Oklahoma AgrAbility has a record of success!
Bill farms 500 acres of wheat and grass hay near Hydro, Okla. Bennett experienced four hand injuries during the last 22 years. His accidents decreased strength, endurance and sensation in his hands. Bennett found it difficult to continue farming as his family had done for more than 90 years.
Bennett discovered that AgrAbility could help him continue farming safely and provide for his family. AgrAbility conducted a farm visit and determined the barriers he faced with daily operations. Bennett’s goal was to continue farming without the risk of injury and further disability.
After he was determined eligible for services, the Oklahoma Department of Rehabilitation Services (DRS) worked closely with Bennett to determine what he would need to successfully clarify his business plans and complete his goals. DRS funded and obtained a field computer kit and accessories to control liquid fertilizer flow and application, and a boom control system which uses GPS technology to monitor fertilizer application and avoid waste.
Bennett utilized Intensive Financial Management and Planning Support (IFMAPS), a service of the Oklahoma Cooperative Extension Service.
To read Bill's newsletter article click here.
When Ed of Depew, Okla. requested assistance from the Oklahoma AgrAbility Project, he never dreamed the end result would be so magnificent!
The Oklahoma AgrAbility Project collaborated with the Oklahoma State University School of Architecture’s student organization, Freedom by Design (FBD), a service program of the American Institute of Architecture Students (AIAS), to create and produce assistive technology that would allow Bennett to get on and off his horse easier and safer. Although Bennett’s recovery from his stroke in 2008 is remarkable, he continues to experience numbing on his right side that makes it difficult for him to mount his horse.
AgrAbility staff and architecture students, Aaron Douglas and Sonoka Iwama, were able to travel to Bennett’s farm in Creek County and view the challenges he was experiencing. The team discussed the difficulties and barriers to his continuing employment in agriculture. Equally important, the team was able to identify accommodations that would alleviate pain and promote safety in Bennett’s efforts to continue his activities in the agriculture arena.
Oklahoma Assistive Technology Foundation (OkAT) was able to provide the funding needed to purchase the materials for the project.
To read Ed's newsletter article click here.
Thad specializes in back grounding several thousand cattle for other ranchers. His time working horseback and other injuries resulted in severe osteoarthritis in both hips. Thad needed total hip replacements but did not have health insurance.
AgrAbility assisted Thad with applying for vocational rehabilitation services, and his counselor acted swiftly to help him obtain medical and rehabilitation services. Thad returned to work as a livestock sales contractor without the debilitating pain he had before the total hip replacements.
To read Thad's newsletter article click here.
John received an incomplete T-12 spinal cord injury in a farming accident two years ago. With assistance from Oklahoma AgrAbility, he applied for and received $20,000 from vocational rehabilitation services to retrofit two Case-IH tractors with seated lifts. Vocational rehabilitation also funded repairs on the doors of a large farm shop so John could open them without assistance. AgrAbility also assisted John with writing a business plan and a Plan for Achieving Self Sufficiency to participate in the Social Security Work Incentives Program, through which he raised an additional $20,000 toward making work accommodations on his farm.
Measuring success
Oklahoma AgrAbility has received nearly 500 requests for information and assistance.
Requests for information and assistance have been received from 71 counties.
The Oklahoma AgrAbility Project staff visited nearly 160 farms.
Nearly $350,000 in funding for assistive technology and services has been provided by vocational rehabilitation to AgrAbility participants.
Nearly $22,000 in private funding through the Oklahoma Assistive Technology Foundation has helped purchase assistive technology and adaptive equipment for agricultural producers.
A $10,000 grant from the Christopher Reeve Paralysis Foundation was received in 2004 to start the Assistive Technology Grant Program for Farmers and Ranchers with Disabilities at the Oklahoma Assistive Technology Foundation. Eligible producers could apply for up to $750 to fund assistive technology, adaptive equipment or home modifications.
Meet the staff | Meet the Advisory Council
Click here to view the Oklahoma AgrAbility brochure