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Rural Health
Resources by Topic: People with disabilities

Mobility Matters: Differential Mobility Loss by Race and Ethnicity in Hawaiʻi
Examines how mobility limitations vary by White, Filipino, Japanese, or Native Hawaiian race and ethnicity among adults aged 55 years and older in Hawaii, using 2019-2021 Hawaii Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System data. Includes demographic data breakdowns, including comparisons between those living on Oahu and those living on neighbor islands.
Author(s): MIquela Ibrao, Yan Yan Wu, Kathryn L. Braun
Citation: Preventing Chronic Disease, 23
Date: 05/2026
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Review of Current Research Describing the Influence of Non-Health Care Drivers of Health in Rural and Urban Populations
Summarizes recent research in social determinants of health and associated health conditions in rural and urban populations. Identifies gaps in the literature relevant to rural health, and highlights findings relevant to rural and urban economic stability, education access and quality, neighborhood and built environment, and other social and community contexts.
Author(s): Katie Youngen, Julia Cecil, Tyrone F. Borders
Date: 04/2026
Sponsoring organization: Rural and Underserved Health Research Center
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County-Level Differences in Health Professional Shortage Areas by Rurality, Age, and Disability Status
Examines differences in healthcare access among working-age and older adults, by rurality and disability status. Features statistics including percents of counties qualifying as primary care, mental health, or dental Heath Professional Shortage Areas, with breakdowns by disability quartile and rural or urban location.
Author(s): Andrew Abram, Alexis Swendener, Mariana Tuttle, Katie Rydberg, Carrie Henning-Smith
Date: 04/2026
Sponsoring organization: University of Minnesota Rural Health Research Center
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Aerobic Physical Activity Among Adults Age 18 and Older: United States, 2024
Offers data highlighting aerobic physical activity among adults. Includes a data breakdown by 4 levels of urbanization in addition to other demographic characteristics, family income, education, disability status, and body mass index.
Author(s): Nazik Elgaddal, Ellen A. Kramarow
Date: 04/2026
Sponsoring organization: National Center for Health Statistics
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2026 Annual Disability Statistics Conference
Recordings and materials from the 2026 Annual Disability Statistics Conference where the Annual Disability Statistics Collection is released and presented. Session 3 discusses the challenges with finding and using rural disability data.
Date: 03/2026
Sponsoring organizations: Center for Research on Disability, Institute on Disability, University of New Hampshire
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Use of Preventive Services by Rurality, Disability Status, and Health Insurance
Examines rates of use of routine physicals and flu vaccination by rural or urban location, disability status, and health insurance type. Uses data from the 2022 National Health Interview Survey.
Author(s): Alexis Swendener, Katie Rydberg, Lisa I. Iezzoni, Carrie Henning-Smith
Date: 01/2026
Sponsoring organization: University of Minnesota Rural Health Research Center
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Access to Health Care by Rurality and Disability Status
Report explores barriers to access to care by rurality and disability status. Highlights the compounding barriers to access for rural people with disabilities. Discusses barriers due to financial reasons, lack of transportation, and workforce shortages, among other factors.
Author(s): Alexis Swendener, Ingrid Jacobson, Andrew Abram, et al.
Date: 01/2026
Sponsoring organization: University of Minnesota Rural Health Research Center
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Transportation for Rural People with Disabilities: Example Programs from Minnesota and Idaho
Results of a study examining two rural organizations in Marshall, Minnesota and Ketchum, Idaho and the ways in which they provide transportation services to individuals with disabilities. Uses data collected through interviews conducted via Zoom in May and June 2025.
Author(s): Katie Rydberg, Madeleine Pick, Mariana Tuttle, et al.
Date: 01/2026
Sponsoring organization: University of Minnesota Rural Health Research Center
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Population with Disabilities for Nonmetropolitan Counties
Printable map that shows the percent of population with disabilities nationwide by county. Data source: U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year Estimates
Date: 01/2026
Sponsoring organization: Rural Health Information Hub
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Experiences of People with Disabilities in Rural America 2026 Infographic ADSC
Infographic on disability in rural America using American Community Survey data. Includes data on prevalence, employment, and poverty.
Date: 2026
Sponsoring organization: Center for Research on Disability
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