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HomeMy WebLinkAbout02-11-26 Correspondence - Disability Rights Montana - Disabled Non‑Drivers + A Big Missoula Event Coming UpFrom:Disability Rights Montana - Growth Rings To:Bozeman Public Comment Subject:[EXTERNAL]Disabled Non‑Drivers + A Big Missoula Event Coming Up Date:Wednesday, February 11, 2026 7:58:38 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! Disabled Non‑Drivers + A BigMissoula Event Coming Up Montana’s Disabled Non‑Drivers Deserve to Be Seen—And There’s a BigChance to Show Up on Feb. 19 READ IN APP Across the state, thousands of Montanans live full lives without driving. Some can’t drive because of direct disability-related reasons like vision, mobility, neurological, mental health, or cognitive disabilities. Some can’t drive because of indirect disability-related reasons as driving costs so much at a time when disability benefits are not enough to even pay rent and buy food and people with disabilities are so often underemployed and 2X more likely to be unemployed. But FEB 11 one thing is true about everyone whether they drive or not, we all deserve safe, reliable ways to get where we need to go. Too often, disabled non‑drivers are invisible in transportation conversations. Disabled non-drivers’ needs get pushed aside. And their lives get smaller because the world is built around one assumption: that everyone drives. That’s why I’m excited to share something important happening next week. Anna Zivarts is a national leader in disability and transportation advocacy. I had the great fortune to get to work with Anna for several years and during that time she taught me a lot about transportation, leadership, and community building. I am pleased to share with all of you that she is coming to Montana to connect with disabled non-drivers and others who are interested in helping us beak our communities’ dependence on cars. On February 19 from 6:30-8:30, Anna will be speaking with the community and talking about her book, When Driving Isn’t an Option, at a free event in Missoula at Free Cycles Streetside Learning Center. Anna’s work has changed the national conversation about mobility justice and what it really means to build communities where non‑drivers can thrive. I can’t wait to see what Montana can learn from her, and what Montana can teach her about the especially Montana problems with transpiration we face. As she will regularly remind all of us drivers, one-third of people living in the United States do not have a driver license, but our mobility system is designed almost exclusively for drivers. This conversation will shine a light on the frustrating, dangerous, and sometimes deadly reality for nondrivers and explain how improving our cities with nondrivers in mind creates a better quality of life for everyone. If you are a disabled non‑driver in Montana, this is an event worth showing up for. It’s a chance to: Be in community with people who get it Missoula Event: Anna Zivarts — February 19 Share the realities of non‑driving in Montana Hear from one of the strongest voices in the movement Let decision‑makers know our stories matter If you can make it to Missoula on the 19th, please go. Your presence is powerful. Time: Thursday, February 19, 6:30 p.m.–8:00 p.m. Location: Free Cycles Streetside Learning Center (736 S 1st W, just west of the main entrance), Missoula, MT Event Website Not everyone can get to an after hours event in Missoula, especially as a non‑driver. That’s exactly the point of the need for advocacy in this space, right! If traveling isn’t possible, check out DRM’s YouTube playlist on disabled non‑drivers in Montana. Disabled Non-Driver Playlist The playlist includes stories, interviews, news coverage, and policy conversations that show the real experiences of people across our state. This is a growing movement. And your story is part of it. When disabled non‑drivers speak up, whether at an event like Anna’s, in local planning meetings, or through sharing your story, we change the narrative. We remind Montana’s leaders that: Transportation is a disability rights issue; Can’t make it? We’ve got you. Why this matters Non‑drivers deserve safe, connected transportation options; and Freedom shouldn’t depend on a car! Let’s keep building that momentum. If you plan to attend the Missoula event, or if you have a story about being a non‑driver in Montana, hit reply and tell me. I’d love to hear from you. 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