Rural outreach: no right or wrong approach!

Abstract

This article discusses a variety of approaches the Illinois Assistive Technology Project has used in conducting outreach activities to rural areas. These have included the use of a Mobile Unit, Request for Proposals for organizations to meet local needs, Regional Centers, Regional Outreach Coordinators to actively solicit the involvement of individuals who would otherwise be outside the reach of mainstream approaches through the use of Regional Advisory Committees. Each of these approaches has advantages and disadvantages, so more than one approach is necessary in order to effectively reach rural populations.