Demography, Population, and Ecology Commons^™

Challenges And Opportunities In Personal Assistance Services In Rural Contexts, Krys Standley, Rayna A. Sage, Carissa Russell

Independent Living and Community Participation

Little is known about the experiences of people living in rural areas who need paid assistance for activities of daily living in their homes. This study focused on how rurality and access to workers intersected with the daily and community experiences of people who rely on personal assistants (termed “consumers”) for their activities of daily living. We 38 semi-structured qualitative interviews with people who used personal assistance services and identified as living in a rural place. Interview topics included: Finding, hiring, and training workers; worker qualities; and how living in a rural place impacted personal assistance services. From these interviews, …

Montana Voices Amplified: My Perspective: Can I Pet Your Eyes?, Ed Worrell, University Of Montana Rural Institute

Independent Living and Community Participation

The author shares the most common questions he is asked when working with his dog guide, Helen.

Montana Voices Amplified: My Perspective: What Just Happened? Audio Description Can Answer That, Sara Streeter, University Of Montana Rural Institute

Independent Living and Community Participation

Sara Streeter discusses the importance of audio description for people with vision loss when watching a movie or play.

Montana Voices Amplified: My Perspective: I Run My Own Iep; You Can Too!, Heath Montgomery, University Of Montana Rural Institute

Independent Living and Community Participation

An Individual Education Plan (IEP) meeting is an opportunity to meet with the school team to build rapport, express appreciation, brainstorm ideas, and more. This conversation with teachers, school therapists, and parents might be just as important as what ends up in the actual document if it builds respect for you as a self-advocate.

Montana Voices Amplified: My Perspective: Planning For Crisis – Benefits Of A Family Safety Plan, Elizabeth Cummings, University Of Montana Rural Institute

Independent Living and Community Participation

Crisis can be a part of many families’ experiences, including those with a loved one with special needs. It can be hard to talk about, and too often a source of shame or stigma. Like many other families, mine has experienced a crisis, so I understand the challenges as well as the need to discuss the subject. The hard part is knowing where to start.

America At A Glance: An Update On Rural-Urban Difference In Disability Rates, University Of Montana Rural Institute

Independent Living and Community Participation

For this report we analyzed the most recent disability data from the American Community Survey (ACS 5-year estimates 2015-2019) to examine what has changed over the last decade. Our key findings are:

• The disability disparity between rural and urban persists, with higher rates of disability in rural counties
• Rates of disability across rural and urban have increased slightly
• Rates of disability are higher in rural counties across disability type, age, race, and ethnicity

Montana Voices Amplified: My Perspective: Diabetes, Tech And A Series Of Beeps, Ed Worrell, University Of Montana Rural Institute

Independent Living and Community Participation

The author shares the daily technology he uses for diabetes management.

Is Teaching Skills For Independent Living To Disabled Adults Associated With Change In Self-Determination?, Craig Ravesloot Ph.D., Tannis Mardece Hargrove, Tracy Boehm Barrett, Krys Standley, Mary Willard, University Of Montana Rural Institute

Independent Living and Community Participation

The purpose of this study was to examine the effect of teaching people with disabilities independent living skills on the basic human needs specified in Self-Determination Theory (Ryan & Deci, 2000). Nine Centers for Independent Living (CILs) recruited 160 disabled adults with disabilities to participate in weekly group sessions to go through the Community Living Skills curriculum (CLS). The CLS curriculum includes 10 sessions that cover basic independent living skills. Groups of participants met weekly to go through the curriculum with a CIL staff member trained in workshop facilitation. We used the Basic Needs Satisfaction General Scale (Gagne, 2003) to …

Montana Voices Amplified: My Perspective: Rediscovering Museums With Tactile Tours, Sara Streeter, University Of Montana Rural Institute

Independent Living and Community Participation

A tactile tour is just what it sounds like—a tour that gives a visually impaired patron an opportunity to touch museum exhibits themselves or small models of some of the items on display. This Montana Voices Amplified submission shares tactile tour tips.

Montana Voices Amplified: My Perspective: Old Tv Static: Finding ‘My Way’ Through Medical Trauma, Bee Croyle, University Of Montana Rural Institute

Independent Living and Community Participation

“The summer between my freshman and sophomore year of high school, I went to camp in Oregon. Halfway through my week there, my legs stopped working. It happened slowly at first, the feeling of old TV static climbing up my legs till I was in a wheelchair. Then came the pain.” This issue of Montana Voices Amplified shares the author’s tips on managing medical trauma.

Montana Voices Amplified: A Parent’S Perspective: Plexiglass Butterflies – Lessons Learned At The Children’S Hospital, Elizabeth Hill, University Of Montana Rural Institute

Independent Living and Community Participation

I used to be offended when someone would comment innocently, “I don’t know how you do it.” “It” being raising a child with special needs. Now, with a few more years of wisdom and empathy under my belt, I recognize the meaning and message behind their words.

