RTC:Rural

RURAL DISABILITY RESEARCH

As leaders in rural disability research, we collaborate with disability community members across the country to shape our research agenda and ensure that our evidence-based solutions fit their rural contexts. Together, we work to improve the ability of people with disabilities to engage and thrive in rural life.

RTC:Rural. Research and Training Center on Disability in Rural Communities


Woman in a wheelchair in crowd of an outdoor concert
Man purchasing product from cashier at small business
Three young people wearing sports uniforms hug each other while one smiles at the camera
Woman waving on a porch swing
Screenshot of disability map of the United States
Woman in wheelchair participating in outdoor march

RTC:Rural Spotlight

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March is Developmental Disability Awareness Month (DDAM)!

Each March, the National Association of Councils on Developmental Disabilities (NACDD) and its partners work to highlight how people with and without disabilities come together to form strong, diverse communities. Their campaign seeks to raise awareness about the inclusion of people with developmental disabilities in all facets of community life, as well as awareness of the barriers that people with disabilities still sometimes face in connecting to the communities in which they live.

This year’s theme for the National Developmental Disability Awareness Month is:

“A World of Opportunities – we’re celebrating people and working together to remove obstacles. Our goal is to build a community that’s committed to creating a world where everyone can do well and succeed. Join us in making a world where all kinds of people have the chance to thrive."

You can find details, event information, the 2024 DDAM Resource Guide, and much more information on the Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month webpage.

Disability Counts provides multiple tools for accessing national data about people with disabilities in America. The dashboards include interactive maps of county-level data, state-level data, and data on individuals who are institutionalized in correctional facilities and nursing homes. You can also search by geographic areas and disability variables to generate your own unique dataset. This easy to use tool includes a tutorial to assist users in navigating the site.

Color coded map of disability rates based on the 2021 American Community Survey.