Disability Rights Montana is the state’s designated protection and advocacy system for individuals with disabilities, dedicated to safeguarding civil and human rights through legal advocacy and systemic change. As a nonprofit organization, it stands out for its focused mission to combat ableism and ensure full inclusion for disabled Montanans across all areas of life.
The organization employs a combination of individual advocacy, impact litigation, and public policy work to address barriers faced by people with disabilities, particularly in rural communities and institutional settings. Its team of advocates and attorneys provides no-cost services, prioritizing cases with the greatest systemic impact, though demand often exceeds available capacity. Target clients include students, patients in state institutions, and individuals facing discrimination in access to government services, education, employment, and housing.
Services Offered
- Legal services
- Protection and advocacy for disability rights
- Education services advocacy
- Employment rights advocacy
- Government services access advocacy
- Housing accessibility advocacy
- Mental health services advocacy
- Supported decision-making assistance
- Transportation accessibility advocacy
- Accessibility laws compliance advocacy
- Systemic litigation and class actions
- Legislative and policy advocacy
- Individual case advocacy
- Rights enforcement under IDEA and Section 504
- Deinstitutionalization advocacy
Disability Rights Montana serves individuals with disabilities across the entire state, with a noted emphasis on reaching rural communities. The organization operates primarily in English and focuses its efforts on high-impact areas such as special education reform, accessibility in government buildings, and improving conditions in state-run psychiatric institutions.
