Frequently Recommended Resources

AgrAbility PA provides a critical service to the state's agricultural community. Farming ranks as one of the most dangerous occupations in the country; and farmers may struggle each day to keep up with the daily demands of production agriculture.

The following list of resources and information may be helpful to farmers or their family members.

Penn State Extension
-  An educational organization dedicated to delivering science-based information to people, businesses, and communities -- providing access to face-to-face and online education to help people address problems and take advantage of opportunities for improvement and innovation.

UCP Central PA (UCP)
- For nearly 70 years, UCP Central PA (UCP) has been meeting the needs of individuals of all ages with all types of disabilities. UCP provides both community and center-based programs and services in 22 Central Pennsylvania counties, serving nearly 2,500 people with disabilities and their families.

Pennsylvania Office of Vocational Rehabilitation (OVR)
- State agency under the PA Department of Labor & Industry that provides vocational rehabilitation services to help individuals with disabilities prepare for, obtain, or maintain employment. AgrAbility PA staff assist in connecting farmers to OVR, and many have successfully received support from OVR in the form of equipment, assistive technology, and modifications. OVR provides services to eligible individuals with disabilities on an individualized basis. More information on Financial Resources.

Pennsylvania Department of Agricultural (PDA)
- Encourages, protects, and promotes agriculture and related industries throughout the Commonwealth while providing consumer protection through inspection services that impact the health and financial security of Pennsylvania's citizens. Committed to a sustainable and safe supply of food and agricultural products.

Pennsylvania Assistive Technology Foundation (PATF)
- Financial education and financing for individuals with disabilities including assistive technology for jobs, hobbies, and quality of life. PATF is a statewide, non-profit organization that helps individuals with disabilities and older Pennsylvanians acquire assistive technology devices and services.

TechOWL - Technology for Our Whole Lives
- Non-profit that enhances the lives of all Pennsylvanians with disabilities, older Pennsylvanians, and their families through access to and acquisition of assistive technology devices and services. TechOWL offers a variety of services from device demonstration and loans to training and technical assistance. Formerly known as PA's Initiative on Assistive Technology (PIAT)

Pennsylvania Office of Rural Health (PORH)
- Works with local state and federal partners to achieve equity in, and access to, quality health care for Pennsylvania’s rural residents. Also oversees the Farm Worker Protection Safety Program which provides technical and compliance assistance to agricultural producers and their employees in understanding and complying with the requirements of the Federal Environmental Protection Agency Worker Protection Standard.

Pennsylvania Women's Agricultural Network (PA-WAgN)
- PA-WAgN supports women in agriculture by providing positive learning environments, networking, and empowerment opportunities.

eXtension Foundation
- The eXtension community of practice that provides user-friendly agricultural safety and health information. The mission of eXtension Foundation is to help Cooperative Extension Professionals make a visible and measurable impact on local issues. Penn State Extension is a member.

National AgrAbility Project (NAP)
- Provides support for state AgrAbility projects and services to farmers, ranchers, and agricultural workers with a disability in states without an AgrAbility project.
- Assistive Technology Toolbox Database
- States with AgrAbility Directory
- Funding Assistance
- Resources
- Veterans

Rodale Institute: Training Programs
- With both short-term and long-term training opportunities available, launch or refine a career in organic agriculture with education from Rodale Institute.
- Veteran Farmer Training
- Organic Farming Certificate Program
- Agriculture Supported Communities

Impairment Related Work Expenses (IRWE) for Farmers and Farm Workers 
- A resource summarized by a faculty member at The Ohio State University

Pennsylvania Statewide Independent Living Council (PA SILC)
- A nonprofit, cross-disability, consumer-controlled organization that develops and secures public policies to ensure civil rights and expand options for all people with disabilities in all aspects of life.

Rehabilitation Engineering and Assistive Technology Society of North America (RESNA)
- Professional organization that promotes the health and well-being of people with disabilities through increasing access to technology solutions.