The Research & Training Center on Disability in Rural Communities develops solutions to problems faced by people with disabilities living in rural America.
Founded 1987. The Research and Training Center on Disability in Rural Communities (RTC:Rural) was established in 1987 as part of the Rural Institute at the University of Montana. RTC:Rural is funded by the National Institute on Disability and Rehabilitation Research to improve the ability of persons with disabilities to live independently in rural America. RTC: Rural combines a comprehensive progr
05/13/2026
It's not too late to register!
Join RTC:Rural on May 20th, 2026 for our Policy and Practice Summit, "Protecting Access to Rural Community Living for People With Disabilities"
See you there! Register here: https://umontana.zoom.us/meeting/register/nTld_3s4QuSQnUbEhzZFQA #/registration
05/04/2026
Join RTC:Rural on May 20th, 2026, for our Policy and Practice Summit, "Protecting Access to Rural Community Living for People with Disabilities."
Register with the Zoom link here: https://umontana.zoom.us/meeting/register/nTld_3s4QuSQnUbEhzZFQA #/registration
03/20/2026
Mark your calendars! The 2026 Policy and Practice Summit, Protecting Access to Rural Community Living for People with Disabilities, will take place on May 20, 1:00-3:00 MST. Follow RTC:Rural and watch for more updates!
09/18/2024
Join RTC:Rural and the Urban Institute for a panel discussion on Elevating Rural Disability Data for Policy Impact
Tuesday, September 24th
2:30 - 4:00PM (EST)
Link to registration here: https://www.urban.org/events/elevating-rural-disability-data-policy-impact
08/23/2024
SAVE THE DATE
Tuesday, September 24th
2:30-4:00pm EST
Join the RTC:Rural and the Urban Institute for a virtual panel discussion on Elevating Rural Disability Data for Policy Impact.
08/16/2024
The Rural Institute for Inclusive Communities would like to officially announce our new Director! Please welcome Molly Kimmel!
Molly previously worked as the MonTECH Program Director, the MT URLEND Coordinator, and as a practicing Occupational Therapist. She served as Interim Director for the RIIC from 2023 to 2024.
We are so excited to welcome Molly to her new role!
08/14/2024
Did you Know?
Rural Veterans, who make up 17% of the U.S. Veteran population, face higher rates of disability and significant barriers to accessing healthcare compared to their urban counterparts. Centers for Independent Living (CILs) play a vital role in supporting these Veterans by providing essential services and helping them navigate VA benefits.
Veterans in Focus: Disability and Veterans in Rural America
Interested in learning more about Rural Veterans? Check out our newest fact sheet from RTC:Rural researchers Hannah Pepprock and Lillie Greiman. Click the link for more information: https://scholarworks.umt.edu/ruralinst_health_wellness/62/
Check out one of our partner CILs, The Independence Center , making a difference in the lives of rural veterans.
08/07/2024
Are you a CIL consumer?
Do you live in a rural area?
Do you use transportation vouchers? (sometimes called "taxi vouchers" or "checks")
If yes, we want to hear from you!
Complete a 1-on-1 interview over the phone or Zoom.
Receive $50 for your time.
To learn more or sign up for an interview:
Please contact Luke Santore by email ([email protected]) or phone (406) 243- 4585
07/19/2024
Save the date for MontCOMM '24!
Date: August 9th, 2024 8:30am-3:30pm. In Missoula or Online
Connection, Communication, and Checking Your Assumptions.
Featuring AAC experts Lauren Enders Gonzales and Brenda Del Monte for a full day of learning.
MontCOMM '24 is open to SLPs, OTs, educators, families, direct support professionals, and anyone who believes everyone deserves a voice.
Group Discount Available. Need CEUs? $100 to attend in person or virtually.
No CEUs? $50 to attend in person or virtually?
Registration: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/montcomm-24-tickets-879758059037?aff=erelexpmlt
🌟 Interested in sharing your story? 🌟
Dr. Emily Lund from the University of Alabama and Dr. Elena Portacolone from the University of California San Francisco are conducting a study on the experiences of older adults (60+) with disabilities who receive paid personal care assistance.
Participate in a 60-minute interview and receive a $50 VISA gift card! Interviews are confidential and scheduled at your convenience. Contact Dr. Emily Lund at [email protected] for more information!
In order to participate in this study, you must: a) age 60 older; b) currently reside in the United States; c) have one or more disabilities that interfere with daily life functions (e.g., walking, eating, bathing, remembering, thinking, etc); d) live in the community (e.g., your own home or apartment; NOT a hospital or nursing home), and e) receive paid personal care with activities of daily living (e.g., eating, bathing, dressing, getting around, communicating, etc).