LIFTT Board Revises Mission & Vision Statement
LIFTT’s Board of Directors recently approved changes to the organization’s mission and vision statements. The revisions were adopted to incorporate person-first language by replacing the phrase “disabled individuals” with “people with disabilities.” The Board determined that this language more accurately reflects LIFTT’s commitment to dignity, respect, inclusion, and person-centered services.
At its June 4, 2026, Board of Directors meeting, LIFTT approved a small but meaningful update to the organization’s Vision and Mission Statements. The change reflects LIFTT’s ongoing commitment to treating every individual with dignity, respect, and person-centered support.
For many years, LIFTT’s Vision Statement described our purpose as:
“Empowering aging and disabled individuals to LIFTT themselves above the barriers of life.”
The Board approved a revised statement that now reads:
“Empowering aging individuals and people with disabilities to LIFTT themselves above the barriers of life.”
A similar revision was made to LIFTT’s Mission Statement.
While the change may appear modest, it reflects an important principle. At LIFTT, we recognize that disability is only one aspect of a person’s life. Individuals are not defined by a disability. They are people first, each with unique strengths, goals, talents, experiences, and dreams.
Language continues to evolve, and organizations that serve the public have a responsibility to listen, learn, and grow. The revision was proposed after concerns were raised about the wording of the existing statements. Following discussion and review, the Board determined that adopting person-first language better reflects LIFTT’s values and commitment to the people we serve.
The update also reflects the philosophy of Independent Living, which emphasizes self-determination, choice, dignity, inclusion, and equal opportunity. Independent Living is not about limitations. It is about possibilities. It is about helping people identify their goals and providing the tools, resources, advocacy, and support necessary to achieve them.
For nearly four decades, LIFTT has worked alongside aging individuals and people with disabilities throughout southeastern Montana. Whether assisting someone in finding accessible housing, obtaining assistive technology, developing independent living skills, navigating benefits, accessing transportation, advocating for accommodations, or connecting with community resources, our focus has always been on empowering people to live the lives they choose The revised statements reaffirm that commitment.
LIFTT Vision Statement (Adopted June 4, 2026)
Empowering aging individuals and people with disabilities to LIFTT themselves above the barriers of life.
LIFTT Mission Statement (Adopted Jun 4, 2026)
Living Independently for Today and Tomorrow. LIFTT’s mission as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit Center for Independent Living serving Southeastern Montana is to empower aging individuals and people with disabilities to live independently through education, support, and opportunities.
At LIFTT, our mission remains unchanged: helping people build independence, strengthen communities, and create opportunities for today and tomorrow. Because every person deserves to be seen, valued, respected, and empowered.
About Living Independently for Today & Tomorrow (LIFTT): LIFTT is a Montana 501(c)3 corporation organized as a Center for Independent Living (CIL). With team members based in Billings and Glendive, LIFTT provides aging and disabled members of the community with programs, services, resources and advocacy that help empower them to break down the physical, bureaucratic, and cultural barriers that prevent them from being fully independent participants in their lives and communities throughout 18 counties in southeastern and south-central Montana: Big Horn, Carbon, Carter, Custer, Dawson, Fallon, Garfield, Golden Valley, McCone, Musselshell, Powder River, Prairie, Richland, Rosebud, Stillwater, Treasure, Wibaux, and Yellowstone. For more information, please visit liftt.org or download our mobile app for your Apple device.
Our Vision: Empowering aging individuals and people with disabilities to LIFTT themselves above the barriers of life.
Our Mission: Living Independently for Today and Tomorrow’s (LIFTT’s) mission as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit Center for Independent Living serving Southeastern Montana is to empower aging individuals and people with disabilities to live independently through education, support, and opportunities.