Changes in abilities = changes in farms

AgrAbility supports farm families

When traditional farming procedures become difficult due to disabilities, Iowa farmers and farm families need new and creative ways to use their abilities. Helping them make the transition is Iowa AgrAbility: Innovations That Work for Home and Farm. It’s a cooperative project of Iowa State University Extension and Easter Seals Iowa.

In north central Iowa, farmer Max Rodemeyer’s legs grew weak due to progressing symptoms of multiple sclerosis. But the bin still needed to be checked and the trailers and implements hitched to the tractor that he had to be able to get into. With help from AgrAbility, he was able to continue farming the same number of acres.

Max Rodemeyer can get in and out of his tractor more easily, thanks to lowered steps. Iowa AgrAbility made modifications around his farm to help him work more efficiently.

"I would have had to back off without their help," Rodemeyer explained. "It was taking me so much more time to get things done."

But with the help of rehabilitation experts at Easter Seals and ISU Extension staff, modifications to the farm were made that enabled Rodemeyer to work efficiently.

"For example, the ladder is gone from the bin. I walk up stairs that have a handrail to check the bin now. The steps are lowered on my tractor and I do not need to get out of the tractor to switch the hitches on the trailer," he said.

Tracy Keninger, senior director of program services with Easter Seals Iowa, described the cooperative program with ISU Extension as one that varies as the needs of farmers or farm families change. The program provides assistance ranging from how to button a shirt without full use of one’s fingers, to finding physical therapy services in rural communities, to filling out appropriate paperwork for services or benefits. Because the work is individualized to meet specific needs, varied expertise is required.

"The availability of the university specialists with their wealth of expertise is vital," Keninger said. "While Easter Seals can provide the expertise in rehabilitation, through Extension, farmers can access a broader level of expertise. For example, Extension housing specialists often assist in situations where an acquired disability creates challenges in the home, or financial specialists can provide an in-depth analysis of the farming operation."

AgrAbility is partially funded by a grant from the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Financing of farm modifications often is provided through the state Division of Vocational Rehabilitation Services and other programs.

Lorrie Long, ISU Extension AgrAbility program specialist, described the overall goal of AgrAbility as helping farmers and farm families with disabilities continue to work in agriculture.

"If it is in their best interest to stay in farming, we provide support by exploring a variety of issues like housing and building accessibility, farm management, operational changes and safety concerns," Long said. The program offers on-site visits, workshops, publications and educational information.

According to Keninger, nearly 70 percent of people served through AgrAbility acquired their disability as a result of a health condition such as a stroke, cancer, multiple sclerosis, muscular dystrophy or other illness.

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