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Social and Behavioral Sciences Commons

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2012

University of Montana

State of the science report

Articles 1 - 5 of 5

Full-Text Articles in Social and Behavioral Sciences

Disability And Rehabilitation In Rural America: A Synopsis Of The State Of The Science 2012, University Of Montana Rural Institute Aug 2012

Disability And Rehabilitation In Rural America: A Synopsis Of The State Of The Science 2012, University Of Montana Rural Institute

Independent Living and Community Participation

The Research and Training Center on Disability in Rural Communities at the University of Montana conducted a state-of-the-science conference on the status of rural disability and rehabilitation from April 17- 20, 2012. The conference was conducted over the Internet, making it accessible for many who might not otherwise have been able to participate. A total of 179 participants in 45 states participated over the four days. Four nationally-acclaimed leaders in rural policy and practice addressed the question, “How do rural community; rural economic development and employment; and rural health overlap with disability and rehabilitation?” Each keynote speaker described his or …


Overview Of Rural America: Past, Present, And Future, Brian Dabson, Nancy Arnold, Tom Seekins Ph.D., University Of Montana Rural Institute Apr 2012

Overview Of Rural America: Past, Present, And Future, Brian Dabson, Nancy Arnold, Tom Seekins Ph.D., University Of Montana Rural Institute

Independent Living and Community Participation

Rural America is a diverse and changing place. Small-town America, the family farm, and the frontier west are images that have long formed the foundation of the rural American dream. Basic rural values that are ingrained in visions of open spaces, picturesque rolling hills, rich farmlands, patchwork waves of grain, and majestic mountains are alive and romanticized in our culture. Yet these popular images mask the reality that rural America is an extremely significant, diverse, and complex part of our society, with resources, problems, and needs that are extensive and largely misunderstood. This paper addresses several key issues and suggests …


Community Development, Cornelia Flora, Nancy Arnold, University Of Montana Rural Institute Apr 2012

Community Development, Cornelia Flora, Nancy Arnold, University Of Montana Rural Institute

Independent Living and Community Participation

Our physical communities – the places we live and the people with whom we live – shape our lives. Often, our communities choose us; we are born into them, and we simply stay because it is what we know. Some get to choose or create their community. Others choose or are forced to leave. Rural communities differ widely in their economic base, culture values and practices, and social structure (Flora, 1992). The rural economy influences the opportunities with which we are presented, which in turn influences whether we leave or whether we stay. But the economy and jobs are not …


Overview Of Economic Development, Don Macke, Nancy Arnold, University Of Montana Rural Institute Apr 2012

Overview Of Economic Development, Don Macke, Nancy Arnold, University Of Montana Rural Institute

Independent Living and Community Participation

Economic development is a vast concept with an abundance of meanings depending upon the audience. A widely accepted view of economic development is as follows: In the United States with our market economy focus, economic development typically centers on increasing private business activity as a way to increase new investment, job creation and tax base expansion. Economies and economic development should serve the needs of residents and society through the creation of meaningful work. (RUPRI Center for Rural Entrepreneurship, 2005) Historically, rehabilitation worked to restore as much lost function as possible so that a person with a disability could engage …


Overview Of Rural Health, Vincent Francisco, Craig Ravesloot Ph.D., University Of Montana Rural Institute Apr 2012

Overview Of Rural Health, Vincent Francisco, Craig Ravesloot Ph.D., University Of Montana Rural Institute

Independent Living and Community Participation

Ultimately, the challenge of health care reform is the challenge of building community (Shortell et al., 1996). It makes little sense to discuss health without also discussing environment. Environments may be toxic physical environments due to pollution, noise and crime, or toxic social environments that promote health risk behavior like smoking and sedentary living. Alternatively, environments may be constructed to promote health behavior (e.g., physical activity) or reduce health risks (e.g., indoor smoking policy). In either case, the population’s health status is shaped by their environment. Rural people are less healthy than urban people (Institute of Medicine, 2005). Rural environments …