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#RuralDisability eNews

December 2024

A group of people sitting and watching a winter parade. There is a mother with two children waving at the camera with a "holiday" hat on. A second blonde woman sits next to her smiling at the camera.

An older black gentleman stands and speaks into a microphone. He is wearing large black glasses, a blue blazer, and a colorful sweater.

Elevating Rural Disability Data for Policy Impact

In late 2023, the Research & Training Center on Disability in Rural Communities (RTC:Rural) teamed up with the Urban Institute to better understand issues related to using and accessing rural disability data. In September, our discussions and listening sessions culminated in a rural data summit. The full report will be available in early 2025.

Check out the data summit key takeaways!

Network News

In this edition, we wanted to share some happenings outside of RTC:Rural! There are employment, advocacy, and research opportunities currently available. We will share Network News quarterly in our e-newsletter to showcase other groups’ valuable rural disability work and chances for you to get involved.

A young woman with down syndrome leans against a wall posing and smiling for a camera. She has long dark straight hair and wears a white tank top with a jean jacket blouse.

Network Employment Opportunities

A middle aged rural white man poses for the camera. He is wearing a cap, has a medium sized beard, has his arms crossed, and wears a blue flannel.

Disability Rights Montana – Executive Assistant

Disability Rights Montana is hiring for an Executive Assistant position. Check it out below.

View the Program Manager job description (PDF)

Explore More Rural IL Opportunities

Check out one of our partners, APRIL, for additional opportunities in rural Independent Living—jobs, advocacy efforts, and events.

Visit APRIL's website here

Network Advocacy Opportunities

APRIL Transportation Advocacy Committee

In January 2025, our partners at APRIL are starting a new Transportation Advocacy Committee!

For more information, contact Elissa Ellis via email at eellis@april-rural.org. Or, register using the button below.

Two older black men in safety vests stand and speak to a white bus driver inside the bus next to the steering wheel.

Network Research Opportunities

University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign

Are you or someone you know a school administrator working in a rural community? Would you like to share information about your experiences and needs related to preparing students with disabilities for employment in your community?

Our colleagues at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign are looking for rural administrators to complete an online survey. The survey will take about 20 minutes to complete. The information you share will help the special education and school administration fields understand more about the needs and experiences of rural school districts as it relates to preparing students with disabilities for employment. Further, you will receive payment for your participation as well as a free resource geared toward rural schools to support you and your district in facilitating career development for your students with disabilities.

Have questions? Contact the study's primary investigator, Michele Schutz at maschutz@illinois.edu.

Complete the survey now!

University of Minnesota

The University of Minnesota is recruiting for a study exploring the relevant experiences of persons with intellectual and developmental disabilities that prepare them to achieve post-school employment success either through job or entrepreneurial activities.

Target participants for the study are people:

With intellectual and developmental disabilities.
18 years old or above.
Employed part-time or full-time.
Working or running a business for at least 6 months or more.

Learn more or register to participate

The Research and Training Center on Disability in Rural Communities (RTC:Rural) conducts research on disability as part of the Rural Institute for Inclusive Communities at the University of Montana.

RTC:Rural is funded by the National Institute on Disability, Independent Living and Rehabilitation Research (NIDILRR) grant number 90RTCP0008 to improve the ability of people with disabilities to engage in rural community living.