About Us.
The Montana Accessible Recreation Opportunities pilot project is a joint venture provided by MonTECH at the University of Montana Rural Institute on Disabilities and funded by the DBTAC: Rocky Mountain ADA Center. The goal of this project is to become a one-stop resource for comprehensive accessibility information for all Montana public recreation lands. This informational website is intended to help users plan and participate in recreational outings at public outdoor sites in order to increase opportunities and use of facilities by individuals with disabilities.
The project strives to provide relevant accessibility data using GIS mapping, GPS technology, and a variety of other informational sources to help individuals plan outings at accessible recreational sites. Our interactive database of accessibility, activity, and resource attributes allows users to enter specific criteria to search for recreational sites that will meet their needs for particular activities. It also includes links for Google earth and GPS coordinates for specific locations. For example, individuals who use mobility devices are able to identify specific locations that offer accessible camping sites and also have accessible trails and accessible fishing sites. Website users are encouraged to provide feedback after recreational outings to rate their experiences at specific locations with respect to accessibility. Visit the FAQ link to learn more about using the interactive database and search functions of this website.
This pilot program is currently limited to Northwest Montana. If financial support can be secured, the project will expand to include other areas of Montana and it is hoped that the site will eventually cover the entire state. If you wish to contribute to this effort by offering financial support or by volunteering to collect the information required for recreational sites in your area, please contact the MonTECH program using their in-state toll free number 877.243.5511 or email montech@ruralinstitute.umt.edu
About MonTECH.
MonTECH specializes in Assistive Technology (AT) and disability related issues and oversees a variety of projects to achieve the goal of providing a comprehensive, statewide system of AT-related assistance. We strive to ensure that all Montanans with disabilities have access to assistive technology devices and services in order to enhance their independence, productivity, and quality of life. MonTECH is a program within the University of Montana Rural Institute. One of MonTECH’s activities includes demonstrations and short term equipment loan of recreational assistive technology. To learn more about our programs and access to recreational assistive technology information and services, please call (877) 243-5511 or visit our website http://montech.ruralinstitute.umt.edu.
About DBTAC: Rocky Mountain ADA Center.
The DBTAC: Rocky Mountain ADA Center, is one of ten regional Disability and Business Technical Assistance Centers (DBTAC) nationwide established by the U.S. Department of Education, National Institute on Disability and Rehabilitation Research (NIDRR) to provide information, training, and technical assistance to employers, people with disabilities, and other entities with responsibilities under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). The Rocky Mountain ADA Center serves Montana, Colorado, Utah, Wyoming, North Dakota, and South Dakota and is a comprehensive resource on ADA issues in employment, public services, public accommodations, and communications. For more information about the Rocky Mountain ADA Center, please call (800) 949-4232 or visit their website at http://www.adainformation.org