In urban areas, this often requires social action. Successful social change in rural communities, however, may require a different approach. In many rural areas there is a general lack of services, and communities develop physical and social infrastructure through on-going community development efforts . Unfortunately, people with disabilities aren't often involved in these activities, which may increase the likelihood that disability issues will be disregarded. The research projects in this area will develop and evaluate strategies to increase the participation of rural people with disabilities in local planning and community development.
Community development creates such environments.