I am legally blind and need some ideas on how to navigate from one place to another on my ranch and to locate gates, corrals and pastures.
Some ideas that can help are: Different texture ropes strung between buildings with different numbers of knots tied at important locations. Different texture gravel and stone paths to different locations. A contrast of lighting brightness or colors. A talking Trekker GPS can be programmed with destination points and routes around the ranch. Contact Humanware at…
Read MoreI have emphysema and really have problems in the winter to chop ice with an axe in the river to provide water for my cattle. Do you know any inexpensive alternatives?
You could use a windmill to pump water up from the river to a watering station. By preventing the cattle direct access to the waterway, you can also avoid stream bank erosion and pollution problems. Since the problem involves freezing weather, any approach will need a way to keep the water flowing continually to avoid…
Read MoreMy relative is a farmer with a disability and is having financial and family problems. He often gets angry and other times seems very depressed. I am worried he will hurt someone or himself. What can I do to help?
It is important to get him help soon, especially with the possibility of hurting someone or himself. If you think there is immediate danger, you should call 911 and explain the situation. There is hope when he receives treatment. Many new antidepressants work well, but take a few weeks to take effect. However, quick acting…
Read MoreAre there foot-pedal-to-hand-control conversion kits for my lawn tractor or at least design plans for homemade foot-to-hand control conversion?
A hand control can be made by attaching a bent rod by means of a bracket to the foot pedal for the clutch, brake, or hydrostat transmission. The rod can be clamped onto the foot pedal and bent to come up to a convenient location for hand operation. An article with color pictures and evaluation…
Read MoreDue to a recent injury I can't walk, and now use a power chair, but cannot get outside to check on my livestock because I have no wheelchair ramp. Where can I get help in designing and building such a ramp?
For plans, use an internet search engine (e.g., Google), type "Wheelchair ramp plans" for numerous results. The Minnesota Ramp Project at www.wheelchairramp.org makes available a manual and video which include plans with a material list for a modular ramp system that requires no in-ground posts and can be built off site usually in a day.…
Read MoreI have an arm amputation and have not had any success using a prosthesis. I plan to try to use a chainsaw to cut firewood this winter, and was wondering if you had any advice on how I can safely operate the saw with only one hand.
A significant issue with one handed chainsaw use, which is being practiced by a few, is kickback. Every chainsaw operator will eventually experience kickback or a pinched bar. The injuries to the face from kickback can be significant and even can occur with an anti-kickback mechanism in place. Another behavior that occurs with one handed…
Read MoreI need help accessing my boat. Does anyone make a device that will lift a person into a boat?
Listed below are three companies that can custom-manufacture or have off-the-shelf man-lifts adapted for accessing boats by either mounting the lift on a large boat or on a pier. They are: • SS Products, of Tempe, AZ—By phone @ 888-224-1425 or on the Web @ www.coachlift.com and click on "Other Handicapped Lifts." • Life Essentials,…
Read MoreI am a disabled veteran and want to know, is there any funding available to help with farm equipment and expenses required for me to continue farming?
Look at other FAQs on this Web site about funding for different farm expenses. Contact the Veterans Administration and ask about their Vocational Rehabilitation services. By phone (800-827-1000) or go to www.va.gov and click "Benefits," then "Vocational Rehabilitation." You may also qualify for services through the civilian Vocational Rehabilitation Department of your state and also…
Read MoreI have a disability and would like to find out if I might qualify for assistance to start a farm business.
Visit the Funding Assistance page of this website www.agrability.org/funding-assistance for information on disability- and agriculture-related funding options. Listed below are federal and state government-related entities that either provide or can work with you in seeking out low-interest loans and/or grants for starting a farm business, including purchasing agricultural equipment and production inputs. Vocational Rehabilitation is…
Read MoreI need a new prosthesis, but cannot afford one. Is there funding assistance available?
There are several professional and nonprofit organizations that may help: • American Orthotic and Prosthetic Association. By phone— 571-431-0876, on the Web–go to www.aopanet.org. Type your state's name in the “AOPA Member Directory Search Box,” and you will find a list of companies belonging to that organization. • The Amputee Coalition of America. By phone–888-267-5669,…
Read MoreI own a small acreage where I want to raise goats to supplement my disability income. Are there any grants or low interest loans available for modifying the home on that acreage to make it accessible or building a new accessible home in my rural area?
Listed below are several government-related entities and one non-profit organization that provide housing monetary grants, low-interest loans, and/or assist in home building, modification or repair for persons in rural areas. • Vocational Rehabilitation, Rehabilitation Services, etc. (titles vary by state) (both funding and assistance). By phone—look in the yellow pages under "Government, State" or in…
Read MoreI recently was injured and obtained a permanent disability. Where can I obtain funding to buy equipment and production inputs that I need to keep farming?
Listed below are federal and state government-related entities that either provide or can work with you in seeking out low-interest loans and/or grants for purchasing agricultural equipment and production inputs. Vocational Rehabilitation is of particular interest, since they often provide grants for equipment modifications to help people with disabilities to continue farming. • Farm Service…
Read MoreWhere might I find sources of financial assistance for schooling for a farmer with a disability like myself?
Here are some potential sources of financial assistance available to persons with disabilities for furthering their education. • Vocational Rehabilitation, Rehabilitation Services, etc. (titles vary by state) (possible funding assistance for continuing education). By phone—look in the yellow pages under "Government, State" or in a separate section ahead of the white pages that lists state…
Read MoreDo you have any information as to vendors, dealers, fabricators, etc. that offer accelerator, brake and clutch hand controls for large trucks?
