Delivering Independent Living Services in Rural Communities: Options and Alternatives

Potter CG, Smith QW, Quan H, Nosek MA. Delivering independent living services in rural communities: Options and alternatives. Rural Special Education Quarterly 1992;11(1):16-23.

ABSTRACT

The authors describe independent living initiatives in two rural communities, chosen because of their contrast in approach to reducing barriers to independence. Various factors in rural areas present obstacles to independent living, including lack of transportation, reduced employment opportunities, and architectural inaccessibility in older buildings. Results of a follow-up study of two rural independent living demonstration projects established by the Independent Living Research Utilization program in Houston, Texas are presented. In brief, people in Town One successfully established and continue to operate an independent living center; the other site (Town Two) integrated independent living philosophy and practices into the existing service network. Information is provided concerning demographic characteristics as well as existing services related to independent living. The authors suggest that several approaches for reducing barriers to independence are successful for delivering independent living services in rural communities.

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