picture of rural montana with the RTC logo

Church in Sitka, Alaska

Research and Training Center
on Disability in
Rural Communities


RTC:Rural Description

The Research and Training Center on Disability in Rural Communities (RTC:Rural) was established in 1988 as part of the Rural Institute at the University of Montana. RTC:Rural is funded by the National Institute on Rehabilitation Research to improve the ability of persons with disabilities to live independently in rural America. To do this RCT:Rural

  • Organizes and implements a comprehensive, integrated program of research and training.

  • Produces cost-effective, replicable "social technologies" for solving rural community problems.

  • Develops rural community infrastructure to enhance the opportunities for people with disabilities to achieve their own goals by leading healthy and independent lives.

  • Integrates disability issues into the agenda of agencies, organizations, and programs that address broad issues.

  • Represents rural issues to agencies, organizations, and programs addressing disability issues.

  • Advances a science of rural community disability and rehabilitation.
  • RTC Rural Institute University of Montana NIDRR