Project offers assistance to those injured in ag industry

By JULIET BRISKIN | Staff writer

Sept. 23, 2004 - The myriad challenges faced by those who have suffered a disabling disease or injury are overwhelming at best, and when coupled with the inability to return to work and earn a living, can cause unimaginable stress. In the agriculture industry, where the daily physical demands can test the limits of even those in the best of health, a permanent disability can threaten the very survival of the family farm.

In an effort to provide assistance to farmers, ranchers, and agricultural workers with disabilities, the 1990 Farm Bill recommended the implementation of a national program that would combine the resources of the Texas Cooperative Extension (TCE) with nonprofit disability organizations. The result was the creation of the USDA-funded AgrAbility Project, which today funds both a National AgrAbility Project and 24 state AgrAbility Projects.

While still in its infancy, the Texas AgrAbility Project is charged with assisting to over 50,000 disabled farmers, ranchers and agricultural workers throughout the state. The project, which is conducted by TCE and the Warm Springs Resource Center in San Antonio, provides technical assistance and resource information to its clients and helps individuals overcome the barriers that in the past may have prevented them from ever returning to work in agriculture.

"What we're after is to help farmers and ranchers who are in some way disabled to the extent that it prohibits them from continuing to work on their farm," asserted David Smith, TCE farm safety programs specialist. "Through farm evaluations we can identify what assistive technologies can help get them back to work. For example, if they have tractors, I would go in and take a look at the equipment, how it is used on that particular farm or ranch and what modifications, such as automatic lifts or hitching equipment, could be added."

According to Smith, an additional on-site evaluation is conducted by his counterpart from the Warm Springs Resource Center in an effort to identify the occupational needs of the client.

"My partners from the Warm Springs Resource Center will meet with the client and work with them on ways to modify certain tasks and create a safe work environment," said Smith. "A lot of the people that we are helping have some very severe disabilities which can make them more vulnerable when they return to the workplace."

In addition to site evaluations and recommending modifications to equipment, tasks and the work environment, the AgrAbility Project assists clients by coordinating community services, identifying funding sources and providing education programs for staff and employers on the mental and physical barriers faced by disabled co-workers or employees.

Smith explained one of the biggest obstacles faced by a disabled farmer or rancher is a lack of funds and not knowing where to turn to for financial assistance. In such cases, the project will act as a liaison between the client and the various funding sources.

"Often times the farmers don't know how to justify what they are asking for or even who to ask," explained Smith. "We are here to support the farmer and help them communicate their needs to the appropriate funding source. What is important to point out is that by utilizing this program, disabled farmers and ranchers are taking the necessary steps to regain their independence."

For more information on the Texas AgrAbility Project visit online at http://txagrability.tamu.edu; or contact Smith, TCE farm safety specialist, at 979-458-0017 or DWSmith@ag.tamu.edu; or Donna Teall, Warm Spring Resource Center program coordinator, 866-601-6444 or dteall@wssahosp.org.