AgrAbility

Many people with disabilities who are employed in agriculture have been fortunate to have the AgrAbility Program, which links the Cooperative Extension Service at a land-grant university with a private nonprofit disability service organization in order to provide practical education and assistance promoting independence in ag production and rural living. The program’s online technology database, called the Toolbox, now offers information for horticulture, gardening, and forestry tools. The new products range from specialty items like hydroponic gardening systems to tools that assist in activities normally happening on or around the farm. AgrAbility project manager, Paul Jones, says that the new products are meant to serve a wide range of disabilities because there are farmers with a wide variety of needs in varying ag-related enterprises. Those with disabilities prove time and time again that they are quite capable of leading highly productive lives, whatever career path they choose. With programs such as AgrAbility these determined individuals have help to overcome barriers so they can continue and advance their agricultural career.