Montana Voices Amplified: My Perspective: Help Me Pick Up What You’Re Putting Down. Accessible Communication For The Blind / Low Vision Community, Ed Worrell, University Of Montana Rural Institute

Independent Living and Community Participation

Here are four simple ways to make sure text messages, emails, and other digital communications are accessible to people with visual impairments.

Montana Voices Amplified: You Can’T Pour From An Empty Cup, Mathalia Stroethoff, Jan Stroethoff, Carol Lode, Elizabeth Cummings, University Of Montana Rural Institute

Independent Living and Community Participation

In these times of stay-at-home orders, physical distancing, and remote teaching and learning, we need to nurture ourselves. In this issue of Montana Voices Amplified, members of the Rural Institute Consumer Advisory Council share the strategies they use to reinvigorate and replenish themselves. Maybe you can use these strategies to “fill your cup” too!

Montana Voices Amplified: A Parent’S Perspective: Take It From Your New Bestie, You Can’T Do Everything, Elizabeth Hill, University Of Montana Rural Institute

Independent Living and Community Participation

How can families address all the needs of their special needs child(ren) and typically developing child(ren)? As human beings and as parents, it is physically, emotionally, and logistically impossible to meet every need of each member of your family. But, here are some suggestions.

America At A Glance: 5310 & 5311 Transportation Funding In Rural Counties, University Of Montana Rural Institute

Independent Living and Community Participation

The United States Federal Transit Administration (FTA) maintains two programs designed to support transportation for people with disabilities and rural communities. The FTA’s Elderly and Persons with Disabilities program (§5310) provides federal funding to states to assist in meeting the transportation needs of older adults (65+) and people with disabilities. The Formula Grants for Rural Areas program (§5311) provides funding for public transportation to rural areas with populations less than 50,000. Although 16% of Americans with disabilities and older adults live in rural counties, these counties only receive 5% of available funding for providing them with transportation (§5310), and 49% …

Montana Voices Amplified: A Parent’S Perspective: How I Am Successfully Homeschooling My Child, Tracy Gulledge Street, University Of Montana Rural Institute

Independent Living and Community Participation

The COVID-19 pandemic has people considering homeschooling; here are five things to consider if you are homeschooling your child.

Montana Voices Amplified: A Parent Teacher’S Perspective: Exploring Disability And Navigating A New World, Elizabeth Cummings, University Of Montana Rural Institute

Independent Living and Community Participation

I found myself unexpectedly entering the world of disability 13 years ago when my oldest son, Charlie, was born with complex health and developmental challenges. Later diagnosed with autism and a genetic disorder, Charlie led me through the new worlds of early intervention, case management, children’s hospitals, and intervention plans. As Charlie grew older, I shifted my professional focus to special education, hoping others in my community might benefit from the skills I am learning in raising a child of my own with special needs. I want to share with you a few of the amazing students I have the …

Montana Voices Amplified: A Parent’S Perspective: How To Advocate Without Alienating Team Members, Elizabeth Hill, University Of Montana Rural Institute

Independent Living and Community Participation

How do you advocate for someone without alienating the teachers, therapists and administrators on your child’s team? Here are five steps that facilitate positive school team experiences.

Montana Voices Amplified: A Parent’S Perspective: Navigating Face Coverings, Elizabeth Cummings, University Of Montana Rural Institute

Independent Living and Community Participation

Everyone is talking about masks. As the research on their effectiveness as a tool to battle the COVID-19 pandemic grows, so does the list of places requiring them. Montana recently joined the states with a mask mandate, perhaps raising questions for many families with an individual with a disability. I am a parent of a child with complex special needs and have had these thoughts going through my mind over the last months as well. Could my son Charlie ever wear a mask? How would I teach him? What does the new normal mean for my unique family?

America At A Glance: How Do Working-Age Adults With Travel-Limiting Disabilities Get Around?, University Of Montana Rural Institute

Independent Living and Community Participation

Using data from the 2017 National Household Travel Survey, this research brief explores travel behaviors and characteristics of rural and urban people with disabilities. Summary findings: Rural people report a slightly higher rate of travel-related disability, and are also more likely to report being a driver. Urban people with disabilities are more likely to use other transportation options, like special transit services, reduced-fare taxi, or public transit. Overall, people with disabilities who are drivers report higher rates of employment and lower rates of poor health.

Least Restrictive Approaches To Supporting Individuals As Decision Makers, University Of Montana Rural Institute For Inclusive Communities

Independent Living and Community Participation

Too often full guardianship is the default option for individuals who need assistance with decision-making, which is very restrictive. There are alternative approaches to guardianship that are flexible and can adapt to the changing needs an individual may experience. This fact sheet shares some alternative approaches to guardianship, defines guardianship, addresses myths about decision-making supports, and provides links to guardianship and decision-making resources for further information.

