Media Library
Living Well in Montana Episodes
Living Well in Montana is produced by Living Independently for Today & Tomorrow (LIFTT) and Billings Community 7 Television and airs on Billings Community 7 TV.
In this episode of Living Well in Montana, Host Corby Skinner is joined by LIFTT team member Steve Woodard and LIFTT consumer Paul Singer to discuss wheelchair ramps and other home accessibility modifications and the important part those play in keeping people with disabilities independent in their homes & communities and how LIFTT can assist consumers in finding these resources.
Consumer Stories: Robert Hamilton
In this episode of Living Well in Montana, Hosts Kathleen Benoit and Corby Skinner are joined by LIFTT Consumer Robert Hamilton of Forsyth, MT and LIFTT Team member Cheryl Riga to discuss how LIFTT has and continues to provide Robert with the assistance and services he needs in order to meet his independent living goals.
In this episode of Living Well in Montana, Host Corby Skinner is joined by LIFTT team members Lee Hoblitzell and Jed Barton to discuss the complexities of advocating as persons with disabilities in political and public policy spaces.
Watch Disabilities in the Political Realm on LIFTT’s YouTube Channel
In this episode of Living Well in Montana, Host Kathleen Benoit is joined by LIFTT team member Dianne Booth and Liz Miller of Berkshire Hathaway Home Services. Miller and Booth discuss their experiences parenting children with autism.
Watch Parenting Children with Autism on LIFTT’s YouTube Channel
Parents of Children with Autism Part 2
In this episode of Living Well in Montana, Host Kathleen Benoit is joined by LIFTT team member Dianne Booth and Liz Miller of Berkshire Hathaway Home Services to continue their discussion on their experiences parenting children with autism.
Watch Parents of Children with Autism Part 2 on LIFTT’s YouTube Channel
In this episode of Living Well in Montana, Host Corby Skinner is joined by LIFTT team member, Jed Barton who tells about how LIFTT and the wider network of Centers for Independent Living work to break down the systemic barriers to the freedom and equality of persons with disabilities.
In this episode of “Living Well in Montana” host, Kathleen Benoit is joined by LIFTT team member Cheryl Riga, SPIRIT Club Founder Jared Ciner and SPIRIT Club Operations Manager Henry Scheller to discuss the partnership between LIFTT and the Maryland-based SPIRIT Club to bring supportive inclusive virtual exercise and healthy lifestyle classes to people with disabilities free of charge across LIFTT’s 18-county service area in Eastern Montana.
Watch this video about SPIRIT Club on LIFTT’s YouTube Channel
In this episode of Living Well in Montana, Host Kathleen Benoit is joined by LIFTT team members, Jennifer Hawkinson and MaKenna Andreopoulos to discuss how LIFTT works with Youth with Disabilities to help them (and their families) adjust to new realities as they exit high school and enter adult life.
In this episode of Living Well in Montana, Host Corby Skinner is joined by LIFTT team members, Jennifer Hawkinson and MaKenna Andreopoulos to continue talking about how LIFTT works with Youth with Disabilities to help them make the transition from the K-12 environment to post-secondary education and jobs.
In this episode of “Living Well in Montana” host, Kathleen Benoit discusses with LIFTT team members Larry Ketchem and Jed Barton their experiences navigating the world with their disabilities and how people can be cognizant and respectful of people with disabilities in their midst. Included in this program is a brief video on disability etiquette produced by the Office of Disability Rights of the District of Columbia.
Watch Disability Etiquette and Sensitivity on LIFTT’s YouTube Channel.
In this episode of “Living Well in Montana” host Kathleen Benoit learns more about the role of the Statewide Independent Living Council (SILC) in leading the push for an inclusive disability policy in Montana. Kathleen’s guest is Statewide Independent Living Council chair and former director of the Montana Youth Transitions Project and Montana Youth Leadership Forum June Hermanson.
