History

The Montana Center for Cerebral Palsy opened its doors on November 4, 1947 in the basement of McMullen Hall. Services included a part-time school, speech therapy and physical therapy. Participating counties included Yellowstone, Big Horn, Carbon, Stillwater, and Treasure. The program was sponsored by the Montana State Board of Health, Eastern Montana College of Education, Montana Society for Crippled Children and Adults, and the Billings Kiwanis Club.

In 1948 the services extended to Carter, Custer, Powder River and Rosebud counties. A second special education teacher, an occupational therapist, and a part-time psychologist joined the staff. Eight (8) children were enrolled in the school and 43 children participated in the medical clinics.

The Center became the Montana Center for Cerebral Palsy and Handicapped Children in 1955. The area of service was extended to the entire state of Montana. Services were offered for all handicapping conditions. By 1958 31 children were enrolled in the school. In a ten year period from 1948-1958 the number of clinics increased to a total of 261 and 1,012 children were evaluated.

1967 was a very important year as restructuring formally made the Center a part of Eastern Montana College by the Board of Regents in July. Part of the funds were Public Service funds, the remainder of the funding included self-generated revenue, gifts, contract, and grants.

The Center moved into the new Special Education Building in November, 1972 which coincided with the 25th anniversary celebration. Cleft palate, spina bifida, and medical clinics were held in conjunction with the self contained school housed in the building. The ages of the students ranged from birth to 25 years old. Respite care was also added to the program.

The early 80's brought a focus change from a medical model to an educational model. The Center had 5 classrooms: 4 elementary and 1 secondary. 24 students resided in Yellowstone County, 9 out of county and 1 out of state. Governor Ted Schwinden notified The Center that it was selected as one of the four exemplary education programs servicing children with disabilities in Montana.

A major change occurred in 1986 when School District 2 integrated the school children to neighborhood schools in the area. The Hearing Conservation Program serving 12 Montana counties and 9,000 children per year was added. Department of Health and Environmental Sciences funded medical clinics that provided service to 250 clients per year. The Center held a 40th anniversary party and the Radio Reading service started reading on the air in 1988.

In 1990 the EMC Preschool was moved to the Special Education Building in the multi-purpose room and placed under Montana Center supervision. Respite Care continued to be provided until the Spring of 1993.

1993 brought the Projects With Industry federal grant under Montana Center supervision during the 3rd year of a 5 year cycle. PWI served 72 adults with 23 different disabling conditions over five years and worked with 35 employers. The Montana Brain Injury Association, Parent's Lets Unite for Kids, and the EMC Telecommunications department were housed in the first floor of the Special Education building.

The mid 90's included major changes in focus and involved a legislative name change to the Montana Center on Disabilities to include Montanans of all ages.

Montana Center on Disabilities
College of Education
Montana State University Billings
1500 University Drive
Billings, MT 59101

For more information call (406) 657-2312 (Voice/TTY), 1-888-866-3822 (Toll Free) or (406)657-2313 (Fax)