Montana Empowerment Center, Inc.

08/01/2026

Why August Matters
August was first declared Children's Vision and Learning Month in 1995 to raise awareness about the high number of undiagnosed or misdiagnosed vision issues affecting children's ability to learn.

School eye screenings often miss deeper visual problems — which are sometimes mistaken for conditions like ADHD.

Kids don't always know how their vision should look. That's why Children's Vision and Learning Month encourages annual comprehensive eye exams. Learn more about what to expect during an exam.

If not treated, vision problems can continue into adulthood. Learning challenges and long-term struggles often follow. Vision doesn't self-correct — but it can be improved with the right care.

What types of accommodations can help students with visual processing issues? These classroom strategies can make learning easier for kids with weak visual processing skills.

07/31/2026

July '26 (2nd Edition) EmpowerMe Newsletter: Start the School Year Informed -

For many families of children with disabilities, a trip to the fair can be overwhelming because of large crowds, loud noises, bright lights, and long lines. But it doesn't have to be that way.

07/30/2026

SAVE THE DATES! Announcing our Fall Empower Hour Line-up. Registration details coming soon!!

Sept 15 at 6pm: Navigating New OPI Website
Oct 20 at 6pm: Special Education Funding Overview
Nov 17 at 6pm: Neurodivergence in Girls
Dec 15 at 6pm: Neurodivergence in Boys

Sharing is caring - share on your page or with someone who may be interested!

07/28/2026

We are interested in hearing how this will affect you. Call 8778701190 or contact us at www.mtempowercenter.org/contact.

HELENA, Mont. – Governor Greg Gianforte today announced the state of Montana will end the Orphan Tax, or the practice of diverting Social Security survivor benefits from foster youth, following a call from the Administration for Children and Families (ACF) at the U.S. Department of Health and Huma...

07/27/2026

36 years ago today, President George H.W. Bush signed the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) into law, with AAPD co-founder Justin Dart by his side.

The ADA transformed this country, giving disabled people unprecedented access to public life, transportation, housing, career and economic opportunities, and community participation. Before the ADA, many of us literally could not get through the (often inaccessible) door.

We are so grateful for the moral clarity and perseverance of every single person who fought for the ADA.

We must not take their fight for granted. Today, on July 26, 2026, Americans with disabilities' rights are gravely under attack. Dangerous forces - including the current federal government and several state governments - are trying to take us back to a time before the ADA, before our right to be in the community under the Olmstead v. LC SCOTUS decision, before Section 504.

One of the best ways we can honor the ADA today is to fiercely commit to the fight ahead.

Our community's power led to the ADA. Our community's power will also ensure that we never go back.

Image Description: A graphic with the disability pride flag colors and a photo of the ADA being signed into law.

07/23/2026

Montana dropped the Texas v. Kennedy lawsuit challenging 504 protections for people with disabilities.

https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1979zVgq7X/

07/23/2026

Hope to "see" you at 4pm on Aug 13th!

Free registration for those planning to attend MontCOMM or MontCOMM Family Track in person in Missoula! MontCOMM is the country's only in-person conference focused solely on helping professionals and family members best support people who are nonspeaking or struggle to speak!

MontCOMM Family Track is August 13th with MontCOMM following on the 14th. Remote attendance is also an option! CEUs for educators, speech-language pathologists, and occupational therapists. Learn more about the fun and the value of MontCOMM: https://montech.ruralinstitute.umt.edu/montcomm/

Scholarships for Family Track (includes free access to MontCOMM): https://umt.co1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_bJGvH3NbJbDopG6

Scholarships for professionals not affiliated with a school district: https://umt.co1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_eJcEnoRTZ22DrMO

Scholarships for professionals affiliated with a school district:
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSd6QEJK9ZsZaKd2GJAIsrMsR-26dw31R33iEAs9zs5ZgCM30g/closedform?pli=1

07/15/2026

Here's a follow-up from yesterday's Disability Etiquette tips! People-First Language

In this video we educate you on people first language (also known a...

07/15/2026

This Disability Pride Month, remember: inclusion starts with respect. Small actions and thoughtful communication can help create a more welcoming community for everyone.

07/13/2026

For much of U.S. history, children with disabilities were denied access to public education. Many were institutionalized, segregated, or excluded from school entirely. IDEA changed that.

As IDEA marks its 50th anniversary, take a look back at the history that led to one of the most significant civil rights laws in education.

Read our blog: https://exceptionalchildren.org/blog/idea-50-life-individuals-disabilities-education-act