Blog - LIFTT

Living Well in Community Begins Sept 2

Living Independently for Today & Tomorrow (LIFTT) is pleased to announce that we will be conducting a “Living Well in Community” (LWC) Workshop. The 8-week workshop will be held on Wednesday from 10:30 a.m. to noon, beginning September 2 and concluding on October 21.

The classes on September 3, October 7, and October 21 will be held at the Retired Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP) office at 115 7th Ave W in Roundup, while all other classes (September 9, 15, 22, and October 14) will be held at LIFTT’s Billings Office at 1241 Crawford Drive. Participants can also join the class from anywhere in LIFTT’s service area through Microsoft Teams with a link to be provided at registration.

LWC is a fun, interactive workshop designed for people with disabilities who want to build skills, gain confidence, and make choices that support living the life they want.

Each week you’ll enjoy:

Fun activities and group discussions
Informative videos
Practical tips and helpful resources
A welcoming, supportive environment where you can connect with others

As part of LIFTT’s partnership with the Montana Department of Public Health & Human Services Blood Pressure Project, participants will also have their blood pressure checked during the first (9/3), midway (10/7), and final sessions (10/21). Educational brochures and information on maintaining healthy blood pressure will be provided throughout the workshop.

Whether you’re looking to learn something new, meet new people, or discover tools to help you live more independently, this workshop is for you!

LWC is provided free of charge to participants. To register or for more information, contact LIFTT LWC facilitator, Tanya Thomas, at (406) 702-8927 or tanyat@liftt.org

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 people with disabilites and aging indivduals 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

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.

You can donate to LIFTT by clicking here.

July 2026 LIFTT Connection Now Available!

The July 2026 Edition of the LIFTT Connection Newsletter is now available!

View the July 2026 LIFTT Connection Newsletter Email on the Web

Download the July 2026 LIFTT Connection Newsletter Email (Adobe PDF)

In this issue of the LIFTT Connection:

You can request to join our email list and receive the July 2026 LIFTT Connection Newsletter and future newsletters by sending your name and address to jedb@liftt.org. Also, look for articles from the newsletter on liftt.org and our Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn feeds.

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.

You can donate to LIFTT by clicking here.

First Presbyterian Welcomes Wellness Classes

As the Billings LIFTT office undergoes a boiler modernization from July 20 until mid-September, First Presbyterian Church at 2420 13th Street W will host LIFTT’s Health & Wellness Classes. (Erin Culp/LIFTT)

Due to the Boiler Modernization Project at the Billings LIFTT Office from July 20 to September 18, 2026, our Stay Active and Independent for Life (SAIL) and Tai Chi classes will temporarily relocate to:

First Presbyterian Church
2420 13th Street West
Billings, MT 59102

We are sincerely grateful to the wonderful church family, Pastor Dave Thompson, and Cheryl Banks for generously opening their doors to LIFTT during this time. Their hospitality ensures that our participants can continue enjoying these important wellness and fall-prevention programs without interruption.

If you have questions about class schedules, locations, or participation, please contact Eileen Rodriguez, Nutritional Health Coach / Independent Living Specialist, at (406) 294-5185, eileenr@liftt.org

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 people with disabilites and aging indivduals 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

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.

You can donate to LIFTT by clicking here.

Celebrating 36 Years of the ADA!

On July 26, 2026, our nation celebrates the 36th anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), one of the most significant civil rights laws in American history.

Signed into law on July 26, 1990, the ADA affirmed a simple yet powerful principle: people with disabilities deserve the same rights, opportunities, and dignity as every other member of our society. The law prohibits discrimination and promotes equal access to employment, public services, transportation, education, telecommunications, and public accommodations. More importantly, it recognizes that accessibility is not a privilege; it is a fundamental right.

Over the past thirty-six years, the ADA has transformed communities across the United States. Curb cuts, accessible entrances, captioned media, accessible transportation, assistive technologies, and inclusive workplaces have become part of everyday life because of the vision and determination of disability advocates who fought for equal opportunity.

Yet the work continues.

Across Montana and throughout the nation, many individuals still encounter barriers that limit independence and participation. Access to reliable transportation, affordable housing, healthcare, employment, and community engagement remains a challenge for many older adults and people with disabilities. Achieving true accessibility requires more than compliance with the law. It requires a shared commitment to removing barriers, changing attitudes, and creating communities where everyone belongs.

At Living Independently for Today & Tomorrow (LIFTT), the principles of the ADA guide our work every day. We believe that independence is strengthened when people have the resources, support, and opportunities to make their own choices and fully participate in community life.

