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 Illinois
AgrAbility is a University of Illinois Extension affiliate
program geared towards farmers, veterans in farming, and
farmworkers who have experienced an age or injury-related
disability or are experiencing a chronic illness that precludes
them from continuing their work in production agriculture. The
program offers education and assistance to eliminate barriers,
accommodate limitations, and help these individuals continue
farming.
“Farm site visits are one of our most popular resources provided
by AgrAbility,” said Haley Jones, program coordinator for
Illinois AgrAbility. “We are able to see and learn about the
barriers and limitations that the farmer might be dealing with
on the farm, and often, we can provide solutions and
modifications in the form of assistive technology.”
Assistive technology is a technology used by individuals with
disabilities to perform functions that might otherwise be
difficult or impossible. These can range from wheelchairs and
hearing aids to speech recognition software and ramps. To better
meet the needs of its AgrAbility clients, Illinois AgrAbility,
along with one of its partner organizations, Illinois Assistive
Technology Program, have incorporated assistive technology tools
and devices related to agriculture into IATP’s existing Device
Loan Library both online and at IATP’s location in Springfield.
The mission of IATP is to provide Illinoisans of all ages with
disabilities and health conditions greater access to assistive
technology devices and services to enhance their independence
and participation in all aspects of life. “We offer several
programs and services for our clients to learn about and try AT
devices, says Nikki Schultz, IATP device loan coordinator. “Our
device loan program is heavily utilized here at IATP.”
IATP’s device loan program lets borrowers trial devices in the
environments of their choice so that they may make informed
decisions about what best meets their needs before purchasing a
device from a vendor. The device loan program can also provide a
backup system when a device is in for repairs or while waiting
for a device to be delivered.
“When I am engaging in outreach activities across
the state for Illinois AgrAbility, where our primary audience is
the farming population, I always share about the device loan
program offered by IATP as a great solution for education and
access to assistive technology devices,” says Jones. “However,
it was clear that to entice our audience to check out IATP and
its resources, we needed to be able to offer some
agricultural-related tools and devices that could be useful to
the farmer outside on their farms.”
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Utilizing funds from the Illinois AgrAbility
Foundation, Illinois AgrAbility purchased 12 different tools and
devices that can be used within the agricultural industry. Recently
purchased devices added to Illinois AgrAbility’s inventory include
cooling vests, auxiliary handles, backup cameras, and
battery-powered heated gloves. The assistive technology devices can
be utilized by any client, farmer or not, but might be more popular
for those working outside on the farm.
Clients interested in learning more about IATP’s over 1,000
assistive technology tools and devices, both agricultural and in and
around the home, can visit their Springfield location or check out
their website at iltech.org/how-we-help/try-a-device/. IATP’s device
loan program is free and easy to use. All device loans are for six
weeks unless otherwise specified. The only cost the borrower will
incur is the return shipment.
“We can rely on IATP for their extensive knowledge
and expertise in assistive technology practices regarding those with
disabilities and limitations,” says Jones. “But together, both
organizations share the goal of improving the daily needs and
overall quality of life for clients so that they can continue doing
what they love.”
In partnership with Illinois Extension, Illinois Assistive
Technology Program, and Community Health Partnership of Illinois,
Illinois AgrAbility is ready to serve farmers across the state. If
you or someone you know within the agricultural industry needs
assistance, please visit go.illinois.edu/AgrAbility and complete the
brief client intake form at go.illinois.edu/AgrAbilityClientForm.
For questions, contact AgrAbility staff by email at agrability@illinois.edu
or by calling 217-244-2948.
[SOURCE/WRITER: Haley Jones, Illinois
AgrAbility program coordinator, Illinois Extension ]
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