Learn more about the Statewide Independent Living Council on LIFTT’s YouTube Channel
The topic of this episode of “Living Well in Montana” is LIFTT’s Medicaid Self-Directed Personal Care Assistance Services (SDPAS) also known as the Personal Care Attendant (PCA) Program and features a discussion with the program supervisor Freda Mook and program facilitator Lanette Brown moderated by Kathleen Benoit.
Learn more about the SDPAS program on LIFTT’s YouTube Channel
In the first part of this two-part episode of “Living Well in Montana” hosts Kathleen Benoit and Corby Skinner discuss the history and purpose of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) with Living Independently for Today & Tomorrow (LIFTT) board member and Montana State University Billings Assistant Professor of Rehabilitation and Human Services Dr. Paula McMahon.
In the second part of this two-part episode of “Living Well in Montana” hosts Kathleen Benoit and Corby Skinner discuss the history and purpose of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) with Living Independently for Today & Tomorrow (LIFTT) board member and Montana State University Billings Assistant Professor of Rehabilitation and Human Services Dr. Paula McMahon.
In this episode of “Living Independently in Montana” Host Corby Skinner interviews LIFTT’s Peer Coordinator, Tanya Thomas, and Peer Garrett Gaustad about the opportunities for support and mentorship available through LIFTT’s Peer Program.
Learn more about the LIFTT Peer Program on our YouTube Channel
Advocating K-12 students with disabilities with the Montana Empowerment Center
In this episode of “Living Well in Montana” hosts Jed Barton and Kathleen Benoit talk with Tom Lynaugh of the Montana Empowerment Center (MEC, mtempowermentcenter.org) about how parents of school-aged children with disabilities who are overwhelmed by the bureaucratic intricacies associated with the public education systems and need assistance can work with MEC to receive guidance and advocacy to ensure that their child gets the services to which they are entitled so that they can succeed in the classroom.
Learn more about LIFTT & the Montana Empowerment Center on YouTube
Living with a Disability on Campus
In this edition of “Living Well in Montana,” host Corby Skinner talks with LIFTT Team members Tanya Thomas (Sheridan College, Casper College) and Lexi Syme (Montana State University Billings) about their experiences attending college as students with disabilities.
Learn more about disabled life on campus on LIFTT’s YouTube Channel
Living with Low Vision and Blindness
In this edition of “Living Well in Montana,” LIFTT Team members Tanya Thomas and Larry Ketchem along with Shannon Payne of Montana Vocational Rehabilitation Blind & Low Vision Services talk about what it is like living with blindness and low vision.
Watch Living with Low Vision and Blindness on LIFTT’s YouTube Channel
Driving with Disabilities
In this episode of Living Well in Montana, Host Corby Skinner is joined by LIFTT team member, Lee Hoblitzell to discuss Lee’s experiences driving while disabled including transferring into the vehicle and vehicle modifications such as hand controls. The program includes a video from the series “How to with Mary Allison. produced by the National Center on Health, Physical Activity, and Disability (NCHPAD).
Employment Considerations for People with Disabilities
In this episode of “Living Well in Montana,” host Kathleen Benoit is joined by LIFTT peer program coordinator Tanya Thomas and Bob Snizek, a Certified Rehabilitation Counselor with Montana Employment Consultants LLC (http://www.mtemployment.net) to discuss the challenges that people with disabilities face when seeking competitive integrated employment.
Learn more about competitive integrated employment on LIFTT’s YouTube Channel
Disasters, Emergencies, and People with Disabilities
In this edition of “Living Well in Montana” hosts Corby Skinner and Jed Barton are joined by the Co-Executive Directors of the Partnership for Inclusive Disaster Strategies (https://disasterstrategies.org/) Shaylin Sluzalis and Germán Parodi to discuss how the needs of the disabled community should be at the forefront of disaster and emergency management planning & response at the local, state, national and international level.
