Rehabilitation outlooks for rural Louisiana: educational developments, economic trends, and global perspectives

Article type: Research Article

Authors: T. Scott Smith,

Affiliations: Intracorp, Arnaudville, LA, USA

Note: [] 455 Carmen Drive, Arnaudville, LA 70512, USA. Tel.: +1 318 662 6392; Fax: +1 318 929 2341

Abstract: The objective of this article is to examine current medical, economic, and social trends affecting the provision of rehabilitation services for rural citizens with disabilities. While the population of interest is citizens of Louisiana, the concepts are applicable across all geographic boundaries. The article is a review of clinical practice, job placement alternatives, economic trends, and assessment of process applications. It is concluded numerous steps may be taken to enhance the availability and quality of services provided for rural citizens with disabilities: greater statistical inquiry into rural disability trends, increased incorporation of the Internet into all aspects of rural economic and educational developments, further development of distance learning, promotion of sensitivities towards rural cultures, and continued recruitment of rural allied and vocational rehabilitation professionals.

Keywords: distance learning, private practice, JTPA, homemaker, community college, transportation

Journal: Work, vol. 12, no. 3, pp. 199-211, 1999