Performing Department
Applied Science Technology & E
Non Technical Summary
AgrAbility of Utah helps farmers, ranchers, and family members, who are facing injury, illness, disability, or arthritis, remain in agriculture. AgrAbility of Utah is a partnership between Utah State University and Roads To Independence, a Center for Independent Living with several statewide programs. AgrAbility of Utah informally partners with the Utah State Office of Rehabilitation, the Utah Assistive Technology Program, and LandLogicTM.
Animal Health Component
(N/A)
Research Effort Categories
Basic
(N/A)
Applied
(N/A)
Developmental
(N/A)
Goals / Objectives
The overarching goal of AgrAbility of Utah is to help farmers and ranchers, and their family members, remain productive, and in agriculture. AgrAbility of Utah is a partnership between Utah State University and non-profit Roads To Independence, a Center for Independent Living with several statewide programs. The AgrAbility of Utah work plan is part of a strategic and systematic approach to capacity building that identifies key stakeholders and creates long-term working relationships that result in direct client services. A focused and coordinated effort to advance relationships is achieved through the following objectives: 1) Provide direct Assistance at the individual farm level; 2) Educate stakeholders on the importance of supporting people with disabilities in agriculture; 3) Network with stakeholders to address service limitations, and 4) Market these services through public appearance, print, broadcast, and social media.
Project Methods
MethodsObjective 1 - Assistance Provide direct assistance to agriculturalists and their family members utilizing on-site farm and home assessments, and a case management and holistic wrap-around approach. AgrAbility of Utah specialists will utilize the NAP, and other relevant resources to provide technical assistance and assistive technology product selection advice. Clients will be surveyed to assess their quality of life, usefulness of services provided, and areas for improvement. Service and financial aid for farmers and ranchers with disabilities and their family members will be obtained through Vocational Rehabilitation and other service organizations and funding sources. Provide assistance through peer support both within the state and through the NTW. Evaluation: Data on all services and linkages provided, funding, peer support and attendance at NTW will be tracked through an expanded comprehensive database. The information collected will be used for ongoing program evaluation, and to inform Advisory Board input for program improvements. Required data fields will be submitted to NAP.Objective 2 - Education Provide education and awareness activities for agricultural professionals such as NRCS, FSA, and Extension agents, and organizations and businesses such as Farm Bureau. Provide education and awareness activities to Vocational Rehabilitation counselors and health advocates. Educate OT, PT, Rehabilitation Counseling students, and students in agricultural career fields about the resources available to help agriculturalists remain in agriculture. Inform agricultural producers on the potential for farmers and ranchers with disabilities to remain productive, and in agriculture through educational events and fact sheets. Educational events will specifically reach out to underserved populations such as Native Americans, women, etc. Evaluation: Post satisfaction/impact surveys will be administered at all group educational events. Pre/post tests will be utilized to document knowledge gained. IRB approval will be obtained as needed. Information will be used to assess knowledge gained, potential impacts, and improve future events.Objective 3 - Networking Network with government service providers such as Vocational Rehabilitation, Veteran's Organizations and with assistive technology providers such as UATP, UCAT, and IDRPP. Network with Centers for Independent Living. Network with groups addressing stress, mental and behavioral health such as LandLogicTM and USU AgWellness. Evaluation: Biennial client feedback surveys will collect feedback on services received from other entities such as VR, UATP, IDRPP, and UCAT. AgrAbility of Utah leadership will periodically meet with the various agencies/organizations to discuss ways to improve the services provided.Objective 4 - Marketing Increase awareness of AgrAbility's services through outreach and display materials, print, digital, video, and broadcast and social media. Increase awareness of AgrAbility's services through volunteers/rural advocates. Evaluation: Readership, broadcast data, and web statistics will be collected to estimate reach of marketing efforts. Participation at outreach events and peer referrals will be determined. AgrAbility of Utah leadership will use results to plan future efforts.