The Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services brought together employers, advocates, and job seekers recently for its fourth annual Disability Employment Summit, an event aimed at breaking down barriers to work for Montanans with disabilities. Lieutenant Governor Kristen Juras delivered opening remarks at the summit.

DPHHS reported that approximately 79,000 Montanans are living with disabilities — a population the agency says represents a largely untapped workforce. The summit, now in its fourth year, has become a consistent fixture on the state's workforce development calendar, drawing participants from across Montana to share strategies and resources.

Juras's appearance underscored the Gianforte administration's stated interest in workforce participation, a theme the governor has pushed broadly across state agencies. For Helena, where state government is the dominant employer, the summit's focus on public and private sector hiring practices has local relevance beyond the statewide numbers.

DPHHS did not release a full list of employers or organizations represented at this year's summit. Montanans seeking disability employment resources can contact the department directly.