AgrAbility Program
AgrAbility is a consumer-driven USDA-funded
program that provides vital education, assistance,
and support to farmers and ranchers with
disabilities. Through the combined dedication
and expertise of the Cooperative Extension
System and nonprofit disability organizations,
AgrAbility helps thousands of determined
individuals overcome the barriers to continuing
their chosen professions in agriculture.
AgrAbility received its first federal funding
in 1991 and was implemented as recommended
in the 1990 Farm Bill. Each year, competitive
projects have been awarded to Cooperative
Extension Services that have joined with
nonprofit disability organizations to educate
and assist agricultural workers with disabilities
and their families. In addition to the state
project grants, one national grant provides
additional support for a National AgrAbility
Project involving the University of Wisconsin-Madison
and the Easter Seals, Inc. These national
partners joined to provide technical assistance
and professional training for the state projects
and to produce resource materials and conduct
information dissemination activities related
to the project.
The activities of the AgrAbility program
demonstrate the ability of Extension Services
to respond to local needs and make a difference
through collaborative partnerships. Perhaps
most important, they illustrate how much
we can collectively benefit by providing
opportunities, expanding boundaries, and
making it possible for people to hope.
AgrAbility program services are provided
through state
projects and the National
AgrAbility Project at the University
of Wisconsin-Madison. Farmers, ranchers,
farm workers, or their family members engaged
in a farm-related occupation and who have
a disability may contact their state AgrAbility
director or Web site for information on what
services are available. If no state AgrAbility
project is available, contact the National
AgrAbility Project for information.
2007 AgrAbility Events
2007 National AgrAbility Training Workshop
October 29–Novermber 1, 2006
Doubletree Hotel Sacramento
Sacramento, California.
The National AgrAbility Project hosts a 3-day educational and training workshop to provide technical assistance and resources to professionals who interact with individuals and their families who farm or ranch despite a disability.
A wide array of sessions is available to participants to increase their knowledge of strategies the farmer, rancher, and farmworker use to continue working in production agriculture.
This workshop is sure to be informative and is a great way for members of State projects to come together to better help farmers help themselves.
Visit the National AgrAbility Project Web site for updates on conference topics, transportation, and registration details.
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