Why was the AgrAbility Program started?

In the late 1980s it became apparent that farmers, ranchers, agricultural workers, and their families impacted by disability were not fully benefiting from the many advances that were taking place in the field of rehabilitation and the application of assistive technology to enhance the independence of persons with disabilities. It was believed that this need could be addressed by a multi-agency approach utilizing the information dissemination strengths of the Cooperative Extension Service and the rehabilitation expertise of non-profit disability organizations such as Easter Seals, Goodwill Industries, and the Arthritis Foundation.