MOUNTAIN LIFEWORKS

Mountain Lifeworks is a data driven organization that targets solutions by identifying the highest costs and greatest needs. Mountain Lifeworks connects people of different abilities with opportunities to help themselves and their neighbors through community-based public-private partnerships. By examining data like unemployment, healthcare costs, mental health, small business ownership and poverty rates we target solutions where they intersect to improve outcomes and reduce costs.

It's important to understand disabilities, depression and contributing factors are not exclusive to any single cause or community. Mountain Lifeworks complements existing government systems and helps connect options and alternatives where none exist. Data indicates where systems are under-performing or failing to reach intended local beneficiaries. At the same time flawed policies and bureaucracies make it nearly impossible to access many existing programs and benefits.

YEAR IN REVIEW 2024 | Mountain Lifeworks

Disability Impacts All of Us Infographic | CDC

State Profile Data: Adults 18+ Disability and Health Data | CDC

COFFEE with a CAUSE | Mountain Lifeworks

BALANCED APPROACH

A balanced approach recognizes the term “disability” has both a legal and a medical definition. The term “disability” in a medical context refers to eligibility for benefits like Social Security, etc. The term “disability” in the legal context refers to eligibility for protections under the ADA. A balanced approach also understands poverty and unemployment are not mental health or medical conditions therefore they require different expertise and solutions.

The ADA defines a person with a disability as having a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits one or more major life activity. Examples of major life activities are breathing, walking, talking, hearing, seeing, sleeping, caring for one’s self, performing manual tasks, working and major bodily functions. The ADA guarantees people with disabilities equal opportunities to work, purchase goods and services, and participate in state and local government programs.

Introduction to the Americans with Disabilities Act | ADA.gov

State and Local Governments | ADA.gov

CLOSING GAPS

Current data identifies gaps in systems and policy making the delivery of new and existing benefits expensive, complicated or impossible. The dual definitions of the term disability and different applications only complicate eligibility and delivery systems. This exposes a key gap between tools and funding for professionals who earn a living helping individuals and those individuals having the same opportunities to earn a living and help themselves.

Data reveals the same challenges Urban areas face are often worse in Microopolitan and Rural counties. Disability rates, government healthcare enrollment, disability unemployment, poverty, mental distress and suicide rates all increase as population density decreases. This is exacerbated by seasonal and part-time jobs in Microopolitan and Rural counties compared to full-time year-round employment in Urban areas with employer health plans and more choices.

Disability & Health U.S. State Profile Data: Colorado | CDC

Frequent Mental Distress Among Adults with Disabilities Summary | CDC