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 Authorized by the 1990 Farm Bill, in 1991 the U.S. Department of
Agriculture initiated funding for state-level programs to
provide information on accommodating disability in agriculture.
“The funding is provided through a competitive grant process,”
says Robert Aherin, professor of agricultural and biological
engineering at the University of Illinois, and program director
of AgrAbility Unlimited. “Illinois is one of 24 states operating
individually with this funding.”
The University of Illinois Extension is the lead organization in
collaboration with Macon Resources Inc., The Illinois Assistive
Technology Program, and Community Health Partnership of
Illinois. These organizations have combined their expertise in
agriculture, assistive technology, and disabilities to form
AgrAbility Unlimited, a program to promote independence and
productivity for Illinois agricultural workers who have
experienced physical limitations do to a disabling injury or
illness as a result of an accident, disease or age related
health problem. “Through AgrAbility Unlimited,” says Aherin,
“our goal is to assist farmers, their families, migrant workers,
and farm workers to improve their quality of life.”
The program has also received private support from the Illinois
Farm Bureau, 1st Farm Credit, the IAA Foundation, Growmark,
Co-Bank, Farm Credit Services, The Brandt Foundation, Susan
Vinckel Trust, Ullrich Foundation, and contributions from
individuals.
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Aherin says the program seeks ways to mitigate the effects of
disabling illnesses and accidents through understanding each
individual’s needs and then assisting them through a network of
local agricultural and rehabilitation specialists, equipment
modification ideas, job restructuring, and if needed,
alternative job development. “If there is a need for financial
assistance in covering assistive technology cost,” says Aherin,
“we will assist clients in obtaining the needed financial
resources if they meet certain financial qualifications.”
All AgrAbility Unlimited services are free of charge and the confidentiality of
those who contact the program is held at the highest regard. To allow easy
access to these services, there is a toll-free information and referral hotline.
In Illinois, call 1-844-876-5623. Visit www.agrabilityunlimited.org to learn
more.
For more information contact Aherin at 217-333-9417, raherin@illinois.edu, or
Kelly Gagnon, AgrAbility Unlimited marketing coordinator, at 217-875-8880,
kgagnon@maconresources.org.
[Leanne Lucas, News and Public
Affairs
University of Illinois
College of Agricultural, Consumer
and Environmental Sciences] |
