Disability Rights Montana has a new home in Helena, in a building that allows the organization to control costs and expand the services it provides to its clients.

The organization, which serves as Montana's federally designated advocacy and legal group for people with mental, physical and developmental challenges, now resides at 1022 Chestnut St. Its offices previously were located on Park Avenue.

The building goes above and beyond the minimum access requirements in the Americans with Disabilities Act -- which passes its 18-year anniversary today -- and provides ample room for the group, its clients and partner organizations to hold meetings. Purchasing the building on a 20-year mortgage also allows the group to control its costs, board members said.

The organization already has seen increased response from its clients since it moved in several weeks ago, board president Susie McIntyre said.

"We have had more walk-ins in this space since we've moved here than in the past two years at the old building," she said.

Board member Mike Schaff said the larger space will help the group better fight to protect citizens' rights. He said the organization is working to eliminate a marriage penalty that now exists -- people with disabilities, he said, risk losing most of their federal benefits when they marry.

Like many of the board members, McIntyre and Schaff have dealt with disabilities in their own lives. The board also includes people whose family members have disabilities.

"It is our mission to protect the civil rights of all citizens with disabilities," McIntyre said.

Disability Rights Montana has served the state since 1977, providing information, advocacy and legal representation to its clients. More than 150,000 Montanans live with a disability, according to the group.

Reporter Larry Kline: 447-4075 or larry.kline@helenair.com