Colorado AgrAbility
A Joint Program of Easter Seals Colorado
and CSU Cooperative Exentsion to Promote Success in Agriculture
for People with Disabilities and Their Families
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Program Information
Farming and ranching are ways of life that
value families working together for a common purpose. When family
members are affected by severe health issues and/or a disability, their way of life is challenged.
This statewide program provides comprehensive information, direct
services and educational workshops to individuals with disabilities,
their families, caregivers and professionals with the goal of
assisting families in remaining in or entering the field of agriculture.
Who Can Benefit from Colorado AgrAbility_
Individuals with chronic severe health conditions
and/or disability, their families, friends, caregivers, professionals and
others can benefit from Colorado AgrAbility.
An on-site assessment is used to develop customized services based on the agricultural operation, the type of disability and the needs of the individuals and their families.
Some examples of individuals and families who might benefit from Colorado AgrAbility include:
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A rancher or farmer with arthritis needs information protecting his joints from injury.
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A farmer, paralyzed from a car accident needs assistance in finding lifts and hand controls for equipment.
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A ranching family with a child who has cognitive and physical disabilities is seeking appropriate services from the local school district.
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A rancher is losing his/her sight and needs to develop new ways to handle bookkeeping and other business activities.
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A worker has use of only one hand and is interested in entering a new job, such as growing tomatos using hydroponics.
Direct Services Available from Easter Seals Colorado
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On-the-farm or ranch technical assistance
regarding the design, fabrication, and use of equipment, machinery and tools.
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Direct education and assistance about modifications available to accommodate a disability.
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Assistance with finding funding for services and accommodations.
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Develop a network of individuals and organizations in the community that provide services to farmers, ranchers and family members with disabling health conditions.
How Can You Get Involved_
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Contact Easter Seals Colorado or Colorado State University Cooperative Extension directly.
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Attend training and education workshops provided by CSU Cooperative Extension.
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Become an AgrAbility Peer-Friend by contacting CSU.
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Contact your local Cooperative Extension Agent for more information.
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Have a physician, vocational rehabilitation counselor, case manager or other service provider contact Easter Seals Colorado.
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Contact Easter Seals to be listed as a resource for farmers and ranchers with disabilities in your community.
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Volunteer to help with AgrAbility projects.
Information and Educational Workshops from CSU Cooperative Extension
AgrAbility workshops are offered to farmers, ranchers and family members with disabilities and to the professionals who serve them. Topics include: information modifications, enhancing communication skills, identifying symptoms of high stress, depression, anger and suicide levels, and becoming and AgrAbility Peer-Friend.
AgrAbility Calendar
Page under construction. Please check back later.
Additional Resources:
National AgrAbility
Farm Safety and Health Info Clearinghouse
National Children's Center for Agricultural Health and Safety
National Institute for Farm Safety
Colorado State University Cooperative Extension
National Council on Disability
This material is based upon work supported by the USDA Cooperative State Research, Education, & Extension Service under special project number 98-EDFA-1-0267.
The programs and services of Easter Seals Colorado, Colorado State University Cooperative Extension and the US Department of Agriculture are available to all people regardless of age, disability, gender, national origin, race or religion.
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