About

LIFTT is a not-for-profit agency governed by a consumer-controlled Board of Directors whose lives have been personally impacted by a disability.  It is funded in part by the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 as amended in 2014 (Title VII- Independent Living Services), and the Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services (Disability Employment & Transitions Division).

LIFTT provides consumer and advocacy services to residents of Big Horn, Carbon, Carter, Custer, Dawson, Fallon, Garfield, Golden Valley, McCone, Musselshell, Powder River, Prairie, Richland, Rosebud, Stillwater, Treasure, Wibaux and Yellowstone counties as well as works on a systemic level on a local, state and national level to improve the lives of individuals living with disabilities.

LIFTT’s  Philosophy

As an Center for Independent Living (CIL), LIFTT believes in the Independent Living Philosophy as a basic foundation from which we provide both consumer and community services.

Key Elements of this philosophy are:

• Consumer Control– We believe that the consumer should set their own goals and take the lead in achieving them.
• Self Help and self-advocacy– We believe in the importance of educating ourselves, asserting our rights and taking action on our own behalf.
• Peer Support– We believe we can learn from and support one another through the bond of shared experience.
• Inclusion– We believe each person has unique ideas, talents and contributions which are to be valued. We believe in equal access and participation for all.
• Cross-disability– We recognize the importance of including ALL people regardless of disability.
• Diverse cultural background– We recognize that disability transcends race, gender, ethnicity, religion, economics and sexual orientation.
• Social Change– We focus on changing society verses “fixing” the individual. This movement is at its core one of human and civil rights.
• Leadership development– We instill in each other the skills and confidence needed to grow as leaders and assume leadership roles within the independent living movement and society at large.
• Rights and Responsibilities– We believe that personal power and independence come not only through the existence of human and civil rights but also from assuming responsibility for our needs and owning the consequences of our actions.

Independent Living Services

LIFTT offers consumer Independent Living services in several areas, each designed to foster individual empowerment.

Applying and Obtaining Government Benefits

LIFTT provides information and referral for persons with disabilities seeking help with applying for and obtaining such government benefits as Food Stamps, Social Security, Medicare, and Medicaid. When appropriate LIFTT also provides consumers with referrals to legal representatives that can help ensure equal treatment.

Enhancing Accessibility

LIFTT is committed to helping consumers live as successful and safely as possible in their own homes. LIFTT can help consumers with applying for grants to build ramps, roll in showers, or other accessibility modifications/needs

Employment Services

LIFTT can help consumers with the resources needed to become successfully employed in the community regardless of disability.

Advocacy

LIFTT is determined to help its consumers with advocating for their needs and rights as Individuals with disabilities. We help by working with businesses, community organizations, the government and other community functions to ensure that the needs and rights of the disabled community are not being overlooked.

Skills Training

LIFTT provides services to persons with disabilities to help them gain the skills they need to thrive on their own. Skills are taught either on an individual basis or in a group setting. Training is to help individuals with disabilities to become self-advocates so they can advocate for their own needs in the community and workplace.

Community Services

Beyond providing resources for individual empowerment, LIFTT also works to promote acceptance and inclusion of persons with disabilities through social action and systems change.

Social Action

LIFTT works with schools, businesses, and community organizations to increase awareness of the issues facing persons with disabilities and to help them better serve the disability community.

Systems Change

LIFTT works in a non-partisan manner with government at all levels to educate officials on the realities of life for persons with disabilities. LIFTT helps to design and advocate for legislation and policies that produce a framework within which persons with disabilities can achieve self-determination. LIFTT also works to assure that once such legislation and policies are in place, they are properly enforced and administered.

Information & Referral

LIFTT provides information and referral for local community resources in Southeastern Montana. We can also assist in locating state and national disability-related resources.

• Affordable Housing
• Energy Assistance
• Medicaid/Medicare
• Social Security Benefits
• Food Stamps (SNAP)
• Assistive Devices/equipment
• Employment Opportunities
• Payee/bill paying programs
• Senior/Peer Companions
• Transportation Services