Below is a shortlist of programs we have partnered with since the MT F2F began in June 2019.

Children’s Special Health Services (CSHS) – A division of the Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services, CSHS houses programs that serve families with children and youth who have healthcare needs beyond those of typical children (put simply, beyond annual well child checkups with a pediatrician and twice yearly visits to a dentist).  Some programs managed by CSHS:  Newborn Screening Program, Genetic Financial Assistance, MAPP-Net, and the CSHS Financial Assistance Program.

The MT F2F works closely with CSHS to help create family-friendly information about CSHS services, and to provide a family-focused voice on projects and in work groups.

Montana Autism Center – The Center is housed at the Rural Institute for Inclusive Communities and manages a web site of resources and information for Montanans with autism and their families. Questions submitted to the Montana Autism Center are fielded by the MT F2F.

Montana Empowerment Center (MEC) – Since the start of the MT F2F in June, 2019, the MT F2F team has worked closely with the teams holding the Parent Training and Information Center grant. On October 1^st, 2020, the PTI grant was awarded to the Montana Empowerment Center.  MEC helps families understand their children’s rights to a Fair and Appropriate Public Education, and assists them in advocating with school teams. MT F2F Coordinator Jenn Banna serves on the board of the MEC.

Mountain States Regional Genetics Network (MSRGN) – This network serves a region of eight states, including Montana. Members work to ensure people who have a genetic condition can receive expert genetic care and equitable access to care. In a state like Montana, this is a daunting task that the network addresses through coordination of services, education, and thoughtful engagement of consumer advocates.  MT F2F Coordinator Jenn Banna is a member of the MSRGN’s state team.

Rural Dynamics, Inc. – Rural Dynamics, Inc., manages the financial loan program of Montana’s state assistive technology program, MonTECH. Money provided by MonTECH is managed by RDI, Inc., and that money can be borrowed by approved applicants to purchase assistive technology, adaptive equipment, accessible vehicles, and home and vehicle modification (to name only a few examples).  Most banks won’t lend money for equipment or projects like these; the loan program provides a non-predatory loan option with up to $1,500 at 0% interest, and $1,501-$50,000 at 3.5% interest.  MT F2F Coordinator Jenn Banna sits on the board of the loan program (Montana Assistive Technology Loan Program, MATL). MT F2F Outreach Coordinator Shawna Hanson manages outreach for MonTECH. 

The Rural Institute for Inclusive Communities (RIIC) – The RIIC is Montana’s University Center for Excellence in Developmental Disabilities, and is housed at the University of Montana.  The RIIC conducts training, research, and education projects to increase independence and community inclusion of Montanans with disabilities. The RIIC houses multiple programs working directly with families and professionals, including the Montana Deaf-Blind Project, RTC: Rural, MonTECH, and the MT F2F.

Developmental Disabilities Program (DDP) – A division of the Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services, the DDP provides services and supports for Montanans with developmental disabilities.   With five regional offices throughout the state, the DDP provides targeted case management, early intervention services through the Montana Milestones Part C program, and Medicaid-funded waiver services through the 0208 Comprehensive Waiver (learn more under our ‘Waiver Services’ tab). The MT F2F partners with the DDP to offer PoP meetings (Partnering our Programs). PoP provides a space for individuals with developmental disabilities and their families to receive family-friendly information about complex services directly from program leadership. Write montanaf2f@umontana.edu to be included on the PoP mailing list.