09/04/06 Agr-Ability program

There's a new program designed to help Idaho ag producers with disabilities. I'm Bill Scott and the details about Agr-Ability next on Today's Idaho Ag News. It can happen in a matter of seconds, like getting caught in a piece of machinery or falling. It can happen over a long period of time because of arthritis or back problems. Now, thanks to a four-year 200 thousand dollar grant, the University of Idaho and United Cerebral Palsy can offer what's called assistance technology to farmers, ranchers and family members who have disabilities. UCP's Lynn Cundick says the Agr-Ability program is only a couple of months old, just getting started. CUNDICK "We will actually go out and conduct an on-site home worksite visit to allow them to continue doing the farming and ranching." Assistive technology could be a hand truck or dolly to move hay bales or a hydraulic lift on a tractor. Cundick says any disability that impedes a person from doing work on the farm or ranch is considered CUNDICK "Range from arthritis, back pain, vision impairment, an illness such as cancer, diabetes, mental retardation, it could be a stroke, it could be a loss of limb." If you want more information about Agr-Ability you can get it in a couple of ways. CUNDICK "The toll free number is 888-289-3259 and our website is www.idahoagrability.org." Today's Idaho Ag News Bill Scott