Whether through advocacy, peer support, independent living services, information and referral, transition services, or our RideWell Transportation Program, LIFTT works to ensure that individuals can access healthcare, employment, education, shopping, recreation, and the countless opportunities that make independent living possible.

Transportation, in particular, represents more than simply getting from one place to another. It is access to medical appointments, employment, education, family, friendships, and community life. Reliable, accessible transportation opens doors to independence, self-determination, and opportunity. Every ride provided through RideWell helps strengthen the promise envisioned by the ADA.

As we celebrate this important anniversary, we also recognize the countless individuals whose courage and advocacy changed our nation. Their voices reshaped public policy and challenged society to see disability not as a limitation, but as a natural part of human diversity.

The ADA reminds us that inclusion benefits everyone. Communities become stronger when every person has the opportunity to contribute their talents, experiences, and perspectives. Accessibility improves quality of life not only for people with disabilities but also for older adults, families, veterans, and future generations.

This anniversary is both a celebration and a call to action.

Together, we can continue building communities where barriers are replaced with opportunities, differences are embraced as strengths, and every individual has the freedom to live independently with dignity and respect.

As we honor the 36th Anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act, LIFTT proudly reaffirms our commitment to advancing independence, promoting accessibility, and ensuring that every person has the opportunity to thrive.

Because when we remove barriers, we create possibilities.

And when everyone has the opportunity to participate, our entire community moves forward.

This year, LIFTT is celebrating the 36th anniversary of the ADA on August 1, 2026, with the event Hidden Treasures & Grand Journeys: An Evening of Opportunity for LIFTT,” designed as a curated community experience that brings together discovery, generosity, and impact. The concept reflects the unique structure of the event, where guests can engage with a diverse range of auction offerings, from upLIFTT Thrift store items and handcrafted jewelry, described as “hidden treasures,” to high-value travel and experience packages representing “grand journeys.” This layered approach creates an inclusive and engaging environment for participants at all giving levels, while reinforcing the broader mission of LIFTT. The event is positioned not only as a fundraiser but as an opportunity to connect community members to the tangible impact of supporting mobility, independence, and access across the region.

The power of the ADA is not found only in the law itself, but in the lives it has transformed, and in the work we continue together to ensure its promise reaches everyone.

Happy 36th Anniversary, ADA!

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 people with disabilites and aging indivduals 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

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.

You can donate to LIFTT by clicking here.

Moments of Independence: Small Steps. Big Victories. Stronger Communities.

Editor’s Note: Each month, the LIFTT Connection Newsletter will highlight “Moments of Independence,” showcasing some of the ways we have successfully assisted consumers in meeting their goals.

A woman in a wheelchair working on a laptop in a bright indoor space with green curtains.

(Artem Podrez/Pexels)

Every day, across South and Central Eastern Montana, individuals discover new possibilities, overcome obstacles, and take meaningful steps toward greater independence.

Sometimes those moments are easy to recognize: a new job, a safe home, or a ride to an important medical appointment. Other times, they happen quietly: learning a new skill, gaining confidence, completing an application, making a new friend, or simply realizing, “I can do this.”

At LIFTT, we know that independence is not measured by the size of the accomplishment, but by what it means to the individual. Every goal achieved, every barrier overcome, and every life changed is worth celebrating.

Each month, Moments of Independence shares the stories of the remarkable people we have the privilege of serving. These stories remind us that independence is a journey, not a destination—and that with the right support, determination, and community, extraordinary things happen every day.

We hope these stories inspire you as much as they inspire us.

A Helping Hand When It Mattered Most

Intimate moment of a couple holding hands, symbolizing love and connection in an outdoor setting

(Fabio Luiz/Pexels)

Sometimes, independence means having someone by your side when life’s challenges feel overwhelming.

When Linda reached out to LIFTT, she was carrying a heavy burden. Living with chronic health conditions meant frequent doctor visits and hospital stays, and the medical bills were beginning to pile up. She knew she needed help but wasn’t sure where to begin.

Navigating public benefits can be confusing, especially when you’re already focused on managing your health. That’s where LIFTT stepped in.

Working together, Linda met with an Independent Living Specialist who helped her understand the Medicaid application process, gather the necessary information, and communicate with the Montana Office of Public Assistance. What once felt overwhelming became a series of manageable steps, taken one at a time.

