Montana Big Sky Waiver

“Provides adult day health, big sky waiver personal assistance, case management, community adult group homes, day habilitation, homemaker, prevocational services, respite, supported employment, audiology, respiratory therapy, speech therapy, financial management services – self direction, independence advisor – self direction, adult foster care, community transition, consultative clinical and therapeutic services, dietetic-nutritionist services, environmental accessibility adaptations, family training and support, health and wellness, homemaker chore, level 1 assisted living, level 2 assisted living behavioral health modification, level 3 assisted living specialized care, member directed goods and services, money management, non-medical transportation, nurse supervision for personal care attendants, nutrition, occupational therapy, pain and symptom management, personal emergency response systems, physical therapy, post acute rehabilitation services, senior companion, service animals, skilled nursing, specialized child care for children who are medically fragile, specialized medical equipment and supplies, specially trained attendant, and vehicle modifications services to individuals ages 65 or older and individuals with physical disabilities or other disabilities ages 0-64 years who meet a nursing facility level of care. This waiver operates with a concurrent 1915(b)(4) authority.”

Montana DPHHS Disability Employment and Transitions

The mission of the Disability Employment and Transitions Division is to advance the independence and employment of Montanans with disabilities.

This page contains information on

  • General Vocational Rehabilitation
  • Pre-Employment Transition Services
  • Blind and Low Vision Services
  • Disability Determination Services, and
  • Other programs

Montana HB 638: Provider Rate Increases for Direct Care Staff (2017)

“An Act appropriating money to the Department of Public Health and Human Services for a developmental disability and aging services provider rate increase for direct care worker wages; authorizing a fund transfer from the older Montanans trust fund to direct care wages account.”

Montana Cuts Contracts With Developmental Disability Caregivers (2017)

“The state health department is cutting ties at the end of March with private contractors who help people with developmental disabilities. That’s a result of cuts to Medicaid due to the state’s budget cuts, enacted by Governor Steve Bullock because of the state bringing in lower than expected revenue. The cuts mean that in the coming months, 2,700 people with developmental disabilities who get help from case managers will move from private organizations overseeing their care to the state health department. The department says it was forced to make this change because of budget cuts in the 2017 legislative session and the recent special legislative session.”

Partnerships for Transitions

“Partnerships in Transition is a project to address the challenges and barriers to youth transitioning from school to the adult employment and service delivery system. The project increased transition outcomes for youth with developmental disabilities statewide through a systematic approach that included skill development, capacity building, information dissemination and the creation of community and web-based information resources.”

Montana Home and Community Based Waiver for Individuals with Developmental Disabilities

“Provides day supports and activities, homemaker, residential habilitation, respite, nutritionist services, occupational therapy, physical therapy, private duty nursing, speech therapy, supports brokerage, adult foster support, assisted living, behavioral support services, caregiver training and support, community transition services, companion services, environmental modifications, individual goods and services, meals, personal care, personal emergency response system, personal supports, psychological evaluation/counseling and consultation services, remote monitoring equipment, remote monitoring, retirement services, specialized medical equipment and supplies, supported employment (co-worker support), supported employment (follow along support), supported employment (individual employment support), supported employment (small group employment support), and transportation services to individuals with intellectual disabilities or developmental disabilities ages 0 or older who meet an ICF/IID level of care.”

 

Montana State University: Program for students with IDD opens at MSU (2018)

“The MSU LIFE Scholars Program is an inclusive post-secondary experience that opened this fall to its first seven students, according to Christy Sofianek, program director. The program consists of three main components: academics, career development and campus engagement. Students who are enrolled in the program may choose to either audit classes or take them for credit. Students this fall selected courses in meteorology, creative writing, public speaking, horse handling, aviation and tae kwon do, among other subjects, Sofianek said. LIFE Scholars also engage in extra-curricular campus activities and complete an internship in order to develop job skills and explore careers.”

Montana DPHHS Presentation to… Subcommittee Disability Employment and Transitions Division (2021)

DPHHS Presentation to the 2021 Health and Human Services Joint Appropriation Subcommittee Disability Employment and Transitions Division

“The Disability Employment and Transitions Division (DETD) provides more than 24,000 Montanans with disabilities access to services to strengthen their economic and social well-being across their life span. Montanans living with disabilities want to be meaningful and integrated contributors to society, actively benefiting from and participating in mainstream life. Citizens with disabilities encounter many barriers to employment and independence that prevent their full and equitable inclusion in society, including negative attitudes about what it means to have a disability, discriminatory practices that deny or limit access, inadequate economic choices, and shortcomings in disability skills and resources, among others.”

Montana DLI Disability Resources

“Whether you are an Employer or a Job Seeker, if you have questions related to disabilities and employment, contact the Vocational Rehabilitation Bureau for assistance. They can answer your questions and connect you to additional resources.

Resources

  • Vocational Rehabilitation Bureau
  • Small Business Guide to ADA
  • Office of Disability Employment Policy
  • Disability Resources
  • Job Accommodation Network”

Montana DPHHS Strategic Plan (2019 to 2024)

“The 2019-2024 DPHHS strategic plan is a Department-wide plan, outlining a shared vision and mission, as well as goals, objectives, and strategies.  The plan defines common priorities and focuses resources and actions on achieving collective goals.  The plan draws on the strengths of the Department and addresses health and human services needs throughout the state.   The plan provides the framework for more detailed strategic and implementation plans for divisions, bureaus, and programs.

DPHHS will update this strategic plan annually and use it ongoing to support continuous improvement efforts.“

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