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Ohio AgrAbility

Ohio State University Extension

CFAES

Common Uses on the Farm

Aids to daily living:
Devices and adaptations to increase participation or independence in activities such as eating and grooming, as well as routine tasks such as getting out of bed and cooking dinner.

  • grab bars, objects with extended handles, anti-vibration gloves, shoes with shock-absorbing soles, remote controls

Augmentative and alternative communication:
These include equipment and services that enhance face-to-face communication, telecommunication, or other means of communication. Writing aids are also included in this group. Those with communication difficulties can communicate when traditional methods are affected.

  • amplified phone, cell phone, computer/Internet access, pens or pencils with grab assist devices

Environmental controls:
These units make regulating the living or work environment easier to meet specific needs.

  • programmable thermostats for heating /cooling, pre-programmed lighting systems, motion or pressure sensitive controls for lighting and opening doors, automated humidity and ventilation systems

Home or worksite modifications:
These include products that make a home or worksite environment more accessible. Included would be devices to make it easier to enter a building, to use the spaces inside (including lighting), or to move between floors.

  • stair lift, electronic openers for doors or gates, accessible entrances, and Universal Design concepts such as lever handles for doors, flat rocker panel light switches, or slip-resistant working surfaces

Job accommodations:
These include environmental changes, assistive technologies, and techniques or work practices that improve the ability of persons with disabilities to access their work environment and/or complete their work.

  • ergonomic work stations, pneumatic or battery operated tools and equipment, ergonomic hand controls, hydraulic or electric hoisting equipment, livestock handling equipment, automated feed equipment, anti-fatigue matting

Seating and positioning aids:
These products help people with disabilities sit comfortably and safely.

  • air ride tractor seats, swivel seating, transfer devices to assist in transferring from wheelchair to seat, garden assistance carts with seat, anti-vibration padding

Vision and hearing aids:
This is a broad category that includes all types of sensory aids to help people who are blind, low vision, deaf, or hard of hearing. Devices are also available to help those with multiple sensory disabilities, such as the deaf-blind.

Personal mobility aids:
These help people with mobility limitations move more freely indoors and outdoors.

  • devices such as canes, wheelchairs, walkers, mobility scooters, or ATVs/UTVs

Vehicle or equipment modification:
Products in this category help people with disabilities drive or ride in cars, vans, trucks, or equipment.

  • additional or modified steps, motorized lifts, hand or foot controls, hydraulic or electronic controls, hitching assist devices

Prosthetics and orthodics:
Prosthetics are generally devices to help amputees, and orthodics are braces or other products to support joints or limbs.

  • myoelectric hand, prosthetic leg, back brace, knee brace, foot pads, shoe inserts

Identifying assistive technology needs:
Ohio AgrAbility can visit your farm to help determine assistive technology solutions through on-site assessments and provide you with recommendations for assistive technologies. Recommendations can also include resources and information on worksite and process modification and prevention of secondary injuries. AgrAbility staff can make referrals to funding sources appropriate to your specific needs through Ohio Rehabilitation Services, specialized equipment loans, or other funding opportunities.