Perceptions Of Vulnerability To Flooding, Hurricanes, And Climate Change On Grand Isle, Louisiana’S Only Inhabited Barrier Island, Lauren Miller

Graduate Student Theses, Dissertations, & Professional Papers

This study used in-depth interviews of permanent residents on Grand Isle, Louisiana, a remote barrier island, to better understand their perceptions of structural flood measures, non-structural responses to flooding and hurricanes, and perceptions of vulnerability to flooding, hurricanes, and climate change on a remote barrier island-Grand Isle, Louisiana. Residents' perceptions regarding the various structural measures implemented by the federal, state, and local government appeared mixed. Non-structural responses to flooding risks implemented at the household, community, state, and federal level continue to strengthen resiliency on Grand Isle. According to interviewees, aspects of environmental, rural, and economic vulnerability on Grand Isle impact …

Life Starts At Home: Exploring How Housing Impacts Participation For People With Disabilities, Rtc: Rural, University Of Montana Rural Institute

Independent Living and Community Participation

Modern perspectives of disability focus on the impact of the environment on the participation and independence of people with disabilities. The interaction between a person and their surroundings can either support or inhibit their functional needs to live independently and participate in the community (World Health Organization). RTC:Rural research on housing and ecology indicates that increasing the availability of accessible and usable housing is a significant step toward building greater community participation and independent living for all. Accessibility and usability issues within the home can present barriers to daily living that negatively impact an individual’s ability to participate in their …

Stephen Hawking As Accidental Ambassador For Assistive Technologies, Martin E. Blair

Independent Living and Community Participation

An article about Stephen Hawking and his "role as a “spokesmodel” for the use of assistive technologies."

Note that the video embedded in the original article can be found on YouTube.

Data Limitations In The American Community Survey: The Impact On Rural Disability Research, Lillie Greiman, University Of Montana Rural Institute

Independent Living and Community Participation

The American Community Survey (ACS) provides disability data across a wide range of variables and geographies. In fact, the ACS provides county-level disability data for variables such as gender, race, veteran status, poverty status and employment for people with disabilities. This is beneficial to rural disability researchers as rural is most commonly classified at the county level. However, though the ACS is a rich and comprehensive data source it is not without limitations. Rural researchers in particular are acutely aware of these limitations. The ACS provides data estimates for disability in rural counties but because of the survey design these …

Prevalence Of Disability: Individual And Household Context, Christiane Von Reichert, University Of Montana Rural Institute

Independent Living and Community Participation

The American Community Survey (ACS) is a widely used source of disability data. These data put individual disability rates in the US at 12% -13%, or 1 in 8. However, by considering the household context, the impact of disability is considerably greater than disability data for individuals would suggest. At the household level, disability affects approximately 78 million people, or 25% of the U.S. population. This analysis shows that millions of Americans without disabilities are influenced by household member with disabilities, highlighting that the impact of disability at the household level goes beyond the number of individuals with disabilities.

Transportation And Geographical Challenges, Martin E. Blair, C. Feeley, University Of Montana Rural Institute

Independent Living and Community Participation

The Policy Summit: Innovations in Adult Programming, sponsored by the Autism Services, Education, Resources, and Training Collaborative (ASERT) brought together experts from across the United States who specialize in programs and policy development and implementation for adults with autism spectrum disorder, intellectual disability, other developmental disabilities, and mental health diagnoses. The purpose of this presentation was to discuss ways to address transportation and geographical challenges faced by policy and decision-makers to generate new ideas in Pennsylvania.

Which Came First, People Or Pollution? A Review Of Theory And Evidence From Longitudinal Environmental Justice Studies, Paul Mohai, Robin Saha

Environmental Studies Faculty Publications

A considerable number of quantitative analyses have been conducted in the past several decades that demonstrate the existence of racial and socioeconomic disparities in the distribution of a wide variety of environmental hazards. The vast majority of these have been cross-sectional, snapshot studies employing data on hazardous facilities and population characteristics at only one point in time. Although some limited hypotheses can be tested with cross-sectional data, fully understanding how present-day disparities come about requires longitudinal analyses that examine the demographic characteristics of sites at the time of facility siting and track demographic changes after siting. Relatively few such studies …

Significant Data Limitations Prevent An Accurate Analysis Of The Distribution Of Cils: Recommendations For Change, Lillie Greiman, Tom Seekins, University Of Montana Rural Institute

Independent Living and Community Participation

This data brief provides a summary of recommendations for using Geographic Information System (GIS) to analyze the distribution of Centers for Independent Living across the U.S. for improved program policy and decision-making.

Women’S Voices For The Earth: A Discourse Analysis Of Gendered, Environmental Media Advocacy, Marit Olson

Undergraduate Theses, Professional Papers, and Capstone Artifacts

Women’s Voices for the Earth (WVE), a Missoula based, nationally recognized non-profit, empowers women to advocate against toxic chemicals that cause individual and community health hazards. There is little analysis of the intersection of women’s and environmental subjugation and how these intersections influence women’s environmental organizations. My research examines the influence of ecofeminist ideology, as framed by Karen Warren’s ecofeminist and class analysis, in WVE’s online discourse, primarily social media. To do so I apply a Foucaultian discourse analysis to WVE’s online publications, and compare that to an analysis of the online presence of Toxics Action Center (TAC), a non-gendered …