Document Type

Research Progress Report

Publisher

University of Montana Rural Institute

Publication Date

9-2004

Disciplines

Economics | Labor Economics | Social and Behavioral Sciences

Abstract

Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) counselors who serve rural areas report that limited employment opportunities for people with disabilities are a significant challenge. Many rural communities have marginal or fragile economies, but lack the resources to conduct economic development projects that could lead to business and employment growth. In Progress Report #13, we described an innovative program that helps VR agencies and people with disabilities take a leadership role in small-town economic development efforts. To date, RTC: Rural’s Community Economic Development Project has been implemented in two rural locations. The Project builds on the capacities of state/federal Vocational Rehabilitation agencies and people with disabilities to identify business development opportunities in small rural communities. Operationally, the Project has two phases: (1) comprehensive economic community assessment; and (2) implementation.

Keywords

employment and vocational rehabilitation, economic development, rural, disability

Rights

© 2004 RTC:Rural.

Granting Agency

National Institute on Disability and Rehabilitation Research

Acknowledgement

Our research is supported by grant # H133B030501 from the National Institute on Disability and Rehabilitation Research, U.S. Dept. of Education.

Project Number

H133B030501

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