Developmental Disabilities

Montana Contacts

State Agency Responsible for Providing Services to the Developmentally Disabled

The Developmental Disabilities Program, Disability Services Division, Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services, supports choices and opportunities for people with developmental disabilities in their communities. Montana's thrust for providing services to persons with developmental disabilities calls for self-determination and individual participation in life's decisions about where to work, how to play, and where to live. It also calls for community settings and integration with non-disabled people. These changes in service philosophy are a result of many factors including a growing concern for the rights of individuals, the effectiveness of advocacy groups, and the notable successes of people with developmental disabilities living and working in Montana's communities.

State Agency Responsible for Overseeing Employment Opportunities for the Developmentally Disabled

The Montana Vocational Rehabilitation Programs promote work and independence for Montanans with disabilities. Vocational Rehabilitation provides a broad range of services to assist, find or maintain employment eligible individuals with disabilities. The types of services provided are based on what you need to get and keep a job. Services may include some of the following: evaluation services, career counseling and guidance services, medical or psychological services, training, job development and placement services, rehabilitation technology, post employment services, and referrals.

Sheltered Employment

The Montana Vocational Rehabilitation programs for persons with developmental disabilities provide employment opportunities in a sheltered workplace. These programs help to maintain work-related skills for persons whose functional levels require supervision and assistance. Training focuses on the particular skills associated with contract work and on improving physical capacity, stamina, production rates and accuracy. Attention is also paid to improving communication and interpersonal skills.

Competitive Employment

The Montana Vocational Rehabilitation program helps people with developmental disabilities work in the competitive workforce. Services provided to supported employment placements include supervision, advocacy, ongoing assessment, training and supports related to achieving outcomes, counseling and follow-up.

Health and Safety

Under a grant from OSHA, the Occupational Safety and Health Bureau, Montana Department of Labor and Industry, will provide, at an employer's request, a confidential comprehensive safety and health consultation at no cost. Consultations are limited to employers with less than 250 employees. Employers in high hazard industries are given priority. Consultation services may include: assistance in identifying and controlling safety and health hazards in the workplace; explanation of federal workplace safety and health standard requirements and how they apply to your business; training for your employees in safe working practices; training for your employees in the use of personal protective equipment; and explanation of the requirements of the Montana Safety Culture Act.

The Occupational Safety and Health (OSHA) Montana Area Offices provide safety and health protections to most private sector workers and state and local government employees within the state. OSHA investigates complaints about workplace safety and health hazards.

Reporting Abuse and Neglect

Adult Protective Services are provided by the Senior and Long Term Care Division of the Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services to reduce or remove the risk of physical or mental harm that has occurred or is occurring to a person, as a result of abuse, neglect or exploitation. These services are provided to persons over the age of 60, physically or mentally disabled adults and adults with developmental disabilities who are at risk of physical or mental injury neglect, sexual abuse or exploitation. Adult Protective Services are emergency intervention activities which may include: investigating complaints, coordinating family and community support resources, strengthening current living situations, developing and protecting personal financial resources and facilitating legal intervention. To contact Adult Protective Services staff in Montana, use one of the telephone numbers listed below:

Protection and Advocacy

The Montana Advocacy Program (MAP) is a non-profit corporation that administers eight Protection and Advocacy programs and one private program that advocate the rights of Montanans with disabilities. The mission of the Montana Advocacy Program is to "protect and advocate the human, legal and civil rights of Montanans with mental and physical disabilities while advancing dignity, equality, and self-determination." PADD, Protection and Advocacy for Individuals with Developmental Disabilities, is a program authorized by federal law to help Montanans with developmental disabilities exercise their full rights as citizens. PADD is not a state agency and is independent of all other agencies that provide developmental disabilities services. PADD is the designated protection and advocacy agency for Montana, established under the Developmental Disabilities Assistance and Bill of Rights Act.