• The State of Montana asked the Rural Institute for Inclusive Communities to help create an Olmstead Plan. This process will be from Spring 2024 to Winter 2025.
• Learn more by reading this plain language summary.

What is an Olmstead Plan?

• An Olmstead Plan is a state’s plan to keep people with disabilities living where they want.
• The plan makes sure that people can get services from the State in their communities. People don’t need to live in institutions if they don’t want to.
• The State of Montana is working with partners like us to make the plan. They are also working with the Montana Statewide Independent Living Council (MTSILC).
• We will provide opportunities for people to speak about the plan. This summer we will be traveling around the state to learn what people think about the plan. We want to be sure people get the services they need in their communities. We want the Olmstead Plan to work for everyone!

Our Olmstead workplan has six goals:

1. Show data on services provided by the State of Montana.
2. Ensure plan language is available at all steps of the process.
3. Talk with consumers, stakeholders, and partners statewide. Listen to people and gather feedback on the plan.
4. Produce a draft Olmstead Plan.
5. Create a plan to review the Olmstead Plan in 2026.
6. Share the Olmstead Plan across Montana.

Timeline:

• Spring 2024:
  • Look at data and plan for feedback meetings.
  • Kick-off Meeting held 4/11/24.
• Summer/Fall 2024:
  • Hold feedback meetings around Montana. These will be in-person as much as possible.
• Winter 2024/2025:
  • Look at data from feedback meetings.
• Spring 2025:
  • Begin drafting review plan.
• Summer/Fall 2025:
  • Collect feedback on draft plan, finalize review plan.
• Winter 2025:
  • Share the final plan statewide.

How to get involved:

• Attend feedback meetings around Montana starting in July. Stay tuned for dates!
• Watch for updates on other ways to get involved!