Oklahoma AgrAbility Project Assists Farmers & Ranchers
10/23/2009 02:47PM
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STILLWATER, Okla. – A farming environment can be challenging for people with disabilities; however, help is available.
The Oklahoma AgrAbility Project can assist Oklahoma farmers, ranchers and their families who have been impacted by disabilities and face barriers to continuing participation in an agriculture-related occupation.
“Agriculture is an important industry in Oklahoma,” said Randy Taylor, co-director of the Oklahoma AgrAbility Project and Department of biosystems and agricultural engineering professor. “The Oklahoma AgrAbility Project strives to keep farmers with disabilities on the job and a productive piece of this important industry. Though Oklahoma AgrAbility cannot directly purchase assistive technology, it is designed to help determine a course of action and link clients with appropriate funding sources.”
If a person has a disability and is experiencing barriers in the farming industry, assistive technology devices and services are available and can be recommended by the Oklahoma AgrAbility Project.
“Oklahoma AgrAbility assists farmers with health challenges make informed choices about returning to work with a greater likelihood of success,” said Linda Jaco, Oklahoma AgrAbility co-director.
Any Oklahoma resident with a disability, who is currently working in agriculture or has a desire to work in agriculture, is eligible. AgrAbility staff members can make farm visits to help determine technology needs through an on-farm assessment.
The on-farm assessment is a comprehensive evaluation conducted by AgrAbility staff which matches an individual's agricultural employment goals with appropriate ways to achieve them by reducing barriers through assistive technology.
Assistive technology for people who live in farming communities includes any kind of device, modification or service that will help a person with a disability work and live more independently in the rural setting. Examples of assistive technology include motorized lifts, outdoor mobility aids, modifications to farm buildings or farm tools and automated gates.
An AgrAbility specialist can help determine what assistive technology is needed and how to obtain it. The specialist can also make referrals to funding sources appropriate to the individual’s need and use.
The Oklahoma Department of Rehabilitation Services may be one option for assistance. Eligibility is determined on a case by case basis. Another funding option is the Oklahoma Assistive Technology Foundation which assists people with disabilities purchase needed assistive technology through low interest cash loans. Application processes are required for both of these funding sources.
There is no fee for AgrAbility professionals to provide on-farm assessments to determine what assistive technology may benefit you or your farm operation. The assistive technology costs are determined on a case by case basis depending upon the specific device(s) needed by the individual with a disability.
The Oklahoma AgrAbility Project is a unique partnership between Oklahoma State University, Oklahoma Cooperative Extension Service and OkAT; additional services are provided through Oklahoma ABLE Tech and the Langston University School of Physical Therapy. Through this partnership Oklahoma AgrAbility provides information and referral, technical assistance, education, training and peer support to individuals with varying degrees of disability.
For more information about the program contact Oklahoma AgrAbility at 888-885-5588 (voice/tty), agrability@okstate.edu, or view the Oklahoma AgrAbility Web site at www.agrability.okstate.edu.