farming and ranching with a disability therese willkomm, ph.d., technical director, national...
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FARMING AND RANCHING WITH A DISABILITY
Therese Willkomm, Ph.D., Technical Director,National AgrAbility Project
University of Wisconsin-Extension, Cooperative Extension
The National AgrAbility Project is administered by USDA-
Cooperative State Research, Education, and Extension
Service.
CSREES promotes the application of research, science, and technology to meet the needs of all agricultural producers where they live and work.
Nationwide, approximately 288,000 agricultural workers between the ages of 15 and 79 have a disability that affects their ability to perform one or more essential tasks.
Currently, eighteen state AgrAbility Projects engage Extension educators, disability experts, rural professionals, and volunteers in offering an array of services, including:
Services Provided
Information and Referral
On-site technical assistance
Training for extension educators and service providers
Peer support networks
Secondary injury prevention education
Types of Disabilities
• 23% Orthopedic-related disabilities due to: arthritis, joint replacements, or injuries to the back, extremities or joints
• 16% Amputations including upper and lower extremities
• 13% Neuromuscular disorders including: multiple sclerosis, muscular dystrophy, polio, cerebral palsy, ALS, Epilepsy, and strokes
• 21% Spinal Cord injuries
• 27% Other disabling conditions
Causes of the Disability
0
5
10
15
20
25
30
35
40
45
Causes
Farm Accident
Non-FamAccidentOther
32%
22%
44%
Other Statistics
• 88% of those receiving services were owner /operators verses 12% who were employees
• 15% of those receiving services were female
Barriers
• Lack of information on effective worksite accommodation
• Economic constraints
• Isolation from needed services
• Lack of trained professionals
• Lack of financial resources to pay for needed accommodations
• Negative attitudes of others about the ability of agricultural workers with disabilities to continue a high-risk physically demanding occupation
• At risk of acquiring secondary injuries or secondary conditions
The degree to which an agricultural worksite
modification maximizes the abilities of the producer and
reduces risk of secondary injuries depends on the following factors.
Risks will always be present in agricultural production, therefore, they should be made as clear as possible so that workers affected
by them can make informed choices in their regard.
Challenges in Meeting Needs
• Changes in medical status
• Acquired secondary injuries or conditions
• Changes in the farm economy
• Changes in the individual goals
• Lack of funding
• Lack of assistance from co-workers or care givers
• Lack of needed expertise
Challenges in Providing Services
• Availability of qualified personnel
• Isolation
• Limited resources
• Ongoing needs for staff development
Factors that could Benefit Agricultural Producers with
Disabilities in the Future
• Changes in agriculture
• Improvements in technology
• Improved service delivery mechanisms
Advances in Assistive Technology
The Otto Bock C-Leg® microprocessor controlled hydraulic knee with on-board sensor technology that reads and adapts to the individual's every move
The IBOT 3000 Chair
The application of new telecommunication technologies
• Provide consultations using real-time video-conferencing equipment
• Send information to others instantly
• Research needed information on the web
• Communicate with peer support volunteers
• Capture and transmit images instantly
• Increase timeliness in service provision
• Reduce costs associated with service delivery
• Participate in distance learning events that will increase skills
Funding for identified needs
• Advocate for needed funding to pay for recommended equipment and modifications
• “Ticket-to-Work” program
• Low interest loans to pay for needed worksite modifications
Success and Outcomes of AgrAbility for Farmers and Ranchers with Disabilities
• An increase in ability to perform current or new work tasks.
• A decreased potential for farmers/ranchers, co-workers, or family members to acquire a secondary injury.
• An increase in independence at home and in the community.