Why LIFTT Matters: Quinn Kougl

Two year old Quinn Kougl (in parents arms) with her mom Justine, dad William and siblings Cody & Nora; on the family ranch near Kirby, MT. (photo courtesy of the Kougl Family)

Many children who are diagnosed with the genetic disorder known as Treacher Collins Syndrome find themselves placed in institutional living situations away from the comforts of home and the loving support of family and friends. For the Kougl family whose two year old daughter Quinn lives with Treacher Collins this was not an acceptable option.  Justine and William Kougl knew they wanted Quinn to grow up along side her brother Cody and sister, Nora on the family ranch located some 30 miles north of the Wyoming border in rural Big Horn County and since the diagnosis they have “fought to have her home with us as an entire family.”

On top of the daily grind of raising three children and running a cattle operation, this meant traveling to Sheridan, Billings and Denver for Quinn to see and be treated by appropriate medical specialists and navigating the byzantine labyrinth  of bureaucracy that is the Montana medicaid program. At one point the Department of Public Health and Human Services even tried to dismiss Quinn from the waiver program under which she was receiving the services such as nutrition assistance, specialized medical equipment, speech therapy and feeding therapy  that allowed her to remain at home.

One of the resources the Kougl’s turned to help them in this fight was LIFTT. As the regional Center for Independent Living LIFTT is specifically charged with helping persons with disabilities find  access and maintain services that allow them to remain in their homes and communities instead of being warehoused in institutionalized settings. In the words of Quinn’s mom Justine:

“We have been working with LIFTT for nearly a year. LIFTT has been able to provide a wealth of resources to help support Quinn in her development.

The staff members have been amazing at finding out information and providing things such as information about opportunities that relate to Quinn’s situation, Programs coming up, financial support for items insurance will not cover, and especially support to fight for Quinn’s rights.

They have been a strong advocate for helping Quinn to stay on the Big Sky Waiver after she was dismissed. LIFTT accepted the job of being the primary agency to help kids like Quinn receive Waiver services for Medically Fragile Children.”   

Thanks in part of services and supports from LIFTT; Two year old Quinn Kougl is at home on the ranch. (photo courtesy of the Kougl Family)

LIFTT believes in a world where everyone regardless of disability has the right to live, be educated, work, and recreate in their homes and communities and to not be segregated from society in far off institutions.

LIFTT remains committed to providing persons with disabilities in our region the information, services and advocacy needed to make this happen; in this time of reduced Federal, State and Foundation support however LIFTT finds itself more in need of grassroots individual donations to realize its mission.

Please consider making a donation today viaPayPal by clicking the donate button to the right, or by contacting Jen Cleland, Executive Director at (406) 294-5190 or email: jenc@liftt.org.