and research to eliminate the unequal burden of cancer among racial and ethnic minorities and medically underserved populations in the U.S. and its territories.
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.
Minority Health Project. Works to improve the quality of available data on racial and ethnic populations, to expand the capacity of minority-health researchers to conduct statistical research and develop research proposals, and to foster a network of researchers in minority health.
Minority Nurse Resources and information pertaining to education, career development and minority health for the growing population of minority nurses in America.
National American Indian Housing Council supports tribal housing agencies in their efforts to provide culturally-relevant, decent, safe, sanitary, and affordable housing for native people in American Indian communities and Alaska native villages.
National Center for Cultural Competence at Georgetown University, increases the capacity of health care and mental health programs to design, implement and evaluate culturally and linguistically competent service delivery systems.
National Center on Minority Health and Health Disparities
National Coalition of Deaf People of Color Organization for African-American, Latino, Asian, (Native) American Indian, biracial, and multiracial individuals with deafness. Its goal is to train and educate professionals and students.
National Council of Urban Indian Health Supports and develops quality accessible healthcare programs for all American Indian and Alaska Natives living in urban communities through advocacy, training, education and leadership development.
National Indian Council on Aging (NICOA) serves as advocate for the nation’s estimated 296,000 American Indian and Alaska Native elders. The NICOA strives to better the lives of the nation’s indigenous seniors through advocacy, employment training, dissemination of information, and data support.
National Indian Health Board (NIHB) represents Tribal Governments operating their own health care delivery systems through contracting and compacting, as well as those receiving health care directly from the Indian Health Service. The NIHB is a non-profit organization that conducts research, policy analysis, program assessment and development, national and regional meeting planning, training and technical assistance programs, and project management. Services are provided to tribes, area health boards, tribal organizations, federal agencies, and private foundations.
National Minority AIDS Council
National Native American Emergency Medical Services Association for first responders, emergency medical technicians, emergency nurses, and emergency physicians.
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.
“Understanding Disabilities in American Indian and Alaska Native Communities: Toolkit Guide” National Council on Disability publication provides information about disabilities, Indian tribes, and resources. Also suggests ways to improve services, provide protections, and tap resources in local tribal communities for people with disabilities. Focuses primarily on health care, independent living, education, vocational rehabilitation, housing and transportation.
University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, College of Dentistry – Native American Center of Excellence Consortium.
American Association of Spinal Cord Injury Nurses
Brain Injury Association of America
Center for Neuroscience and Behavioral Medicine. Treats illnesses involving a child’s psychological well-being, brain and nervous system.
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.
Epilepsy Foundation. Features a “channel” aimed at health care professionals who can help people with epilepsy live better lives. Content includes assessment, planning, treatment, populations, and resources.
Multiple Sclerosis Coalition This advocacy and education organization is an affiliation of independent MS organizations dedicated to the enhancement of the quality of life for all those affected by MS. The vision of the founding members, which include the Consortium of MS Centers, the Multiple Sclerosis Association of America, and the Multiple Sclerosis Foundation, is to improve the quality of life for those affected by this disease.
National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke.
National Rehabilitation Hospital Specializes in traumatic brain injury, cardiac rehabilitation, orthopedic rehabilitation, spinal cord injury, and stroke recovery.
National Resource Center for Traumatic Brain Injury
Tardive Dyskinesia Center Tardive dyskinesia (TD) is a movement disorder caused by taking certain neurological medications. TD is a result of damage to the bodily systems that process dopamine, and is typically caused by exposure to certain neurological medications – including Reglan. The symptoms of TD are irreversible and incurable, and mimic those of Parkinson’s disease. Tardive dyskinesia victims have involuntary, repetitive movements which often continue after the drug is no longer used. The center has the most up-to-date information on Tardive Dyskinesia Treatment options. Additionally, it distributes free wristbands to all users in hopes of raising TD awareness.
Prescription Drug Assistance Programs:
Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services
How the Coverage Gap works for People with Medicare Prescription Drug Plans Tip sheet for partners who work with people with Medicare and contains several questions and answers related to the coverage gap.
Part D Information for State Policymakers (3rd document in series)
Point-of-Sale Facilitated Enrollment (POS FE) Process: Four Steps for Pharmacists
MedLearn Matters Articles for Physicians & Other Health Care Professionals, and Pharmacists and Other Pharmacy Professionals with information about the Medicare prescription discount card and $600 credit.
NeedyMeds.com Provides information about patient assistance programs and other programs designed to help those who can’t afford their medicines.
Partnership for Prescription Assistance Brings together America’s pharmaceutical companies, doctors, patient advocacy organizations and civic groups to help low-income, uninsured patients get free or nearly free brand-name medicines. The Partnership offers a single point of access to more than 275 public and private patient assistance programs, including more than 150 programs offered by pharmaceutical companies.
Partnership for Prescription Assistance – Montana Chapter Patients and service providers may call 888-477-2669 or visit the web site.
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
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.
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.
Volunteers in Health Care: RxAssist: Designed to help health care providers locate programs for which their patients might qualify.
American Lung Association. Provides information on asthma, living with lung disease, tobacco control, and occupational and environmental risks.
Montana Tobacco Use Prevention Program:
National Center for Environmental Health
National Center for HIV, STD, and TB Prevention
National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI)
National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID). Conducts research aimed at developing better ways to diagnose, treat and prevent many infectious, immunologic and allergic diseases.
National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences (NIEHS).
Online Guide to Quitting includes tobacco cessation resources, expert advice and support, referrals to local resources, tools for individuals and professionals, and more.
Smoking Cessation Leadership Center is a national program office of the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, with support from the American Legacy Foundation. SCLC aims to decrease smoking rates and increase the number of health professionals who help smokers quit. The Center partners with dental hygienists, nurses, pharmacists, emergency physicians, hospitals, labor unions, family physicians, the Veterans Health Administration and myriad other groups to increase cessation rates and cessation interventions.
