Montana Access To Outdoor Recreation

The Montana Access To Outdoor Recreation program is not yet operating but is planned to begin in October, 2008. Check back in the future for more developments.

MonTECH, a program within the University of Montana Rural Institute proposes to increase access to and participation in outdoor recreational activities for individuals with disabilities in order to improve quality of life and maximize the related benefits. The Montana Access to Outdoor Recreation (MATOR) project will greatly increase the ability of Montanans with disabilities to participate in the outdoor recreational pursuits of wildlife viewing, fishing, and hunting. The project will be a collaborative effort between Montana’s State Assistive Technology program and Montana’s Division of Fish, Wildlife, and Parks. The goals and activities of MATOR are intently integrated with the existing mission, goals, and activities of these two agencies so that upon completion of the project period the efforts will result in a lasting and self sustaining initiative.

MATOR will achieve the following goals: 1) greatly increase awareness of the possibilities for participation in outdoor recreation for individuals with disabilities; 2) provide demonstration events so that individuals can experience a variety of adaptive devices; 3) develop and manage a recreational assistive technology equipment loan program so that individuals can access the needed equipment for participation; 4) integrate training on participation and use of adaptive recreational technology into existing programs and workshops; 5) expand volunteer networks; 6) greatly increase the opportunity for individuals with disabilities to participate in outdoor recreational activities with their non-disabled friends and family members; and 7) disseminate information nationally.

The MATOR project will serve the target population of individuals with disabilities of all ages in western Montana, including natives of the Confederated Salish-Kootenai tribes of the Flathead Nation and the Blackfeet tribe of the Blackfeet Nation. Through education and awareness efforts and an Assistive Technology equipment loan program, MATOR will serve a minimum of 85 individuals in year one, 115 in year two, and 150 in year three. Through Demonstration Day events, MATOR will serve a minimum of 50 participants in year one, 75 in year two, and 100 in year three. In collaboration with Montana Fish, Wildlife, and Parks at least 150 new and/or seasonal employees will be trained each year. At least 100 volunteers will be trained.

On a national level, MATOR will disseminate training materials and information on project outcomes and innovative strategies so that similar programs in other states may duplicate the efforts. On a state level, MATOR will expand the capability of two state programs to better serve individuals with disabilities, increase access to outdoor recreational activities, and further eliminate barriers to participation for those who experience disability. The individualized benefits of participation in outdoor recreational pursuits will be realized through increased socialization, mobility, independence, and community integration, all important factors supporting enhanced pathways to employment. Participation in this project by individuals who experience disabilities will improve their capacity to enhance vocational skill development, leisure education, leisure networking, and leisure resource development. The Montana Assistive Technology Program and Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks, will continue to implement and support project activities after federal funding has ended. In addition, MATOR’s collaborative efforts with multiple state agencies, disability organizations, businesses, sporting groups, and private individuals will ensure this project's continued momentum and growth.