While the paperwork was important, the real outcome was something even greater: peace of mind. Instead of facing the process alone, Linda had someone to answer questions, provide encouragement, and help her move forward with confidence.

At LIFTT, advocacy is about more than completing forms. It’s about helping people access the resources they need, so they can focus on what matters most: their health, their independence, and their future.

Sometimes, the greatest victory isn’t found in a stack of paperwork. It’s found in knowing that you don’t have to face life’s challenges alone.

Finding a Place to Call Home

A senior woman smiling warmly while standing at an open front door, capturing a moment of welcome

(Mica Bassa/Pexels)

Sometimes, the first step toward independence begins with opening the door to a place you can finally call home.

When Emily first came to LIFTT, life felt uncertain. Living with vision loss and managing several health conditions, she was searching for more than housing resources. She was searching for stability, hope, and the opportunity to build a brighter future.

Together, we explored the services and supports available to help her move forward. Emily connected with LIFTT’s Peer Mentor Program, Living Well classes, community resources, and other Independent Living services designed to strengthen her confidence and expand her opportunities.

Then came the phone call that changed everything.

Through the dedication of one of our community partners, Emily was able to move into a safe, comfortable home of her own. It wasn’t just a new address. It was a fresh start.

She shared how something as simple as having windows filled with natural sunlight, fresh air flowing through her home, and a peaceful place to relax had transformed the way she felt each day. Her outlook improved, her confidence grew, and for the first time in a long while, the future seemed full of possibility.

Today, Emily continues working toward her goals with renewed optimism, proving that when people have the right support and a safe place to call home, remarkable things can happen.

One Step Closer to Independence

Close-up of a hand handing over a key with a house keychain, symbolizing real estate transaction

(RDNE Stock Project/Pexels)

Big dreams often begin with one small step.

For Rachel, independence meant something many of us take for granted: having a place of her own.

Although she was working and doing everything she could to move forward, the path wasn’t easy. Along with managing diabetes and several other serious health conditions, Rachel was navigating the complex process of applying for Social Security benefits while searching for affordable housing. It was a lot for one person to carry.

When she connected with LIFTT, she found more than information—she found a partner ready to walk beside her.

Together, we reviewed housing options, discussed available resources, and worked through the application process for Section 8 housing. What had once felt confusing and overwhelming became manageable, one step at a time.

While her journey continues, Rachel has already achieved something important: she now understands the process, knows where to turn for support, and has taken meaningful steps toward securing a home of her own.

Every application completed, every question answered, and every goal pursued is another step toward greater independence.

At LIFTT, we know that independence isn’t always measured by crossing the finish line. Sometimes it’s measured by finding the courage to take the very next step.

Knowledge is Power

(Getty Images/Unsplash+)

Sometimes the greatest gift isn’t solving a problem. It’s helping someone understand it.

When David contacted LIFTT, he was frustrated and confused. After learning that he was no longer eligible for Medicaid, he didn’t know why his benefits had changed or what to do next. Like many people trying to navigate public benefit programs, he found the rules complicated and overwhelming.

An Independent Living Specialist took the time to sit down with David, explain how Medicare and Medicaid work together, answer his questions, and make sure he understood his options. Rather than rushing through the conversation, the specialist carefully reviewed the information several times, allowing David to take notes and ask questions along the way.

Before the conversation ended, David was also connected with the appropriate state agency so he could discuss the details of his individual situation and receive any additional assistance he might need.

A few days later, LIFTT followed up. This time, the uncertainty was gone.

David shared that he understood his benefits, felt confident about the next steps, and no longer needed additional assistance. Most importantly, he expressed his gratitude for having someone who took the time to listen, explain, and guide him through a confusing process.

At LIFTT, independence isn’t always about providing a service. It can also mean providing clarity. When people understand their options and know where to turn for help, they are empowered to make informed decisions and move forward with confidence.

Sometimes, a simple conversation can make all the difference.

For more information or assistance from LIFTT, please send us a message through our contact page, call, or stop by one of our offices:

Billings
1241 Crawford Drive
(406) 259-5181

Glendive
206 S. Douglas Street
(406) 948-8500

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 people with disabilites and aging indivduals 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

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.

You can donate to LIFTT by clicking here.

Montana IL Symposium Comes to Billings Aug 18-19

Mark your calendars!

Join disability advocates, consumers, family members, service providers, and community partners from across Montana for the 2026 Montana Independent Living Symposium, taking place August 18–19 at the Billings Hotel & Convention Center.