GeneTests Based at the University of Washington, GeneTests is a free, NIH-funded medical genetics information resource for physicians, other healthcare providers, and researchers. The site offers expert-authored disease reviews, international directories of genetic testing laboratories and genetics/prenatal diagnosis clinics, and an illustrated glossary.
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.
National Organization on Rare Disorders Has a database of rare disorders, a prescription assistance program, and offers a free, unique online community service for rare-disease patients, their families, and caregivers.
Velo-Cardio-Facial Syndrome Educational Foundation, Inc.
National Center for Environmental Health
National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID). Conducts research aimed at developing better ways to diagnose, treat and prevent many infectious, immunologic and allergic diseases.
National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases (NIAMS)
National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences (NIEHS).
Benefis Healthcare – Behavioral Health Program (Great Falls) Addiction Treatment Center offers state-of-the-art addiction-counseling services for adults and adolescents.
Montana Tobacco Use Prevention Program:
National Alliance for Drug-Endangered Children supports a nationwide network of professionals serving drug endangered children by providing referrals to experts, updated research on topics concerning drug endangered children, and best practice information.
National Association on Alcohol, Drugs and Disability Works to improve access to substance abuse services for people with disabilities, provides information on prevention and treatment, and facilitates networking of individuals and organizations.
National Center on Addiction and Substance Abuse.
National Clearinghouse for Alcohol and Drug Information
National Drug and Alcohol Abuse Helpline helps individuals find a rehabilitation program for specific alcohol or drug addiction problem. Case workers are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA).
National Institute on Drug Abuse .
Nicotine Anonymous Non-Profit 12-Step Fellowship of men and women helping each other live nicotine-free lives.
Online Guide to Quitting includes resources, expert advice and support, referrals to local resources, tools for individuals and professionals, and more.
Smoking Cessation Leadership Center is a national program office of the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, with support from the American Legacy Foundation. SCLC aims to decrease smoking rates and increase the number of health professionals who help smokers quit. The Center partners with dental hygienists, nurses, pharmacists, emergency physicians, hospitals, labor unions, family physicians, the Veterans Health Administration and myriad other groups to increase cessation rates and cessation interventions.
Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration .
Center for Substance Abuse Prevention.
Center for Substance Abuse Treatment.
State Profiles of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services in Medicaid Summary of each states’ coverage of behavioral health in Medicaid and in the State Children’s Health Insurance Program (SCHIP).
Substance Abuse Resources and Disability Issues Program, Wright State University Conducts research, provides collaborative consultation and treatment, and conducts training on the intersection between substance abuse and disability conditions. Considers all physical, cognitive and emotional disabilities and their correlations with substance abuse. SARDI also investigates disability issues arising as sequellae of substance abuse
Technical Assistance Collaborative National non-profit organization works to achieve positive outcomes on behalf of people with disabilities, people who are homeless, and people with other special needs by providing state-of-the-art information, capacity building, and technical expertise to organizations and policymakers in the areas of mental health, substance abuse, human services, and affordable housing.
Tobacco Information and Prevention Source at the National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion
National Association of State Head Injury Administrators.
National Resource Center for Traumatic Brain Injury provides relevant, practical information, intervention programs and assessment tools for professionals, persons with brain injury, and family members.
Perspectives Network focuses on positive communication between persons with brain injury, family members/caregivers/friends of persons with brain injury, professionals who treat persons with brain injury, and community members. The goal is to create positive changes and enhance public awareness and knowledge of acquired/traumatic brain injury.
Rehabilitation Research and Training Center on Community Integration of Persons with Brain Injury at the The Institute for Rehabilitation and Research. Provides National Database of Educational Resources on Traumatic Brain Injury.
Tip Sheet-Improving Social Skills after Traumatic Brain Injury
Traumatic Brain Injury Technical Assistance Center Helps TBI State Demonstration Grant recipients implement statewide systems that ensure access to comprehensive and coordinated TBI services. Site includes TBI Resource Database.
Traumatic Brain Injury Toolkit PDF file. Designed to support diagnosis and management of both mild and acute traumatic brain injury (TBI). There are two sections — one for health care providers and the other for individuals with mild or acute TBI and their families.
Access to Health Care by Women with Disabilities
Center for Research on Women with Disabilities – Baylor College of Medicine web site serves as a clearinghouse for information about the health and wellness of women with disabilities, and shares information generated from 13 years of studies. Includes information from, and links to, research conducted around the country and serves as a networking forum for researchers, educators, clinicians, students, women with disabilities, and advocates.
North Carolina Office on Disability and Health Publishes:
Providers’ Guide to Care of Women with Physical Disabilities and Chronic Health Conditions Published by the North Carolina Office on Disability and Health and designed for clinicians to improve their knowledge and practice in providing care to women with physical disabilities and chronic health conditions. It includes information on access to general medical care, removing common barriers, comprehensive reproductive health care and health promotion and wellness.
Women Be Healthy Curriculum Developed by the North Carolina Office on Disability and Health, this curriculum teaches women with intellectual disabilities to become more active participants in their health care. Its primary emphasis is teaching women about reproductive health and breast / cervical cancer screenings. The curriculum focuses on: health education, anxiety reduction and empowerment training.
Partners in Health Care: Women with Disabilities and their Health Care Providers Publication of the North Carolina Office on Disability and Health is filled with tips for health care providers in promoting the health of people with cognitive and physical disabilities. Suggestions are given for people with disabilities on ways to help build positive partnerships with their medical care providers.
Pathway™ Series: Breast Care CD-ROM A training series from Western University of Health Sciences about providing preventative health care services for disabled women.