The AgrAbility Project was created to assist people with disabilities employed in agriculture. The project links a land grant university with a nonprofit disability service organization to provide practical education and assistance that promotes independence in agricultural production and rural living.

The national staff can provide direct technical consultation to consumers, health and rehabilitation professionals and other service providers on how to accommodate disabilities in production agriculture. For example, staff can assist fabricators with designing hand controls for a tractor. In addition, national staff can provide members of other national and international agricultural and health-related organizations with information and resources to help farmers and ranchers with disabilities.

There are state and regional AgrAbility projects, each project having the same USDA/CSREES grant objectives:

• Provide education to build service capacity with health, farm and government service providers on accommodating disabilities and preventing secondary injuries.
• Expand program capacity through networking activities of mutually sharing information and resources with non AgrAbility individuals and organizations.
• Provide farmers with disabilities consultative services and technical assistance that increases the likelihood the farmer can continue to farm successfully; for example, by modifying or adapting the agricultural operation, buildings, equipment, and/or tools.

The AgrAbility Project addresses a number of topics associated with rural caregiving including health and healthcare, rural transportation, and unmet needs of rural caregivers. You might also check with your state’s Easter Seals chapter or the state chapter of AARP as these organizations often work with the AgrAbility Project to provide services for rural caregivers.

For additional information, see the Frequently Asked Questions on Rural Caregiving.