This year’s theme:

“50 Years Strong: Empowering Independence, Driving Change.” Celebrates five decades of the Independent Living Movement and the remarkable progress made by people with disabilities working together to advance accessibility, choice, and equal opportunity.

Whether you’ve been part of the movement for years or are just beginning your journey, the symposium offers an opportunity to connect, learn, share ideas, and celebrate the power of community. You’ll meet people from across the state who are passionate about building a Montana where everyone has the opportunity to live independently and participate fully in community life.

LIFTT is proud to participate in this statewide event, and we hope many of our consumers, family members, volunteers, and community partners will join us.

When: August 18–19, 2026
Where: Billings Hotel & Convention Center
Click here to register

Need accommodations? Please register by August 5 so requests can be arranged. Captioning will be provided. Additional registration information is available by contacting the Montana Statewide Independent Living Council at mtsilc@mt.gov

We hope to see you there!

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 people with disabilites and aging indivduals 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

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.

You can donate to LIFTT by clicking here.

Board of Directors Resolution Supporting Stable Federal Funding for Centers for Independent Living

Editor’s Note: The text below “A Resolution Supporting Stable Federal Funding for Centers for Independent Living and Approving Contingency Planning for the Continuity of Independent Living Services” was passed by the LIFTT Board of Directors on July 2, 2026. If you have any questions or concerns regarding this resolution, please contact LIFTT at (406 ) 259-5181 or via the contact page.

LIVING INDEPENDENTLY FOR TODAY & TOMORROW (LIFTT)
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Resolution No. 2026-01

A Resolution Supporting Stable Federal Funding for Centers for Independent Living and Approving Contingency Planning for the Continuity of Independent Living Services

WHEREAS, Living Independently for Today & Tomorrow (LIFTT) is a Montana nonprofit corporation recognized as tax-exempt under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code and designated as a Center for Independent Living (CIL) pursuant to Title VII of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as amended; and

WHEREAS, LIFTT exists to empower aging individuals and people with disabilities to live independently through education, advocacy, peer support, information and referral, independent living skills training, transition services, and opportunities that promote full participation in community life; and

WHEREAS, For more than three decades, LIFTT has partnered with the federal government, the State of Montana, local governments, private organizations, and community stakeholders to fulfill the national commitment embodied in the Rehabilitation Act by promoting consumer control, self-determination, equal opportunity, and community integration for individuals with disabilities; and

WHEREAS, The Board of Directors recognizes that LIFTT’s ability to fulfill its mission depends upon the continued availability of stable, predictable, and responsibly administered federal and state funding, including funding provided under Parts B and C of Title VII of the Rehabilitation Act; and

WHEREAS, The Board has been informed of recent proposals to amend the federal Uniform Guidance governing federal grants (2 CFR Part 200), proposals that have generated concern throughout the national Independent Living Network regarding their potential impact on the administration and stability of federal grant programs; and

WHEREAS, The National Council on Independent Living (NCIL), the national membership organization representing Centers for Independent Living, has published an analysis describing concerns that the proposed rule changes could expand the grounds for grant termination, increase administrative burdens, reduce predictability in federal funding, and create additional uncertainty for federally funded Independent Living programs; and

WHEREAS, The Board recognizes that uncertainty itself presents operational challenges for nonprofit organizations by affecting workforce planning, long-term budgeting, strategic planning, and the timely delivery of services to consumers; and

WHEREAS, The Board further recognizes that prudent governance requires planning for potential risks before they become operational emergencies and that contingency planning strengthens, rather than weakens, organizational stability;

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED THAT:

Section 1. Commitment to the Independent Living Philosophy

The Board of Directors reaffirms LIFTT’s unwavering commitment to the Independent Living Philosophy, including consumer control, informed choice, peer support, equal opportunity, cross-disability inclusion, self-determination, and full participation in community life.

Nothing contained in this Resolution shall be interpreted as diminishing LIFTT’s commitment to providing high-quality Independent Living services to every eligible individual within its service area.

Section 2. Support for Stable Federal Funding

The Board respectfully affirms that stable, transparent, and predictable federal funding is essential to the continued success of Centers for Independent Living nationwide.

The Board believes that individuals with disabilities benefit most when Centers for Independent Living are able to recruit and retain qualified staff, maintain long-term community partnerships, and provide uninterrupted services through consistent federal support.

Section 3. Expression of Concern

The Board respectfully expresses its concern that changes to federal grant administration that significantly increase uncertainty, reduce predictability, or impair the ability of Centers for Independent Living to plan responsibly may adversely affect the consumers served by those organizations.

