Doreen
Greenstein and Naomi Miner
Cornell Cooperative Extension
Recently,
the first truck-mounted wheelchair-lift was installed in a
North Country farmer's pick-up truck. The lift has a seat
that moves vertically on a mast and horizontally on a "boom."
After transferring from his wheelchair to the lift-seat, the
farmer can use six control buttons to move from his wheelchair
to his pick-up truck seat, seat himself in the pick-up, drive
to his tractor or combine, and transfer from the truck to
the equipment he needs to use.
The
versatility of this wheelchair lift is impressive. Although
expensive, it was paid for by Vocational and Educational Services
for Individuals with Disabilities (VESID), a New York State
agency that funds services for people with disabilities. Many
farmers, farm-workers, and farm family members are eligible
for services through this agency.
Some
New York dairy farmers who use wheelchairs have figured out
ways they can milk cows. Standing wheelchairs, track-mounted
seats in the milking parlor pit, and mini-elevators that carry
a person in a wheelchair down into expensive, it was paid
for by Vocational and Educational Services for Individuals
with Disabilities (VESID), a New York State agency that funds
services for people with disabilities. Many farmers, farm-workers,
and farm family members are eligible for services through
this agency.
Some
New York dairy farmers who use wheelchairs have figured out
ways they can milk cows. Standing wheelchairs, track-mounted
seats in the milking parlor pit, and mini-elevators that carry
a person in a wheelchair down into the pit are examples of
specialized equipment that can be purchased for the farmer
or farm worker through VESID.
Specialized
wheelchairs can be helpful in getting around on rough terrain.
The "Freedom One," a special wheelchair made for farmers,
is built on a Wheelhorse tractor frame. It can push and pull
loads, get through mud puddles, and maneuver in small spaces.
Farmers
who are wheelchair users often need specialized equipment
to help them do their farm work. The FarmAbility office at
330 Riley-Robb Hall, Cornell University, Ithaca, N.Y. 14853,
can provide information for people who are eligible for assistance
from VESID to purchase such equipment. Our phone number is
(607)255-0150. Or call your county Cornell Cooperative Extension
office and ask them to call us on your behalf.
Disclaimer
and Reproduction Information: Information in NASD does not represent
NIOSH policy. Information included in NASD appears by permission
of the author and/or copyright holder. More
NASD Review: 04/2002
Doreen Greenstein
and Naomi Miner, FarmAbility, Cornell
Source:
Cornell Cooperative Extension, Cornell University, Ithaca,
NY
Provider: Ag Information Services -- News & Publications,
Penn State
January 26, 1994
Document Number
28302615
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