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Ohio AgrAbility

Ohio State University Extension

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Ohio AgrAbility: Promoting success in agriculture for Ohio farmers with a disability or long-term health condition.

 

The Ohio AgrAbility Project is part of a national program from the U.S. Department of Agriculture that assists farmers and other agricultural workers with disabilities by providing the resources and support they need to live independently, and to continue or return to working in production agriculture. 

The Ohio State University has partnered with Easter Seals to achieve the program’s goals by providing education, resources, and technical assistance to these individuals and their families. 

Why is there a need for Ohio AgrAbility?

  • Agriculture consistently ranks as one of the nation’s most dangerous occupations. Each year, agricultural workers in Ohio experience injuries that limit their ability to perform essential tasks.

  • ​1 out of 14 Ohio farm families experience a farm-related injury each year

  • ​Some agricultural workers acquire disabilities through off-the-farm incidents, illness, or health problems such as heart disease, arthritis, or cancer

  • ​After a lifetime of hard work, senior farmers may experience limitations such as decreased vision, or hearing, or loss of strength or mobility

 

Please note that Ohio AgrAbility cannot purchase equipment or provide farmers with financial support. Staff may make referrals to available agricultural, vocational rehabilitation or community service organizations, some of which may be able to purchase equipment or provide financial assistance directly to farmers.