About Us

The University Of Montana Rural Institute: Center for Excellence in Disability Education, Research, and Service, is part of the national network of programs funded by the Federal Administration on Developmental Disabilities (ADD) committed to assisting in the provision of interdisciplinary:

• demonstration
• information dissemination
• leverage of funds
• research
• service
• and technical assistance and training

which increases and supports the independence, productivity, and inclusion into the community of persons with disabilities.

The Rural Institute is part of the national network of programs funded by the Administration on Developmental Disabilities (ADD) committed to assisting in the provision of interdisciplinary training, research, service demonstration programs, leverage of funds, and information dissemination which increase and support the independence, productivity, and inclusion into the community of persons with developmental disabilities.

2007 marks the 29th year since the start of The Rural Institute. Since 1978, enormous changes have occurred both within the organization and in the larger world of the disability community. People with disabilities now have a stronger voice and a wider range of opportunities than ever before. Despite this progress, much work remains to be done and the Rural Institute continues to play a vital role in ensuring the increased independence, productivity, integration, and inclusion of individuals with disabilities. Especially important is the organization's continued focus on developing solutions to the unique challenges of living, working and recreating with a disability in rural settings.

The Rural Institute is a healthy and growing organization. Currently the Rural Institute employs 10 faculty and over 75 staff members working on 40+ projects covering a broad range of disability related topics including (but not limited to):

• American Indian Projects,
• Assistive Technology,
• Family and Consumer Involvement,
• Health Promotion,
• Health Maintenance,
• Hearing Conservation,
• Inclusion,
• Independent Living,
• Personnel Preparation,
• Rural Rehabilitation,
• Self-employment
• Social Security Incentives,
• Supported Employment,
• Transition from School to Adult Life,
• and much, much more.

Funding



The Rural Institute was started in 1978 with a grant from the ADD. Funding has increased almost every year since 1978. In 1988, funding increased to over one million dollars. Funding increased to three million dollars in 1992, to four million in 1994, to over six million in 1999. The Rural Institute currently has nearly $8.5 million in externally funded projects.

See a directory of all the affiliated Centers Of Excellence