About the Toolbox

The Toolbox: Agricultural Tools, Equipment, Machinery & Buildings for Farmers and Ranchers with Physical Disabilities is a resource that contains assistive technology solutions for farmers, ranchers, and other agricultural workers with disabilities. It began as printed manuals published in 1986, 1991, and 2000. The Toolbox transitioned to CDs in the early 2000s and became an online database in 2011.

Note: You cannot order items from The Toolbox from or through AgrAbility. You must obtain them through the manufacturer or supplier found on the individual product pages of The Toolbox.

Acknowledgments

AgrAbility first thanks the agricultural producers who have shared with us over the past decades their unique assistive technology solutions. In addition, we acknowledge the many producers and commercial manufacturers who have provided photos, drawings, videos, and descriptions of entries for The Toolbox.

External financial support for the planning, layout, and production of both the printed and electronic versions of The Toolbox has included major grants and gifts from:

  • United States Department of Agriculture, National Institute of Food and Agriculture
  • United States Department of Education, National Institute on Disability and Rehabilitation Research
  • United States Department of Education, Rehabilitation Services Administration
  • Deere and Company
  • Successful Farming magazine

Former Purdue Breaking New Ground (BNG) staff members Dean Brusnighan, Barry Delks, John Schweitzer, Ned Stoller, and Therese Willkomm birthed The Toolbox by documenting many types of assistive technology that have been included or expanded upon in the database. The initial internet version of The Toolbox was developed by Clifford Racz in cooperation with the BNG staff. The current online version was developed by Amy Masson of SUMY Designs. Other significant contributors to The Toolbox include Bill Field, Paul Jones, Jon Smith, Steve Swain, and Chuck Baldwin.

Disclaimer

The Toolbox: Agricultural Tools, Equipment, Machinery & Buildings for Farmers and Ranchers with Physical Disabilities provides general information to help users understand how products, ideas, or modifications may work. This information is provided for educational purposes only and is not a set of plans, instructions, or professional advice, including engineering, medical, or safety advice.

Use of any product, idea, or modification described in The Toolbox may involve significant risks, including the risk of serious injury or property damage. Users are solely responsible for evaluating the safety, suitability, and proper use of any information provided. You use this information at your own risk.

Before building, modifying, or using any equipment or device—especially those that are complex or potentially hazardous—you should consult qualified professionals, such as a licensed engineer or other appropriate expert.

Information in The Toolbox may be incomplete, outdated, or inaccurate. Users should independently verify all information, including product details, specifications, and supplier information, by contacting the original manufacturer or provider. The National AgrAbility Project does not control and is not responsible for the content, accuracy, or availability of information provided by third parties.

The authors, reviewers, and publishers make no warranties, express or implied, regarding the accuracy, completeness, or usefulness of the information provided, and assume no liability for any injury, loss, or damage resulting from the use of, or reliance on, this information. The inclusion of any product, organization, or website does not constitute an endorsement.

AgrAbility and Purdue University are not responsible for the privacy practices or content of external websites. Any opinions expressed are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the views of the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

Terms and Conditions of Fair Use

Materials from The Toolbox may be used and shared at no charge for personal or educational purposes, provided they are not altered in a way that misrepresents the original meaning and proper credit is given to The Toolbox and the National AgrAbility Project.

Except for personal use, Toolbox materials may not be reproduced, distributed, or used electronically without permission from Purdue University.

Use of Toolbox materials for commercial purposes—including any use connected to a fee, sale, or business activity—requires prior approval. Requests should be directed to the Breaking New Ground Resource Center, which will coordinate with Purdue University’s Office of Technology Commercialization.

If you have questions about permitted uses, please contact:

Breaking New Ground Resource Center
Agricultural and Biological Engineering Building
225 South University Street
West Lafayette, IN 47907-2093
800-825-4264
agrability@agrability.org