RTC:Rural

10/08/2026

The 2026 National Survey on Health and Disability (NSHD) is open!

The National Survey on Health and Disability (NSHD) is one of the largest national surveys asking people with disabilities about their experiences with health care access, housing, transportation, health insurance, community participation, and other life experiences.

You are not invisible! Take our survey and share your story.

Take the survey at: https://kuhealthsurvey.org

The 2026 National Survey on Health and Disability (NSHD) is open!

You are not invisible! Take our survey and share your story.

Take the survey at: https://kuhealthsurvey.org

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