MonTECH is Montana’s comprehensive resource center for Assistive Technology (AT) devices, information, training, evaluations, and other AT related supports. They have four primary services which are:

• Information and Assistance
• Equipment Demonstration Center
• Financial Loan Program
• Equipment Exchange Program (online)

If you are a Montanan or know of another Montanan who may be looking for assistive technology to help them in their everyday lives, MonTECH at the Rural Institute would be a great place to start. Their Contact information is:

On January 19, 2010, the Real Economic Impact Tour stopped in Great Falls to discuss its 2010 Disability Initiative in which free tax return preparation is available to persons with disabilities.  The event, sponsored by Rural Dynamics, was designed to publicize the Internal Revenue Service’s initiative to provide certified volunteers (called Volunteer Income Tax Assistants) to the historically undeserved disability community.  In fact, their records indicate that they were able to reach less than one percent of the Montana disability community with this service last year.

Two staff persons from Disability Rights Montana attended the event and encourage any persons with disabilities to take advantage of the free service to avoid tax preparer fees and perhaps obtain a refund.  For more information go to www.montanafreefile.org.