Watch Disasters, Emergencies, and People with Disabilities on LIFTT’s YouTube Channel
Accessibility to COVID-19 Vaccines
In this edition of “Living Well in Montana” hosts Corby Skinner and Jed Barton are joined by an executive assistant at the Partnership for Disaster Strategies (https://disasterstrategies.org/) Priya Penner to discuss LIFTT’s involvement in Project ALIVE (Accessible Life-Saving Integrated Vaccine Equity) and a survey about COVID-19 vaccines that we are asking the public to participate in. If you are interested you can find the survey here: https://liftt.org/covid-19-vaccine-access-survey/
Watch Accessibility to COVID-19 Vaccines on LIFTT’s YouTube Channel
Exploring Adaptive Equipment and Assistive Technology
In this episode of Living Well in Montana, host Corby Skinner and LIFTT Peer Program Coordinator Tanya Thomas discuss Adaptive Equipment and Assistive Technology with Molly Kimmel, Program Director for MonTECH (montech.ruralinstitute.umt.edu).
Based at the University of Montana in Missoula with a satellite office at Montana State University Billings; MonTECH is the federally funded Statewide Assistive Technology Program. MonTECH provides free, confidential information about assistive technology (AT) devices and services for Montanans.
Look into the world of Assistive Tech on LIFTT’s YouTube Page
Disability Rights from the Legal Perspective
In this edition of “Living Well in Montana” host Corby Skinner and LIFTT executive director, Carlos Ramalho discuss disability rights from a legal perspective with guest Melissa Marshall. In addition to her current role as Director of Operations with the Partnership for Inclusive Disaster Strategies, Ms. Marshall is a member of the Connecticut Bar with many years of practice in disability rights law.
Please Note: The information provided in this program does not, and is not intended to, constitute legal advice; instead, all information, content, and materials available on this site are for general informational purposes only. Viewers of this program should contact an attorney to obtain advice with respect to any particular legal matter.
Watch Disability Rights from the Legal Perspective on LIFTT’s YouTube Channel
Understanding Disaster Recovery
In the edition of “Living Well in Montana” host, Corby Skinner discusses disaster recovery for people with disabilities in light of the recent flooding and ever-present threat of wildfire and other natural disasters here in Eastern Montana. Corby’s guests are Michael Houston Region 8 (MT, WY, ND, SD, CO, UT) Disability Integration Specialist with the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), and Anthony Mayne, Public Affairs Specialist with FEMA region 8.
Watch Understanding Disaster Recovery on LIFTT’s YouTube Channel
Seeking Support on the Pathway to Independence
In this episode of “Living Well in Montana” LIFTT Peer Program Coordinator, Tanya Thomas talks with Michael Mooney, President of the Rimrock Chapter of the Montana Association of the Blind (MAB) about MAB and how it works to support the independence of the Blind/Low Vision community in Montana. For more on the MAB visit https://www.mabsop.org
Watch Seeking Support on the Pathway to Independence on LIFTT’s YouTube Channel
“Landon’s Legacy”, Accessibility for All
In this edition of Living Well in Montana, LIFTT Team members Corby Skinner and Jed Barton talk with Marcie Smith (Founder, President) and DeAnn Visser (Capital Campaign Coordinator) of the Landon’s Legacy Foundation about the foundation’s recent opening of an all-abilities baseball field on Billings West End and future plans for an all-abilities playground and water feature at the same location. To find out more or help out Landon’s Legacy visit: https://landonslegacy.com/
Learn more about Landon and his remarkable legacy on LIFTT’s YouTube Channel
Maintaining Independence through Occupational Therapy
In this episode of “Living Well in Montana” LIFTT Communications & Government Affairs Coordinator, Jed Barton talks with LIFTT Board member and occupational therapist Shelly Noel. Ms. Noel is the owner and lead OT of a new mobile practice called Montana Independent OT Advantage (Montana IOTA) which aims to make occupational therapy more accessible to rural communities by bringing it into patients’ homes.
Jed and Ms. Noel discuss what exactly is occupational therapy, how it differs from physical therapy, and how it can help people to regain and maintain their independence following an injury or disability.
