Despite the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), physical, transportation, information, and health care barriers continue to impede full community reintegration for rural-living persons with spinal cord injury (SCI). Lack of a health care policy that recognizes the unique needs of rural populations is particularly problematic. Innovative enterprises, such as AgrAbility, telehealth, and collaborative programs with independent living centers are few but show promise for overcoming obstacles to community reintegration and full participation among people with SCI in rural areas. Rehabilitation professionals can facilitate this process by participating in advocacy efforts, collaborating with state surveillance systems, developing innovative outreach models, and participating in research to identify and remove barriers to community reintegration.

community reintegration, quality of life, rural populations, spinal cord injury
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