Community & Economic Development

The interests served by rural economic development projects are determined by those who sponsor, lead, and participate in them.  Unfortunately, many small rural communities often lack the organizational resources or skills to pursue even the most basic economic assessment and planning projects.  People with disabilities and the programs that provide disability services represent an untapped resource for such community projects.  Rehabilitation service providers and the persons they serve might be interested in taking leadership roles in their communities because their economic interests are more likely to be served by sponsoring, leading, or participating in such projects.  People with disabilities may increase their chances of achieving their personal goals through participating in such activities.  Finally, by taking a lead in economic development, provider agencies can fill an important community need.