This expression of concern is offered respectfully and constructively, recognizing both the authority of the federal government to administer grant programs and the importance of ensuring that grant administration continues to support the congressional purpose of the Rehabilitation Act.

Section 4. Contingency Planning

The Board finds that developing contingency plans before they become necessary constitutes responsible governance and sound fiscal stewardship.

Accordingly, the Board supports the development and adoption of policies that enable LIFTT to continue providing services fairly, consistently, transparently, and in accordance with applicable law should future funding or staffing limitations temporarily affect service capacity.

Section 5. Approval of the Waiting List Policy

The Board hereby approves the amendment to the Independent Living Program Policy and Procedure Manual establishing the Waiting List and Order of Priority for Independent Living Services.

The Board emphasizes that the Waiting List is intended solely as a contingency measure and shall be activated only when the Executive Director determines that available staffing or funding is insufficient to initiate Independent Living services for all eligible consumers.

The Board further expresses its sincere hope that the Waiting List will never require activation.

Section 6. Continued Advocacy

The Board encourages continued collaboration with the National Council on Independent Living (NCIL), the Montana Independent Living Project, the Association of Programs for Rural Independent Living (APRIL), the Administration for Community Living (ACL), Montana’s Congressional Delegation, and other partners in support of policies that strengthen the Independent Living Network and protect the rights of individuals with disabilities.

Section 7. Public Information

The Board encourages members of the public, consumers, community partners, and policymakers to review publicly available information concerning the proposed federal grant rule changes and their potential impact on Centers for Independent Living.

Additional information may be found through the National Council on Independent Living at:

Proposed Federal Grant Rule Changes
https://ncil.org/news/announcements/proposed-federal-grant-rule-changes/

Section 8. Effective Date

This Resolution shall take effect immediately upon its adoption.

ADOPTED by the Board of Directors of Living Independently for Today & Tomorrow (LIFTT) this 2nd day of July, 2026.

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Carlos A. Ramalho, Executive Director

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 people with disabilites and aging indivduals 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

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.

You can donate to LIFTT by clicking here.

Looking Ahead Together

Two friends talking in the park, one in a wheelchair, sharing a joyful moment together

SHVETS Production/Pexels

Every conversation matters. At LIFTT, we’re committed to planning ahead so we can continue serving our community with dignity, respect, and a focus on independence.

For more than 36 years, LIFTT has had one simple promise: when someone with a disability or an older adult reaches out for help, we’ll do everything we can to be there.

That promise hasn’t changed.

Over the past several months, however, we’ve been watching proposed changes to federal grant regulations that could affect Centers for Independent Living like LIFTT. While we don’t know what the final outcome will be, we believe our consumers deserve honesty about what we’re seeing and how we’re preparing.

The truth is, we hope nothing changes.

We hope Congress continues to support Independent Living. We hope federal funding remains stable. We hope every person who calls LIFTT can continue receiving services as quickly as they do today.

But hope alone isn’t a plan.

That’s why our Board of Directors has implemented a Waiting List Policy, not because we expect to use it, but because responsible organizations prepare for challenges before they arise. Just like families buy insurance hoping they’ll never need it, LIFTT is planning ahead so that, if circumstances beyond our control ever affect staffing or funding, we will already have a fair and transparent process in place.

If that day never comes, we will celebrate.

If it does, here’s what we want you to know:

You will not lose your eligibility for Independent Living services.
You will not lose your rights.
You will not be forgotten.

Even if a waiting list ever became necessary, LIFTT would continue providing information, referrals, advocacy, and connections to community resources whenever possible while consumers wait for an Independent Living Specialist. Our commitment to helping people live independently would remain exactly the same.

Our mission has always been about people, not paperwork, not grants, and not government regulations.

Every decision we make begins with one question:

“How do we continue serving our community with dignity, fairness, and respect?”

Preparing today helps us answer that question tomorrow.

We sincerely hope this policy never has to be implemented. In fact, the best outcome would be for it to sit on a shelf and never be used. But if circumstances ever require it, we want every consumer to know that the process will be fair, transparent, and rooted in the Independent Living Philosophy that has guided LIFTT for decades.

Thank you for placing your trust in LIFTT. Whether you’ve been with us for years or have just begun your journey toward greater independence, please know this:

We are planning ahead because you matter.

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 people with disabilites and aging indivduals 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

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.

You can donate to LIFTT by clicking here.

