There's just one thing to know this week.

Apr 08, 2025

Poster of a child holding a pencil bigger than they are crouching and inspecting a pile of pencil shavings. Text reads, AG Knudsen, your Outnumbered, When and Where, Disability Rights Montana, 1022 Chestnut Street, Helena, MT 59601, April 10, noon-7:00pm

Outnumbered

Montana’s Attorney General has yet to speak to anyone in Montana’s disability community about the lawsuit he is part of to find Section 504 unconstitutional and make it unenforceable. News outlets continue to go easy on Attorney General Austin Knudsen, quoting his half truths instead of what is written and filed in court documents.

The lawsuit clearly states Austin Knudsen wants Section 504 to be declared unconstitutional and wants to make it unenforceable:

screenshot of the Demand for relief section of the lawsuit. tow highlighted sections showing the request to declare Section 504 unconstitutional and to issue a permanent injuntion to make it unenforceable.

Section 504 has provided safeguards and access for disabled people in doctor offices, on websites, and in the classroom. Because of Section 504, disabled students have been given more education than ever before, excelling beyond the basics of how to read and write. Perhaps that’s what Austin Knudsen is taking issue with, maybe we now read and write too well?

Participate in our protest against the 504 lawsuit

Join us for the opening day of our interactive art installation against injustice.

When: April 10, noon-7:00pm
Where: 1022 Chestnut Street, Helena, MT

This will be ongoing until Austin Knudsen removes his name and Montana from the lawsuit against Section 504. Future days and times to participate will be announced on Thursday April 10th.

Join the Super Secret Group Chat

Spring in Montana is both beautiful and fleeting. So let's make the most of these next several weeks! As disabled Montanans, what outdoor recreational activities are you most looking forward to this spring and summer? All adventures, no matter how small are still adventures! Tell the community what you are up to and perhaps find some new adventures to try out!

Share your Montana adventure plans!

Let’s Stay Connected, grab a Coffee, and Change the World

Thank you for taking the time to read our newsletter. We hope these updates empower you to stay informed, engaged, and active toward actualizing true inclusion of people with disabilities. Please share this newsletter with friends, colleagues, and anyone else interested in disability justice and living beyond compliance.

Let’s keep pushing for a more inclusive and equitable Montana—together!

Share Life Beyond Compliance

For questions, comments, or to get involved, just reply to this email or visit our website: disabilityrightsmt.org.

Me ka mahalo,
Kona Franks-Ongoy
Director of Communications
Disability Rights Montana