Having a low-income presents a variety of problems for families and children, with access to health care being the most complex and prevalent. Although there are many challenges for low-income families to access adequate health care in the United States, the key barriers identified in this review of literature are a lack of education, complications with health insurance, and a distrust of health care providers. Each obstacle is influenced by a myriad of factors that affect vulnerable sub-groups of low-income families. Acknowledging the barriers that prevent access to health care for low-income families is the first step towards determining future sustainable solutions.

The purpose of this study was to provide a preliminary examination of an intervention strategy designed to teach sound-letter correspondence and spelling of consonant-vowel-consonant (CVC) combinations to young children who use Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC). A multiple baseline probe design across behaviors was used to assess the effects of the intervention on the percentage of correct responses provided by two participants on the target skills during free-choice play activities in the literacy center of inclusive classrooms. The results of this study provide preliminary support for the use of the intervention strategy within inclusive classrooms.

Abstract:In the rural Appalachian region of the United States, thousands of residents struggle with issues of water quality and accessibility. Vulnerabilities of poverty, isolation, and rough geographical terrain complicate life for Appalachians who need access to adequate water supply and septic systems. In 2013, an inter-professional team of nursing, architecture, engineering, and law enforcement faculty and students developed a water-focused collaboration with community members in southeastern Kentucky. Greater accessibility to clean drinking water is a critical need in the area. Collaborative community engagement yielded effective and sustainable interventions. Inter-professional teams completed N=30 comprehensive home assessments examining factors such as water source utilization, septic system management, health status, and disaster preparedness. While the majority of homes evaluated had functional water supply and septic systems, the team observed straight piping as a means of waste disposal for several homes. Homeowners who did not have a residential water supply identified common gathering places where they typically obtain drinking water. To expand environmental assessment, the team collected water samples at 16 different sites where residents obtain drinking water or use it for recreational purposes. Testing of collected samples revealed 15 of 16 sites contained fecal coliforms, Escherichia coli, or both. Because of the findings, the team and community key informants collaboratively developed interventions, such as relaying findings to community leaders, developing a WASH (Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene)-related education program, and improving access to clean, safe water through the design and construction of a water kiosk. Outcome of interventions included greater awareness and knowledge of WASH related topics, improved access to clean water sources, and sustainable solutions to enhance overall quality of life, health and well-being. Keywords: Appalachia, community-based inter-professional research, environment, health UCOWR Journal of Contemporary Water Research & EducationClean Water, Clean Life: Promoting Healthier, Accessible Water in Rural Appalachia alternative is to drink sugary substitutes such as sodas or energy drinks, leading to further financial and medical consequences.Several sampling events took place from 2012-2014 in the Red Bird River Watershed, including Clay, Leslie, and Bell County, KY. Samples from as many as 64% of testing sites exceeded the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) threshold for Escherichia coli (E.coli), a contaminant known to cause mild to severe human illness (Red Bird River Watershed Plan [RBRWP] 2014). Microbial source tracking is necessary to determine actual causality; however, invasion of human waste into surface and/or groundwater is the presumed issue. Poor sanitation practices can, unfortunately, release contaminants into nearby watersheds that can lead to adverse health when humans contact affected streams. This makes the water unsafe for recreation...