Mid-Rivers Communications $5,000 Sponsorship to Support RideWell Transportation Program

Living Independently for Today & Tomorrow (LIFTT) is proud to announce and extend its heartfelt appreciation to Mid-Rivers Communications for its generous $5,000 sponsorship of the RideWell Transportation Program.

RideWell is a vital initiative dedicated to providing safe, reliable, and accessible transportation for elderly and disabled individuals across Eastern Montana. With a service area spanning over 47,000 square miles, the program plays a critical role in ensuring community members can attend medical appointments, access essential services, and maintain their independence.

“Support from community partners like Mid-Rivers Communications makes this work possible,” said Executive Director Carlos Ramalho. “Their generous contribution directly impacts the lives of those we serve, helping remove transportation barriers and creating opportunities for greater independence and dignity.”

Mid-Rivers Communications has demonstrated a strong commitment to building stronger, more connected communities through their continued support of local programs and services. Their investment in RideWell reflects a shared dedication to improving quality of life and expanding access to care for vulnerable populations.

This $5,000 sponsorship will help sustain and grow the RideWell Transportation Program, ensuring that individuals who would otherwise face significant challenges can continue to receive the transportation support they need.

LIFTT is deeply grateful for Mid-Rivers Communications’ partnership and their commitment to making a lasting difference.

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 people with disabilites and aging indivduals 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

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.

You can donate to LIFTT by clicking here.

Your Voice Matters: Protecting the Future of IL

A recent federal proposal affects the stability and predictability of funding that supports LIFTT and other CILs nationwide. File Photo/Diversifylens

Every day, Living Independently for Today & Tomorrow (LIFTT) works to help individuals with disabilities and older adults live independently, participate fully in their communities, and make their own choices about their lives.

These services, including peer support, independent living skills training, information and referral, advocacy, transition services, and accessible transportation, are made possible through a combination of dedicated staff, community partnerships, and public funding.

Recently, the federal government proposed changes to the regulations that govern how many federal grants are administered. Although these proposals primarily address grant administration, they could affect the stability and predictability of funding that supports community organizations providing essential services across the country.

Because these proposals are still part of an ongoing federal process, it is important for community members to stay informed and understand how public policy decisions can influence the services available in their communities.

Why This Matters

Centers for Independent Living such as LIFTT exist because communities recognize that people with disabilities have the right to live independently and participate fully in society.

When Centers have stable funding and clear administrative processes, they can focus their time and resources where they belong: serving people. When funding becomes uncertain or administrative requirements become more complex, organizations may have to devote additional time and resources to compliance, reducing the capacity available for direct services.

These are important considerations for anyone who values independence, accessibility, and strong community-based services.

Sharing Your Story

Public officials benefit from hearing directly from the people they serve. Personal experiences help policymakers understand the real-world impact that community programs have on individuals and families.

If LIFTT has made a positive difference in your life or the life of someone you know, you may wish to share your experience with your elected officials. Your perspective can help them better understand the importance of maintaining strong community-based Independent Living services.

Every story is unique. Whether your experience involves transportation, peer support, advocacy, transition services, or simply having someone to call for guidance, your voice contributes to a broader understanding of why these services matter.

Sample Letter

The following is offered as a starting point for individuals who wish to communicate with their elected officials. Please feel free to personalize it with your own experiences.

Dear Senator/Representative,

I am a resident of Montana and would like to share why Independent Living services are important to me and my community.

Organizations such as Living Independently for Today & Tomorrow (LIFTT) provide valuable services that help people with disabilities and older adults remain active, independent, and engaged in their communities.

These services promote independence, improve quality of life, and help individuals access employment, healthcare, education, transportation, and community activities.

As public policy decisions are considered, I encourage continued attention to the importance of stable support for community-based Independent Living services. Programs that help people live independently strengthen families, communities, and Montana as a whole.

Thank you for your service and for taking the time to consider the experiences of people in our community.

Sincerely,
Your Name

Click Here for contact information for Montana’s Congressional Delegation

Our Commitment

At LIFTT, we remain committed to our mission of promoting independence, inclusion, and equal opportunity for all people with disabilities.

We encourage everyone to stay informed, learn about issues affecting the disability community, and participate in the civic process in ways that reflect their own experiences and perspectives. An informed and engaged community helps ensure that the voices of people with disabilities continue to be heard and respected. If you have questions about the issues or about getting involved, give LIFTT a call at (406) 259-5181 or send us a message on our contact page.

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 people with disabilites and aging indivduals 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

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.

You can donate to LIFTT by clicking here.