Rural Disability Research
As leaders in rural disability research, we collaborate with disability community members across the country to shape our research agenda and ensure that our evidence-based solutions fit their rural contexts. Together, we work to improve the ability of people with disabilities to engage and thrive in rural life.
Focus Areas
Our work spreads across several Focus Areas. You can find links to our research findings and products in each Focus Area, including journal articles, fact sheets, toolkits, infographics, websites, and more.
RTC:Rural Spotlight
The state of Montana asked the Rural Institute for Inclusive Communities to help coordinate the creation of an Olmstead Plan. An Olmstead Plan is a state's plan to ensure people with disabilities can receive State services in their communities. It is about helping people with disabilities live where they want.
This process will be from Spring 2024 to Winter 2025. This summer we will be traveling all over Montana to talk with people and learn what people think about the plan. Check back here for more information on Olmstead and details on this summer's engagement sessions, coming soon!
Disability Counts
Disability Counts provides multiple tools for accessing national data about people with disabilities in America. The dashboards include interactive maps of county-level data, state-level data, and data on individuals who are institutionalized in correctional facilities and nursing homes. You can also search by geographic areas and disability variables to generate your own unique dataset. This easy-to-use tool includes a tutorial to assist users in navigating the site.