Montana Empowerment Center, Inc.

10/23/2026

Please help improve services for Montanans with disabilities.
Montana Vocational Rehabilitation is seeking feedback from individuals with disabilities who are not currently participating in VR services as part of its statewide needs assessment.

A family member, guardian, or support person may assist with completing the survey if needed.

Please consider sharing your perspective and helping inform future programs and supports across our state.
https://mdphhs.az1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_1U1WzOKKkTt32Ae

10/20/2026

Understanding how schools allocate resources, navigate federal and state requirements, and secure support for students with disabilities.

Patrick Cates, OPI Student Safety & Supports Sr Manager
Kimber Emmons, IDEA Fiscal Program Manager
MT Office of Public Instruction

10/20/2026

INVISIBLE DISABILITIES WEEK | October 18–24, 2026

Not all disabilities are visible, but that doesn’t make them any less real. 💚

This week, we recognize the millions of people living with invisible disabilities, conditions that may not be immediately apparent but can significantly impact daily life.

Invisible disabilities can include autism, epilepsy, multiple sclerosis, fibromyalgia, chronic fatigue syndrome, anxiety, and traumatic brain injuries, among many others.

Here are a few things to remember:
✨ You can’t always see someone’s disability.
✨ Not every disability comes with a wheelchair, mobility aid, or visible sign.
✨ Someone may look fine on the outside while facing significant challenges.
✨ Patience, kindness, understanding, and accommodations can make a meaningful difference.

🌻 Have you heard of the Sunflower Lanyard? It is a symbol used in many places to indicate that someone has a hidden disability and may need extra time, patience, assistance, or understanding.

This week, and every week, let's remember that we never know what someone else may be navigating. Instead of making assumptions, let's lead with compassion, listen without judgment, and help create communities where everyone feels seen, valued, and included.

Invisible doesn't mean insignificant. Every disability deserves understanding.

10/19/2026

In case you missed it, here's our latest newsletter.

10/15/2026

October is Bullying Prevention Month. Students with disabilities are more likely to be bullied.

Legal Protections and Rights
*Section 504 and Title II of the ADA: Schools may violate federal civil rights law when disability-based harassment is sufficiently serious to create a hostile environment and the school fails to respond appropriately.

*IDEA: Bullying can interfere with a student's right to a free appropriate public education (FAPE). Schools must assess the impact on the student's education and address resulting needs when required.

*Investigation and response: The U.S. Department of Education's Office for Civil Rights says schools with actual or constructive notice of possible disability harassment must take immediate and appropriate steps to investigate. If a hostile environment exists, they must take prompt and effective steps to end it, prevent recurrence, and remedy its effects as appropriate.
**LINK IN COMMENTS*

Check out our 10-min video about bullying!

Let's take a look at bully-free schools and the laws that support t...

10/13/2026

The annual Montana Youth Transition Conference is coming up November 2-4 in Billings. This is a gathering of youth with disabilities of all types ages 14-22, parents and professionals to talk about important issues regarding aging out of high school services and transitioning into adulthood. Presentations are geared around this topic and aimed at supporting youth and connecting to service organizations that might be needed after high school. This is such a valuable training for all working with high school youth aging out. Find more information at https://montanayouthtransitions.org/myt-conference/myt-conference-2026/

Please share with all those with Youth with disabilities in high school, parents of those youth and professionals working with that population.

Save the Dates for Billings: Nov 2-4! Montana Youth Transition Conference. Register today and apply for a scholarship to attend.
Get ready to connect, learn, and plan for the future! The Montana Youth Transition Conference brings together youth with disabilities, families, educators, and community partners to explore resources and opportunities for life after high school. https://montanayouthtransitions.org/myt-conference/

10/08/2026

Nationally Specific Learning Disability (SLD) is the #1 category for students receiving IEPs.

And behind every number is a student with strengths, potential, creativity, and a unique way of learning.

Learning differently does not mean learning less.
For students with dyslexia and other specific learning disabilities, an IEP can be a powerful tool to provide the support, accommodations, specialized instruction, and advocacy they need to thrive.

Let’s move beyond the question, “What can’t this student do?”

Instead, let’s ask:
What helps them learn best?
What are their strengths?
How can we help them feel capable and confident?
What can we do to help them reach their potential?
Every learner deserves to be understood, supported, and celebrated—not defined by a diagnosis.

This Dyslexia Awareness Month, let’s raise awareness, empower families, and remind every child:
You are not behind. You are not broken. You learn differently—and that difference is worth celebrating.

Share this with someone who needs to be empowered.

Follow for more resources and encouragement for families navigating learning differences and IEPs.