Watch Maintaining Independence through Occupational Therapy on LIFTT’s YouTube Channel
Health, Happiness, and the Pursuit of Inclusion
In this edition of “Living Well in Montana” host, & LIFTT Peer Program Coordinator Tanya Thomas with Dr. Meg Traci of the Rural Institute for Inclusive Communities at the University of Montana and the Montana Disability & Health Program (MTDH) about her work with MTDH to improve access to healthcare and increase positive health outcomes for people with disabilities in Montana and beyond.
For more about the UM Rural Institute for Inclusive Communities visit: https://www.umt.edu/rural-institute/ and for more about the Montana Disability and Health Program visit: https://mtdh.ruralinstitute.umt.edu/
Watch Health, Happiness, and the Pursuit of Inclusion on LIFTT’s YouTube Channel
Elevating Accessibility in Community Planning
In this edition of “Living Well in Montana” host, LIFTT Communications and Government Affairs Coordinator talks with nationally recognized planning and transportation consultant Mark Fenton and equity consultant Karin Korb about their work on spreading the message of inclusive walkable/movable community planning across the country and in particular their recent visit to Billings to present a keynote and facilitate an Inclusive Interdisciplinary Walk Audit as part of the Montana Association of Planners Conference.
Watch Elevating Accessibility in Community Planning on LIFTT’s YouTube Channel
Diversity, Inclusion, Equity, & Accessibility
On this episode of “Living Well in Montana” LIFTT Executive Director Carlos Ramalho and Outreach Coordinator John Robison talk about “Diversity, Inclusion, Equity and Acessiblity” with Regina S. Dyton an Equity Consultant with the Partnership for Inclusive Disaster Strategies.
Their discussion focuses on how disability is just one identity through which people live their lives and how their disability may intersect with other identities such as class, race, ethnicity, religion, gender identity, and sexual orientation to shape an individual’s life experiences and how it is only possible to create a truly diverse, inclusive, equitable and accessible society when all an individual’s identities are taken into account.
Ms. Dyton is the recently retired Director of Community Health and Well Being of Trinity Health of New England at Saint Francis Hospital in Hartford, CT. Her professional history includes work on behalf of underserved victims of crime from oppressed communities, gender and sexual orientation equity advocacy, activism to promote racial equity and inclusion as well as disability rights advocacy. Ms. Dyton is an adjunct professor at the University of Connecticut School of Social Work, from which she graduated in 1997 with an MSW in Community Organizing.
Watch “Diversity, Inclusion, Equity & Acessiblity on LIFTT’s YouTube Channel
Living Well in Community Workshop
In this episode of “Living Independently in Montana” Host Corby Skinner interviews LIFTT Independent Living Specialist Cheryl Riga, and Peer Katelyn Baker about the Living Well in Community Workshop offered by LIFTT.
Designed as part of the Healthy Community Living (HCL) program, Living Well in the Community is a peer-led 10-session workshop for people with disabilities to set goals to support their overall quality of life and wellbeing. Workshop participants can:
- Identify what is meaningful to them and then set quality of life goals around ways they want to make their lives better.
- Make progress toward the goals they set by applying problem-solving skills and managing emotions like frustration and discouragement, feelings that can get in the way of reaching goals.
- Discover tools and skills that can make goal achievement easier like communicating effectively and finding important resources.
- Explore ways to improve their overall health by changing daily habits.
- Practice self-advocacy and systems-advocacy to help them make changes that can support them and others in living well.
If you are interested in participating in an upcoming Living Well in the Community workshop, contact LIFTT at (406) 259-5181.
To learn more about Living Well in the Community visit: https://healthycommunityliving.com/living-well-in-the-community.html
A message from the Billings LIFTT Team
The Billings LIFTT Team sends messages of support and encouragement to our consumers to let them know that even though COVID numbers in Yellowstone County have once again forced us to limit access to our office: we are still here for you!