State AT Programs are required to establish Advisory Councils to provide “consumer-responsive, consumer-driven advice” for the planning, operation, and evaluation of programs, including setting measurable goals. The Advisory Council includes:
- Individuals with disabilities that use assistive technology or the family members or guardians of the individuals;
- A representative of the state vocational rehabilitation agency;
- A representative of a state center for independent living;
- A representative of the state workforce investment board;
- A representative of the state educational agency; and,
- Representatives of other state agencies, public agencies, or private organizations, as determined by the state.
At least 51% of the advisory members must be either individuals with disabilities that use assistive technology, a family member or a guardian of such an individual. Individuals appointed to represent state entities cannot count toward that requirement. The advisory council is a geographical representation of the state and reflects the diversity of the state in regard to race, ethnicity, and type of disabilities across the age span, as well as users of types of services that an individual with a disability may receive.
If you have an interest in being on Montana’s AT Council, please email Molly.Kimmel@mso.umt.edu for more information.
Our AT Council Members:
Isaac Baldry: Isaac Baldry Consulting, Rural Institute for Inclusive Communities’ Consumer Advisory Council
Bill Collins: Vice President of Easterseals-Goodwill Retail and Facilities, Great Falls
Doug Doty: Statewide Coordinator for the Montana Autism Education Project (MAEP) of the Montana Office of Public Instruction
Peter Drakos: Summit Independent Living Center, Peer Support and System Advocacy
Kelsey Lastowski: Big Sky Special Needs Co-op – Speech Technician
Tom Manthey: Director of the Montana Center for Inclusive Education at MSU–Billings
Theresa McGeary: Occupational Therapist serving the Missoula County Public School District, MCPS Assistive Technology Committee
Heather O’Hara: Vice President of the Montana Hospital Association
Tom Thompson: Entrepreneur, Summit Independent Living Center Peer Advocate
Cassie Weightman: Ability Montana/Independent Living Center
Ed Worrell: OverHere Consulting, President of Guide Dogs for the Blind Montana Alumni Chapter, Montana Dog Guide Group