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Rural Health Information Hub

Community Supports for Rural Aging in Place and Independent Living – Organizations

AARP
Focused on empowering people to choose how they live as they age. Works at the national, state, and local level on issues important to aging, such as access to adequate, affordable healthcare. Conducts research and publishes reports on topics impacting older adults.
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Administration for Community Living (ACL)
Federal agency responsible for increasing access to community supports to meet the unique needs of older Americans and people with disabilities across the lifespan. Part of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.
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ADvancing States
Represents the state and territorial agencies on aging and disabilities and long-term services. Works to to design, improve, and sustain state systems delivering long-term services and supports for older adults, people with disabilities, and their caregivers. Formerly the National Association of States United for Aging and Disabilities (NASUAD).
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ARCH National Respite Network and Resource Center
Assists and promotes the development of respite and crisis care programs and helps caregivers and professionals find respite services in their communities through the National Respite Locator Program. Oversees the Lifespan Respite Technical Assistance Center which provides webinars such as Volunteer and Rural Respite. Includes fact sheets on respite for rural populations, including rural family caregivers.
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Association of Programs for Rural Independent Living (APRIL)
A national network of rural centers for independent living (CILs) and other organizations and individuals concerned with the unique aspects of rural independent living. APRIL is organized to promote independence and strive for full rights and benefits for individuals with disabilities living in rural environments. Includes resources on accessing healthcare.
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Center of Excellence for Telehealth and Aging (CE4TA)
Aims to advance age-inclusive telehealth for older adults. Offers providers and organizations practical tools, resources, and a community of leaders to support delivering high-quality telehealth services. A partnership among West Health Institute, the University of Virginia Department of Geriatrics, and the Mid-Atlantic Telehealth Resource Center (MATRC).
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Consortium for Citizens with Disabilities (CCD)
A coalition of national organizations advocating for federal public policy that supports the autonomy, independence, empowerment, integration, and inclusion of people with disabilities in rural and urban communities.
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Easterseals
Provides services to 1.5 million children and adults with disabilities and their families in the areas of education, health, employment, and community engagement.
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ITNAmerica
Leads a national transportation network to provide sustainable, community-based transportation for older adults with mobility needs. Focuses on research, policy analysis, education, and transportation services and programs.
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National AgrAbility Project
Consists of a national project and state/regional projects, each involving collaborative partnerships between land grant universities and various nonprofit disability services organizations to enhance quality of life for farmers, ranchers, and other agricultural workers with disabilities. Sponsored by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA)
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National Center on Elder Abuse (NCEA)
Resource center providing information on elder abuse, neglect, and exploitation, including research, training, best practices, news, and resources. Part of the Administration on Aging.
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National Council on Aging (NCOA)
Works to improve the lives of older adults, including those living in rural areas. Partners with nonprofits, government, and business to provide innovative community programs and services, online help, and advocacy for older adults.
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National Council on Disability (NCD)
An independent federal agency making recommendations to the President and Congress on issues affecting Americans with disabilities. Promotes policies, programs, practices, and procedures that guarantee equal opportunity for all individuals with disabilities including those who live in rural and remote areas.
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National Indian Council on Aging (NICOA)
Works for improved comprehensive health, social services, and economic well-being for American Indian and Alaska Native Elders.
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National Institute on Disability, Independent Living, and Rehabilitation Research (NIDILRR)
Provides leadership and support for a comprehensive program of research related to the rehabilitation of individuals with disabilities in rural and urban areas.
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National PACE Association (NPA)
Supports the efforts of Programs of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE), which coordinate and provide all needed preventive, primary, acute, and long-term care services so older individuals can continue living in the community.
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National Resource Center on Native American Aging (NRCNAA)
Addresses the needs of American Indian, Alaskan Native, and Native Hawaiian elders. Works to identify and increase awareness of evolving Native elder health and social issues.
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PHI
Works to transform eldercare and disability services for those receiving and proving care. Offers training, research, and policy analysis.
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Rehabilitation Services Administration (RSA)
Dedicated to improving early childhood, educational, and employment outcomes for people with disabilities. Offers leadership and resources to state and other agencies providing vocational rehabilitation and other services to individuals with disabilities in order to maximize their employment, independence, and integration into the community. Part of the Office of Special Education and Rehabilitative Services (OSERS) within the U.S. Department of Education.
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Research and Training Center on Disability in Rural Communities (RTC)
Conducts research on issues of access to transportation and housing, employment and self-employment, independent living services, health and wellness facilities, and inclusion in community planning and activities of people with disabilities. Provides information and training to rural communities on disabilities.
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University of Montana: Rural Institute for Inclusive Communities (RIIC)
Provides resources and information on topics related to disabilities. Seeks to enhance the quality of life for people with disabilities, especially those living in Montana and other rural areas across the country.
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USAging
Membership organization for the nation's Area Agencies on Aging and Title VI Native American aging programs. Builds the capacity of member agencies to help older adults and people with disabilities live in their homes and communities for as long as possible.
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Last Reviewed: 2/28/2024