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On June 3, 2019, AgrAbility for Pennsylvanians Project (AgrAbility PA) joined the Pennsylvania Assistive Technology Foundation (PATF) at their annual press conference at the State Capitol Building in Harrisburg.

For more than 25 years, AgrAbility PA has provided a critical service to the Commonwealth’s agricultural community. AgrAbility PA assists farmers and agricultural workers with a disability or long-term health condition by providing direct services and support they need to live independently and to continue working in production agriculture. Some of the more common disabilities or health conditions that Pennsylvania farmers may have include: arthritis, spinal cord injury, amputation, traumatic brain injury, stroke, diabetes, visual or hearing loss, respiratory problems, and back impairment or joint injuries.

During the press conference, AgrAbility PA shared a story about a farmer named Ed who obtained a loan through PATF. In 2016, Ed began working with AgrAbility as his health conditions were greatly impacting his ability to stay active on his sheep farm. After a farm assessment, evaluation, and assistance from PA’s Office of Vocational Rehabilitation (OVR), Ed was able to acquire a utility vehicle for mobility and various farm tasks. Last year, Ed became concerned about removing snow from his driveway and farm property. AgrAbility PA connected him to PATF for a loan. He was able to purchase a snow blower attachment for his utility vehicle and now is able to independently remove snow on his farm.

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“Ed’s story is one example of how a partnership between organizations supporting people with disabilities can result in a person – an individual – to have freedom, independence, and dignity in their livelihood and at home,” said Abbie Spackman, project assistant and case coordinator for AgrAbility PA. “When we meet a farmer and start a dialogue about their work and ambitions – it often leads us to find unique funding solutions and diverse options to meet their goals. We are pleased to have such a great partnership with PATF – a place where farmers can turn to for low or no-interest financing.”

Any Pennsylvanian with a disability or long-term health condition who is engaged in farming or an agricultural-related occupation may be eligible to receive services. At no cost, AgrAbility PA provides:
· On-site farm assessments to identify barriers to successful completion of tasks
· Identification of safe and appropriate modifications, equipment, or assistive technology
· Peer and caregiver support
· Educational opportunities and resources
· Referrals and information about state and local resources

AgrAbility PA is a statewide partnership between Penn State Extension and UCP Central PA in support of a project funded through the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) and National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA). Since initial funding in 1991, NIFA has awarded AgrAbility grants to more than 35 states resulting in on-farm assistance to more than 12,000 farmers, while educating thousands of professionals on how to accommodate those with disabilities in agriculture.

AgrAbility PA does not provide direct funding, however, the staff works with OVR, PATF, and other third-party funding sources to help farmers and farm families obtain needed equipment, assistive technologies, and/or modifications.

For more information, visit AgrAbilityPA.org or follow AgrAbility PA on social media: Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and Pinterest: @AgrAbilityPA. Contact AgrAbility PA at AgrAbility@psu.edu or (814) 867-5288.

AgrAbility for Pennsylvanians Project is supported under USDA/NIFA Special Projects 2017-41590-27105 in collaboration with Penn State Extension. Penn State College of Agricultural Sciences research and extension programs are funded in part by Pennsylvania counties, the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, and USDA.

Penn State is an equal opportunity, affirmative action employer, and is committed to providing employment opportunities to all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or protected veteran status.

UCP Central PA assures equal opportunities for all individuals regardless of age, sex, race, color, religious creed, ancestry, national origin, disability, handicap, sexual preference, life style, political belief, union membership, limited English proficiency, and any other class of individuals protected from discrimination under state or federal law.

This information is available in alternative media/formats upon request.