It is estimated that nearly 8.5 million people living in rural America possess some form of disabling condition. Strokes are the major cause of disabilities among older persons and accidents are the major cause among teenagers and young adults. This paper provides background information on rehabilitation services in rural areas, some examples of the special problems faced by disabled persons living in rural areas, and a description of a national center, the Research and Training Center on Rural Rehabilitation Services, established at the University of Montana in October 1987. (Author)