Rural Health Transformation: A Critical Opportunity for People with IDD 

Craig Escudé, MD, FAAIDD

Across the country, states are beginning to implement the Rural Health Transformation Program (RHTP), a federal initiative providing funding and flexibility to strengthen rural health systems. Each state grantee is designing its own approach, presenting a unique opportunity to address health disparities in underserved communities. 

People with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) in rural areas face persistent barriers, including limited access to specialists, long travel distances, and fragmented coordination between medical care and long-term supports. Without intentional inclusion, people with IDD may not fully benefit from these transformative investments. 

Providers, families, and self-advocates can influence state plans by asking how people with IDD are prioritized, sharing lived experiences and data, and supporting partnerships between health systems and disability service providers. Early engagement can shape priorities, metrics, and investments. 

Now is the moment for action. As states determine how they will use Rural Health Transformation funds, advocates must ensure people with IDD are not left out. Engage decision-makers and elevate this issue by asking how your state is including people with IDD. Inclusion today will shape healthier outcomes tomorrow. #IDDinRHTP