MonTECH

04/28/2026

One communication app does not fit all, but there are so many choices! Register to join MonTECH online on Wednesday, May 20th 3:00-4:30 pm to learn about matching a student with limited (or no) spoken communication to the right app. We'll also talk about different app options and when it might be appropriate to go with a school-preferred app instead of the best personal fit.

Montana educators earn 2 OPI Renewal Units for this free training. Therapists who are affiliated with a public school OR serve some public-school students in their private practice are also most welcome to attend!

Register now: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/feature-matching-for-students-with-communication-challenges-tickets-1967742488754?aff=ebdsoporgprofile

04/26/2026

Cadence was our student worker last year; further evidence MonTECH has a knack for finding outstanding students and dragging them into the fold. Congratulations, Cadence!! 🏆🏆🏆

04/24/2026

Our team attended Collaboration for Change, an online training series culminating today in a hilarious but heartfelt speech by comedian, actor, and writer Zach Anner. Zach quoted legendary disability activist Hale Zukas: "Disability is not a tragedy, it is a tremendous hassle.” Today Zach added, "For many, the hassle derails the dream."

It was moving to hear serious reflection from a man who has built a career on being funny, and one of his talking points really hit home: "A joyful life is worth fighting for."

Thank you for sharing "joyful grit" today, Zach Anner. And for including a few of our favorite clips, from "Workout Wednesdays" to "The Quest for the Rainbow Bagel."

You can find Zach Anner on Facebook, .anner on Instagram, and on YouTube. Also at www.zachanner.com

To learn more about Hale Zukas, check out this fantastic article: https://www.theguardian.com/society/2023/jan/08/disability-rights-warrior-hale-zukas-life

Collaboration for Change was hosted by the North Dakota Center for Persons with Disabilities, a sister program of Montana's Rural Institute for Inclusive Communities.

Photo credits:
Photo of Hale Zukas taken by Carlos Avila Gonzalez/San Francisco Chronicle, featured in The Guardian in January 2023.
Promotional shot of Zach Anner with his book, If at Birth You Don't Succeed

04/23/2026

Moving Mountains Foundation is at it again, hosting a fantastic, inclusive event for people of all abilities! The All Abilities Ice-Skate will be May 3rd, 1:30-3:30 at Glacier Rink in Missoula. With experienced volunteers and adaptive equipment on hand, anyone can skate! The rink is reserved for this event, so no worries about stares or glares. ❤ Come, be yourself, and have a good time!

This event is free, but a $5 donation is appreciated. Visit Movingmountainsmt.org for more information.

04/22/2026

We're happy to have a small role in supporting this child's journey, and Mosaic Health & Rehab - Belgrade!

We love finding creative solutions to get kiddos on the move! Check out this combo on loan from … a Scooot Rider, paired with a for support! 🏎️ Morgan and grad student, Shealee, are feeling very proud of this one!!

04/22/2026

For all the negative talk about screen time, iPads are incredible tools and excellent learning supports. They also have impressive accessibility features and are used extensively as alternative communication. iPads continue to be the most frequently requested item from MonTECH's free equipment loan library. MT-AT.org

04/21/2026

Teachers (and everyone who supports inclusion)! Check out this fabulous, interactive hallway display created by Chad Madsen! Chad is a frequent contributor to the Assistive Technology Fb page - a creative idea man - and he's given us permission to share.

Chad used a Cosmo switch (the glowing blue button) so anyone, regardless of ability, can tap the button and play/pause holiday music. The red Ablenet button is connected to a Powerlink device inside to turn on the lights. The snowmen light up and the rough sequin fabric adds a tactile experience for sensory-seeking hands.

Guess what? Montanans can borrow Cosmos, Ablenet switches, Powerlink, and Bluetooth speakers from MonTECH for free! Caveat: the artistic vision is on you. 😎

We're looking forward to seeing what Chad does for his spring display. (Hopefully a video shows up as well as pics. Hint, hint, Chad!))

Chad Madsen is a Technology Integration Specialist in Sioux Falls, SD.

04/20/2026

Where there's a will, there's a way. For real, man!

(Video description: man in wheelchair with limited hand dexterity is having trouble using his game controller to play a Mario game. His controller flips out of his hands, so he tries to stabilize it by resting it on a pillow. This doesn't work well, so he attaches a ring pull and joystick extension to the controller, then mounts the controller on a legit mount. Success!)

04/20/2026

"Disability drives innovation, and accessibility helps everyone!" Thank you, Maddy H., for passing along this great message for us to share ♥

04/20/2026

Michelle and Shawna found a new friend during a presentation for Julia Mazzarella's physical-therapy students. The conversation is a bit one-sided, but we'll make the relationship work.