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HomeMy WebLinkAbout02-05-26 Correspondence - Disability Rights Montana - A message for Montanans with Developmental Disabilities (2)From:Disability Rights Montana - Growth Rings To:Bozeman Public Comment Subject:[EXTERNAL]A message for Montanans with Developmental Disabilities Date:Thursday, February 5, 2026 9:54:46 AM CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Do not click links or open attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe. Forwarded this email? Subscribe here for more Every paid subscription supports Disability Rights Montana’s work across Montana. Federal funding is nowhere near sufficient to meet the advocacy and culture change work that is needed. You can help fund the future you want to see! A message for Montanans withDevelopmental Disabilities Montana needs your leadership! READ IN APP If you follow Growth Rings, you know I care a lot about making Montana a better place for people with disabilities. Real change happens when disabled people help make the decisions—not just when decisions are made about them. Right now, you have a chance to be part of that change. I sit on a few committees and one is the Montana Council on Developmental Disabilities (MCDD or Council). The Council is looking for new members. They FEB 5 Montana Needs Your Voice want parents, family members, and self‑advocates. They want people who understand disability because they live it every day. I’m a parent, and I know parents do a lot to support their kids. I hope some great parents apply. But I am also a leader with a disability, and I want to talk to people with developmental disabilities who are reading this. Montana’s rules, budgets, and disability services affect you the most. But decisions about these things are often made by people who do not have disabilities. That means the the rules, budgets, and disability services they make do not always meet our needs. MCDD wants to change that. They want more self‑advocates. Not just one. Not just to “check a box.” They want leaders. If you have dealt with job programs, day programs, making your own choices, living on your own, trying to get around without easy transportation, or just trying to build a full life in our big, spread‑out state, you have real wisdom. Self‑advocates know: What independence really feels like When services help, and when they don’t How changes in the system affect real people What dignity, belonging, and community look like This kind of knowledge cannot be learned from a book. The Council needs it. Your voice is needed. Why your experience matters You don’t need special training You do not need: a college degree fancy words professional experience You only need your story, your ideas, and a desire to make life better for other people in Montana with disabilities. People on the Council appreciate clear, honest voices. Your everyday experience is exactly what they need. Parents play a big role, and the Council values them and here at Disability Rights Montana we value them. This message doesn’t take anything away from that. But self‑advocates don’t always get invited or encouraged. So let me say it clearly: You belong here. You should apply. Montana grows stronger when disabled people help lead. When you help shape decisions, our whole state becomes more fair, more welcoming, and more understanding. If you’ve ever thought, “I wish people would listen to us,” this is your moment. Here is the flyer with all the details on how to apply. Or you can reach out to Greg Zadina, the the Council’s Executive Dir : 406‑443‑4332 Greg@mtcdd.org Parents are welcome too Apply to join the MCDD If you’re unsure or have questions, feel free to reach out to me too. I’m happy to help you think it through. And if you are like, “David, the Council sounds fine, but I would really like to be on your board instead.” I would love that! If you are a Montanan who has a developmental disability or other disability and want to lead change in Montana by being on Disability Rights Montana’s board you can fill out the form at this link: Or just give me an email or call at David@dr-mt.org or (406) 449-2344. In solidarity, David David Carlson, J.D. Executive Director Disability Rights Montana He/Him/His You’re currently a free subscriber to Life Beyond Compliance. Upgrading to paid subscriptions supports Disability Rights Montana’s work across Montana. Federal funding is no where near sufficient to meet the advocacy and culture change work that is needed. You can help fund the future you want to see! Upgrade to paid LIKE COMMENT RESTACK © 2026 Disability Rights Montana1022 Chestnut Street, Helena, MT 59601 Unsubscribe