Michigan AgrAbiliy: What is it?

Kelly Ewalt, Michigan State University Extension -

Continuing to farm after a disability can be feasible and safe!

Agriculture is known to be one of the most dangerous occupations, with thousands of accidents happening annually. Some of these are severe enough to cause disabling injuries, resulting in limited ability to continue farming. Groups like Michigan AgrAbility can help farmers continue to work after farm accidents.

AgrAbility is a USDA grant-funded program that works with farmers with disabilities or chronic illnesses. Michigan’s program is a partnership of Michigan State University Extension, Easter Seals—Michigan, United Cerebral Palsy of Michigan, and Michigan Farm Bureau. This collaboration works together to provide on-farm assessments, resulting in recommendations for assistive technology and other farm modifications. These recommendations result in a safer work environment and fewer secondary injuries, as well as allowing the farmer to continue in agriculture. The information service is free to anyone working in production agriculture or their families.

Michigan AgrAbility Educator Kelly Ewalt will be presenting “Michigan AgrAbility—What is it?” at MSU’s annual Ag Expo July 19-21 in East Lansing. These presentations are at 2:30 on July 19 and 20, and at 9:30 on July 21. Many examples of assistive technology specific to farming will be on hand, as well as information on how to work with AgrAbility and what services are available. For more information, contact Michigan AgrAbility at 989-227-6455 or visit the website at www.michiganagrability.org. 

This article was published by Michigan State University Extension. For more information, visit https://extension.msu.edu. To have a digest of information delivered straight to your email inbox, visit https://extension.msu.edu/newsletters. To contact an expert in your area, visit https://extension.msu.edu/experts, or call 888-MSUE4MI (888-678-3464).

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