Are you or someone you know facing challenges in maintaining your farming operation due to an injury or other physical or health-related disability? If you struggle with back or joint pain, arthritis, cardiovascular, or respiratory issues, whether caused by farming or not, AgrAbility of Wisconsin can help address these issues at no cost to you.
AgrAbility is a USDA-funded initiative specifically designed to support farmers dealing with disability-related issues. In Wisconsin, the project is overseen by the University of Wisconsin-Madison Division of Extension in partnership with the non-profit organization Easter Seals of Wisconsin. Since its inception in the early 1990s, AgrAbility has helped over 3,300 farmers in Wisconsin and facilitated access to more than $50 million in assistive technology from various funding sources to enhance the day-to-day operations of Wisconsin farmers.
The process to receive help from AgrAbility is simple:
- Enroll in the program by contacting AgrAbility of Wisconsin:
Website: https://agrability.bse.wisc.edu
Phone: (608) 262-9336
Email: agrability@wisc.edu
- After enrolling a member of our partner Easter Seals Farm Team will contact the farmer and arrange for a farm visit to understand the issues and discuss the process. The Easter Seals Team has first-hand experience and farming knowledge and will develop recommendations for the farmer.
- If needed, the Easter Seals team will also discuss with the farmer potential options through the Wisconsin Division of Vocational Rehabilitation (www.dwd.wisconsin.gov/dvr) or other sources that may assist in funding any assistive technology recommended.
If you or someone you know is struggling to farm due to a disability, please consider this program. AgrAbility wants to help; its objective is to keep farmers doing what they want and love to do, and to improve the quality of life for farmers struggling with a disability.
For more information, questions, or to enroll, contact us at:
AgrAbility of Wisconsin/UW-Madison Division of Extension
460 Henry Mall
Madison, WI 53706
Phone: (608) 262-9336
Email: agrability@wisc.edu
Website: https://agrability.bse.wisc.edu
