Montana Council on Developmental Disabilities

07/08/2026

In 2003, Montana made Developmental Disabilities Council history.

The Montana Council on Developmental Disabilities became one of the first DD Councils in the nation to transition to nonprofit status.

This milestone strengthened our ability to build partnerships, engage communities, and advocate independently for systems that better support people with developmental disabilities and their families.

For more than 50 years, our work has focused on improving opportunities in education, employment, healthcare, community living, and self-advocacy throughout Montana.

Our history reflects a long-standing commitment to collaboration, innovation, and systems change that continues today. Learn more about our story: www.mtcdd.org/about-us.

06/23/2026

This month, we are highlighting Aspen Adult Services, Inc., an organization helping strengthen opportunities and inclusion for individuals with developmental disabilities across Montana.

Aspen Adult Services supports our shared goal of creating communities where people with developmental disabilities can live, learn, work, and participate fully. Through initiatives such as Day Program Services, Independent Living Programs, and Supported Employment, they are making a meaningful difference for individuals and families throughout the state.

Learn more about their work here: www. Aspenadultservices.org and check out their page for all their awesome ongoing events in Helena!

06/17/2026

Did you know that Developmental Disabilities Councils were created to expand civil rights, opportunity, and community inclusion?

In the early 1970s, the Developmental Disabilities Assistance and Bill of Rights Act established Developmental Disabilities Councils in every state. Their purpose was not to provide direct services, but to strengthen the systems that impact everyday life for people with developmental disabilities.

From education and employment to healthcare, housing, transportation, and community living, DD Councils were created to help identify gaps, bring people together, and advocate for meaningful change.

Today, the Montana Council on Developmental Disabilities continues that work by partnering with self-advocates, families, policymakers, and community organizations to help build a more inclusive Montana.

Follow us for Part 2 next month, as we explore Montana's unique role in the DD Council's history. Read more on our website: www.mtcdd.org

06/13/2026

With fire season beginning across Montana, now is a good time for every family to review their emergency preparedness plan. During National Safety Month, it is especially important to take note of these reminders:

▪️ Keep an updated list of emergency contacts and important medical information
▪️ Prepare a go-kit with medications, supplies, water, and important documents
▪️ Know your local evacuation routes and county emergency notification systems

For individuals with developmental disabilities and their families, planning ahead can help reduce stress and improve safety during unexpected situations.

Take a few minutes this week to make sure your plan is ready for the season ahead.

Helpful Resources:
- Make a Plan - https://www.ready.gov/kit
- Build a Kit - https://www.ready.gov/kit
- MT Disaster & Emergency Services - https://des.mt.gov/
- B-Ready App - https://disastercentral.org/b-ready-app

06/04/2026

06/02/2026

The Montana Council on Developmental Disabilities is now entering the formal 45‑day public comment period for our draft 5‑year State Plan. This plan will guide our statewide work to strengthen advocacy, promote systems change, build capacity, and improve quality of life for Montanans with developmental disabilities.

We’re inviting community members, partners, self‑advocates, families, and service providers to review the draft plan and share feedback through a brief survey.

The survey is open for 45 days and takes about 10–15 minutes to complete.

Survey link: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/68M3VYV

Please share widely—broad public participation is essential to ensuring the final State Plan reflects the needs and voices of individuals with developmental disabilities across Montana.

05/30/2026

We're hiring! The Montana Council on Developmental Disabilities (MCDD) is seeking a Director of Systems Change & Strategic Initiatives.

This role helps turn community voice into meaningful systems change across Montana—bringing people together, strengthening partnerships, and advancing opportunities for individuals with developmental disabilities and their families.

If you're passionate about collaboration, advocacy, and statewide impact, we encourage you to apply or share this opportunity within your network.

Full job description available Council on Developmental Disabilities LinkedIn page and website www.mtcdd.org. Applications accepted until the position is filled at [email protected].

Help us spread the word and continue building a stronger, more inclusive Montana!

05/26/2026

Every day, MTCDD works to make Montana more inclusive for people with disabilities.

You can help support this mission this month by:
🔹 Sharing a resource with your network
🔹 Inviting a partner to follow us
🔹 Volunteer locally in your community
🔹 Donating or supporting our programs

Every action counts. Your voice helps fuel real systems change in Montana.

05/11/2026

People with both intellectual/developmental disabilities and serious mental illness are often underdiagnosed or misdiagnosed, and many times only get support once they’re already in crisis.

MTCDD is working to close those gaps by building local capacity through training, cross-system coordination, and practical tools that help teams recognize needs earlier and respond more effectively across mental health, disability, and crisis services.

If your team wants to learn more or access future training, connect with us.

Together, we can provide better care and prevent unnecessary crises.

05/06/2026

Montana is full of amazing programs that make life better for people with disabilities.

This week, we’re shining a spotlight on Montana Empowerment Center (MEC).

Since 2020, MEC has served as the federally-designated Parent Training and Information Center (PTI) for the entire state of Montana. They serve children and young adults with disabilities and their families, working tirelessly to break down barriers in education, health care, and navigating complex systems. What truly sets MEC apart is their heart: every team member either lives with a disability or is a parent of a child with one. They don't just offer information; they offer the deep understanding that only comes from lived experience.

How MEC Helps Montana Families Thrive:
• ENCOURAGE: Personalized, one-on-one coaching with live phone support.
• EDUCATE: Accessible live and virtual training sessions for parents, youth, and professionals across the state.
• EMPOWER: Practical, ready-to-use tools like specialized handbooks, tip sheets, and webinars.
• REFER: A bridge to the community, connecting families with the right partners and local resources.

MTCDD is proud to help connect and strengthen programs like MEC across the Big Sky! Check out their page, follow them for expert tips and support , and if your program wants to be featured next, message us!