MonTECH provides vital equipment for Montanans with disabilities

MONTANA — Nearly 15 percent of Montanans live with a disability, which often leads to significant financial strain. MonTECH, a library of equipment available statewide, offers essential support for these individuals.

One beneficiary of MonTECH's services is Daphne Magruder, a nine-year-old with a rare genetic condition so unique it remains unnamed. Daphne's mother, Kassi Magruder, explained the impact MonTECH has had on their lives.

"She is non-verbal. She has a really hard time with mobility, so she just learned to walk, and she's nine, so that's a really big deal. We have been using MonTECH for lots of different services since she was born," said Kassi Magruder.

Shawna Hanson, the associate director of MonTECH, emphasized the program's importance for people of all ages across Montana.

"We meet people every day who are just trying to find workarounds so they can continue to work their jobs even if they've encountered a physical setback. Continue to be efficient, continue to be independent," said Hanson.

Kassi highlighted the challenges of navigating insurance for those with disabilities and their caregivers, noting how MonTECH's services ease this burden.

"Being able to trial three or four different, you know, different seating devices for her and make sure, like, this is the thing that works best for her, because that process of getting a piece of equipment approved by insurance and paid for by insurance and then actually delivered by the company to your door takes so long that you can't be wrong about it," said Kassi.

Kassi shared that MonTECH has helped Daphne live more freely and expressed a desire for greater awareness of this resource among the community.

For those interested in learning more about MonTECH’s offerings, visit their website or stop by one of their offices in Missoula or Billings.