First off, if you're going to apply for a CDL license, contact the CDL testing agency you plan to use and ask if they have any requirements or suggestions for hand controls. If you have a choice, you should choose a truck with an automatic transmission, which will make the driving much easier. Modifying a…
Read MoreI have a hard time getting into my two-ton truck. Are there any design plans or companies that build lifts?
There are a number of small companies that custom-manufacture farm machinery adaptive devices, including man-lifts to access large trucks. Among them are Life Essentials, of Brookston, IN (by phone @ 765-742-6707 or on the Web @ www.lifeessentialsweb.com) and John Hancock, of Lexington, KY (by phone @ 859-227-7099). They will discuss your needs and suggest possible…
Read MoreI have difficulty in making that first big step onto my tractor ladder and into my truck. Are there any add-on steps available?
Check out these Web sites for commercial extra or add-on step kits. Fixed, hinged, and electric step kits that could work for large trucks: • Truck Add Ons – Truck Steps • Go Rhino – Truck Steps • AVS steps – Fleet and Commercial Vehicle Steps • PPL Motor Homes – RV Steps, Kwikee Electric…
Read MoreI have no use of my legs and therefore need hand controls for operating my Polaris Ranger UTV. Do you know who sells hand control conversion kits or could make the necessary modifications?
The following Web site compares two designs of hand controls that utilize different hand motions to apply the brakes and accelerator—go to www.accesssolutions-ky.com, and click on “Vehicle Hand Controls.” You will need to decide which technique of operation you prefer. Here are four companies that offer ready-made hand controls for automobiles that can usually be…
Read MoreI'm a right leg amputee; is there a way to convert my pickup truck accelerator from right to left foot control?
For ways to modify the accelerator from right foot control to left foot control, search on the Internet for "Left foot accelerator" and "Left foot gas pedal" to find manufacturers, or see companies listed below. Go to the Able Data site at www.abledata.com for a listing of eight companies that sell left foot accelerators. Contact…
Read MoreI am paralyzed from the waist down, and I want to get a tractor for use on my horse farm. Is there any way it can be made to be completely hand-operated?
First, a tractor with a hydrostatic transmission would be convenient, since no clutch engagement is required. A hand control can be made by attaching a bent rod by means of a bracket to the foot pedal for the clutch, brake, or hydrostatic transmission. The rod can be clamped onto the foot pedal and bent to…
Read MoreI have a hard time getting into my tractor, and combine. Are there any design plans or companies that build lifts?
I have a hard time getting into my tractor, and combine. Are there any design plans or companies that build lifts? There are a number of small companies that custom-manufacture farm machinery adaptive devices, including man-lifts to access operator stations of farm equipment and large trucks. Among them are Life Essentials, of Brookston, IN (by…
Read MoreI have difficulty in making that first big step onto my tractor. Are there any add-on steps available?
Check out these Web sites for commercial extra or add-on step kits: • Step kits designed for selected John Deere tractors only— John Deere • Step kits designed for Case IH and Allis Chalmers as well as John Deere tractors — Sloan Express, and K and M manufacturing Check out the "Toolbox," which is a…
Read MoreMy problem is my inability to change and hitch agricultural implements on my own. Whats out there that will allow me to do so?
Here are some ideas for hitching without needing assistance: John Deere has a new iMatch hitching system for their utility tractors where the PTO and three-point hitching is done without getting off the tractor. Go to the John Deere iMatch website Attachments are available for automatic hitching of a tractor drawbar to the tongue of…
Read MoreAre there costs associated with receiving services from the state, regional or national AgrAbility projects?
No, State and Regional AgrAbility Projects (SRAPs) are not allowed by their contracts with USDA-NIFA to charge clients for services provided that are within the scope of the AgrAbility Program guidelines contained in the federal legislation. AgrAbility staff may recommend resources, assistive technology, or expert consulting services, such as from a Professional Engineer that may…
Read MoreDo I have to live on the farm to receive services?
No. Anyone with a disease, disability or disorder and who is engaged in farming, ranching or in other agriculture-related occupations is eligible to receive services.
Read MoreDo I need to show proof of U.S. citizenship to receive AgrAbility services?
No.
Read MoreDoes the National AgrAbility Project provide on-farm consultations?
Generally no. Historically, however, National AgrAbility Project (NAP) staff have conducted numerous on-site visits as part of information gathering, pilot testing of new resources or during preparation of new audio-visual resources. The NAP staff have very limited funding available to conduct on-site assessments or provide direct client services. Don't be afraid to ask if such…
Read MoreFor what kind of disabilities does the AgrAbility Program provide services?
Farmers, ranchers, their family members and agricultural workers, including seasonal and migrant farm workers are eligible to receive AgrAbility services. In addition those engaged in agricultural-related occupations, forestry, fishing, and lawn care will find many of the resources available through AgrAbility applicable to their workplaces. AgrAbility has served individuals with a wide range of disability…
Read MoreHow can I receive AgrAbility services if I live in a state that does not have an AgrAbility project?
The National AgrAbility Project will provide information and resources for people in states without an AgrAbility project.
Read MoreHow do I contact AgrAbility?
Currently, there are 22 funded state and regional AgrAbility projects. For a complete listing of these projects check the listing at www.agrability.org. It has a map of the U.S. and allows you to click on the map for contact information. In addition, there are several states that have affiliated projects that may be able to…
Read MoreHow do I encourage my community to become more accessible?
Advocate for personal rights, form disability coalitions, contact a nearby center for independent living, and involve others interested in disability rights.
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