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Rural Health Information Hub

Rural Health
Resources by Topic: People with disabilities

Disability Rates Higher in Rural Areas Than Urban Areas
Examines urban and rural differences in disability rates nationally and by region, based on data from the American Community Survey.
Author(s): Katrina Crankshaw
Date: 06/2023
Sponsoring organization: U.S. Census Bureau
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The Impacts of Extreme Weather Events on People with Disabilities
Reports on the impact of extreme weather on people with disabilities in the areas of regulations, healthcare, housing, employment, education, and emergency management. Discusses concerns and recommendations for both rural and tribal residents throughout.
Date: 05/2023
Sponsoring organization: National Council on Disability
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County-Level Geographic Disparities in Disabilities Among US Adults, 2018
Provides county-level estimates of 6 types of disability including hearing, vision, cognition, mobility, self-care, and independent living. Utilizes geocoded 2018 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System data, Census 2018 county-level population estimates, and American Community Survey 2014-2018 poverty estimates to provide U.S. county-level maps showing percentage of disability and cluster patterns.
Author(s): Hua Lu, Yan Wang, Yong Liu, et al.
Citation: Preventing Chronic Disease, 20
Date: 05/2023
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2022 Transportation Trends
Identifies trends and issues affecting the availability of accessible transportation for older adults and people with disabilities. Summarizes results of a September 2022 survey of public transit and human services transportation providers; stakeholders; and aging and disability organizations such as Area Agencies on Aging, Centers for Independent Living and Aging and Disability Resource Centers. Discusses nine themes related to the challenges of providing transportation to older adults, younger adults with disabilities, and caregivers, including the lack of transportation options in rural areas.
Date: 05/2023
Sponsoring organization: National Aging and Disability Transportation Center
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Medicaid in Midlife: A Profile of Enrollees Ages 50 to 64
Provides an overview of Medicaid eligibility requirements for adults aged 50-64. Presents data on demographic characteristics of Medicaid beneficiaries in this age group.
Author(s): James McSpadden, Sari Siegel
Date: 05/2023
Sponsoring organization: AARP Public Policy Institute
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The Value of Rural Independent Living
Presents a Photovoice project evaluating rural community outreach for Centers for Independent Living along the themes of inclusion, raising awareness, being in community, community connections, and rural community living and values.
Date: 04/2023
Sponsoring organizations: Association of Programs for Rural Independent Living, University of Montana: Rural Institute for Inclusive Communities
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Medicaid: Characteristics of and Expenditures for Adults with Intellectual or Developmental Disabilities
Describes the health and demographic characteristics of adults with intellectual or developmental disabilities (I/DD) enrolled in Medicaid home- and community-based programs in 2019 in six states: Colorado, Florida, Georgia, Indiana, Oklahoma, and South Dakota. Examines average per-beneficiary healthcare expenditures for I/DD beneficiaries in these states. Highlights the percentage of I/DD beneficiaries in rural areas of each state.
Additional links: Full Report
Date: 04/2023
Sponsoring organization: Government Accountability Office
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Disparities in Health and Health Care: 5 Key Questions and Answers
Defines health and healthcare disparities and discusses the social and economic inequities that drive them. Provides details on the current status of health disparities in the U.S., the importance of addressing them, and what the federal government is doing to alleviate health disparities. Includes discussion of rural health disparities.
Author(s): Nambi Ndugga, Samantha Artiga
Date: 04/2023
Sponsoring organization: KFF
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Understanding Disabilities in American Indian & Alaska Native Communities Toolkit Guide
Provides an overview of federal laws, initiatives, agencies, and organizations that support work with American Indian and Alaska Native communities and individuals with disabilities. Includes dedicated sections with links to organizations and resources on healthy living, education, independent living, vocational rehabilitation and employment resources, assistive technology, housing and facilities, and transportation.
Date: 02/2023
Sponsoring organizations: National Council on Aging, National Council on Disability
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America at a Glance: Transportation Use During the Covid-19 Pandemic
Reports trends in transportation use of people with and without disabilities during the period 2017-2021. Compares rural and urban populations and modes of transportation, including driving and walking, accepting rides from others, and use of public transit.
Author(s): Andrew Myers
Date: 01/2023
Sponsoring organization: University of Montana: Rural Institute for Inclusive Communities
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