Mapping community resources and networks

The availability of community resources, as well as access to those resources, has a large impact on the experience of disability. This project will identify the resources available in a community and then figure out how those resources are linked to each other and how individuals know about and access those resources. This study will also examine the relationships between community resources and disability rates across the U.S.

Email: Lillie Greiman (Lillie.Greiman@mso.umt.edu)

Phone: (406) 243-6102

Scaling up a health promotion program

Living Well in the Community (LWC) is an evidence-based, peer-led self-management program that helps participants set and reach quality-of-life goals by developing a healthy lifestyle. RTC:Rural provides training and certification for Centers for Independent Living (CILs) to conduct the workshops. Due to COVID-19, we are providing Living Well training and peer support to CIL partners via online workshops.

Email: Catherine Ipsen (Catherine.Ipsen@mso.umt.edu)

Phone: (406) 243-4562

Developing and evaluating online toolkits for state & tribal Vocational Rehabilitation

Self-employment is an important option for people with disabilities, especially in rural areas where job opportunities are limited. To expand access to self-employment, this project will create, pilot, and evaluate two self-employment resources for state and tribal Vocational Rehabilitation programs. Through community-engaged product development, the project has developed the Vocational Rehabilitation Self-Employment Guide and Tribal Vocational Rehabilitation Self-Employment Toolkit. The project is now focusing on outreach and evaluation of the guide and toolkit.

Websites: Tribal Vocational Rehabilitation Self-Employment Toolkit, Vocational Rehabilitation Self-Employment Guide

Email: Catherine Ipsen (Catherine.Ipsen@mso.umt.edu)

Phone: (406) 243-4562

Exploring small and rural libraries as communication hubs for rural communities

This project analyzes the evolving role of libraries in rural areas as information and communication hubs and examines how people in rural communities share and receive information or become aware of resources, with an emphasis on rural people with disabilities. The intent is to compile promising and best practices for communicating information in rural communities to help community-centered organizations and people with disabilities find the desired knowledge and resources.

Email: Jeff Gutierrez (jeff.gutierrez@mso.umt.edu)

Phone: (406) 243-2515

RISE (Rural Independence and Self-sufficiency Education) Training

The RISE Training, a new tool currently under evaluation, is expected to empower rural disabled consumers by helping them consider how living in a rural area impacts their ability to find and keep personal care attendants. By reviewing the content, consumers can learn practical skills to navigate hurdles and build positive relationships with their caregivers and agencies. By promoting collaboration and communication, this training hopes to empower consumers to advocate for their needs effectively. Stay tuned for updates on the launch date!

Email: Rayna Sage (rayna.sage@mso.umt.edu)

Phone: (406) 243-5233