AgrAbility
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While it has been a difficult year due to restrictions on in-person contact, the program is working to find ways to innovate and bring resources to you. This includes a newsletter that we intend to provide quarterly. We will be spotlighting partner agencies, adaptive technologies, funding resources and other information to provide support to our agricultural clients. If you missed the latest newsletter, you can view it online. Feel free to contact me if you have questions or would like more information about becoming an AKAgrAbility client. On behalf of our team, we look forward to working with you. Stay well, DeShana York, Director Stay up-to-date by signing up for the AKAgrAbility newsletter!For Covid-19 Resources, visit the National AgrAbility Covid -19 Resource page. |
Who are we?
The AKAgrAbility program is managed by the University of Alaska Fairbanks Cooperative Extension Service and is funded nationally through the U.S. Department of Agriculture. The purpose of the program is to help bring awareness, education, technical on-site assessments and resources to help Alaskans working in an agricultural industry such as farming, fishing, or timber who may have a barrier that limits their independence.
This could be due to a disability, injury or through the aging process. Extension
partners with Assistive Technology of Alaska (ATLA) to help determine assistive technology
that may be needed to carry out day-to-day activities necessary for employment or
quality of life. No matter what the reason for the impairment, the program works to
connect clients in a holistic approach.
You can visit the National Agrability site at http://www.agrability.org/
What does AgrAbility do?
The vision of AgrAbility is to enable a high quality lifestyle for farmers, ranchers, and other agricultural workers with disabilities. Through education and assistance, AgrAbility helps to eliminate (or at least minimize) obstacles that block success in production agriculture or agriculture-related occupations.
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What services does AgrAbility provide?
AgrAbility offers the following services at no cost to customers:
- Conducting on-site assessments to identify barriers to completing tasks both in the agricultural workplace and the home.
- Recommending appropriate assistive technologies (equipment/tools/devices), modified work practices, and/or other possible solutions to overcoming disability-related limitations.
- Providing access to informational materials on a variety of topics related to disability and agriculture.
- Providing education/training opportunities through workshops, conferences, seminars, and on-line programs.
- Referring customers to other service providers for potential assistance (e.g., financial, rehabilitative, educational) specific to the clients’ needs.
- Arranging for peer support opportunities that connect customers with others who have successfully accommodated their disabilities.
- Assisting military veterans seeking employment in agriculture-related occupations.
AgrAbility does not provide direct funding or equipment. However, AgrAbility projects often work with state Vocational Rehabilitation departments and other funding sources to help customers obtain needed assistive technologies and modifications.