Progress 09/30/24 to 09/29/25
Outputs
Target Audience:The Clemson University AgrAbility team has remained a committed and active partner in the SC AgrAbility Project, advancing efforts to improve the quality of life for South Carolina's agricultural workers with disabilities. In 2024, the team engaged in a broad range of outreach events, training programs, and collaborative initiatives, with a continued focus on farmers, military veterans, students with disabilities, and young people entering the agricultural workforce. Clemson's AgrAbility staff participated in several of the region's most prominent agricultural events throughout the year. One highlight was the team's presence at the Sunbelt AgrAbility Expo in Moultrie, Georgia, a significant trade show serving producers and stakeholders across the southeastern United States. Clemson's exhibit featured adaptive tools, informational materials, and demonstrations highlighting AgrAbility's role in helping disabled farmers remain independent and productive. The event allowed the team to connect with farmers across the region and raise awareness of AgrAbility services and support options. Back in South Carolina, the Clemson team also participated in the South Carolina State Fair, which drew thousands of attendees. The team's exhibit included local farmers' success stories, visual assistive equipment displays, and educational handouts. This venue provided a valuable opportunity to engage with a broad cross-section of the public, many unfamiliar with the challenges faced by farmers with disabilities. Clemson Extension used the opportunity to emphasize safety, adaptation, and resilience in agriculture, helping visitors understand that disabilities need not be a barrier to farming. Clemson also had a strong presence at the CAFLS Alumni Tailgating event, hosted by the College of Agriculture, Forestry, and Life Sciences at Clemson University. This gathering provided a unique opportunity to engage alums who are now leaders in agriculture and agribusiness. The team shared updates on the SC AgrAbility Project and invited alums to support the program through networking, outreach, and referrals. These interactions helped build connections that may lead to future collaboration and farmer outreach. Veteran engagement remained a central priority. Clemson AgrAbility once again partnered with the South Carolina chapter of the Farmer Veteran Coalition (FVC) to support the annual Farmers Bootcamp. This program introduces veterans to agricultural practices and resources that can help their transition to farm ownership or employment. The Clemson team presented a session on AgrAbility's services, including on-farm assessments, adaptive equipment recommendations, and grant referrals. They also delivered a focused breakout on aquaculture and its use as a farming method for veterans with physical limitations. Veterans were introduced to aquaponics systems and discussed how aquatic farming can be adapted for therapeutic and commercial use. Several participants requested follow-up consultations, which the Clemson team provided. Furthering outreach to the veteran community, Clemson AgrAbility staff participated in a farmers market event at the South Carolina Veterans Hospital. This event provided a relaxed atmosphere for veterans--many of whom live with physical or cognitive challenges--to explore agricultural products, learn about nutrition, and connect with wellness resources. Clemson used this opportunity to engage directly with veterans who might benefit from AgrAbility services, particularly in adaptive gardening, small-scale agriculture, and vocational rehabilitation. By establishing a presence in healthcare-focused venues, the team broadened its reach to veterans not actively engaged in farming but who might pursue it as a lifestyle or therapeutic activity. The Clemson AgrAbility team also contributed significantly to agricultural safety education through its involvement with the Clemson Agricultural Safety Program. This program is designed to educate youth (ages 14-18) on essential safety practices to prevent injuries on the farm. In 2024, over 460 students and 33 Cooperative Extension agents received hands-on safety training at field days held throughout the state. Topics included tractor and machinery safety, personal protective equipment, chemical handling, and emergency response. Clemson Extension and AgrAbility supported 70 safety-related events, resulting in more than 4,000 educational contacts. Extension agents received updated curricula and instructional support, helping them integrate safety education into their local outreach. One of the most distinctive outreach efforts this year involved collaboration with the ClemsonLIFE program, which serves students with intellectual disabilities in a post-secondary college environment. ClemsonLIFE is one of six Inclusive Post-Secondary Education (IPSE) programs in South Carolina, and it offers training in independent living, employment, and social skills. In partnership with SC AgrAbility, Clemson hosted an Agriculture Awareness Day for approximately 60 ClemsonLIFE students. The Clemson Restoration Agriculture Farm event allowed students to plant blueberry bushes--plants they will return to in future seasons to harvest, providing a meaningful, hands-on connection to agriculture. In addition to the planting activity, students explored modern farming technologies, including precision agriculture tools such as drones and GPS-guided AutoSteer systems. The goal was to increase understanding of agriculture while emphasizing that it is accessible to people of all abilities. The event was well-received by students and staff, who expressed strong interest in returning for future agricultural activities. This collaboration reflects Clemson AgrAbility's broader commitment to inclusion and belief that everyone can play a role in the food system. Across all these initiatives, the Clemson AgrAbility team has maintained a strong focus on improving accessibility, promoting safety, and building inclusive agricultural communities. The program emphasizes that farming is possible and empowering for individuals with physical, cognitive, or age-related challenges. The team's outreach has resulted in new referrals, strengthened partnerships, and greater public awareness of the barriers and solutions related to disability in agriculture. Looking ahead, Clemson AgrAbility is pursuing several new priorities. These include expanding the number of on-farm visits and individualized assessments, building a statewide peer support network for veterans in agriculture, and developing online modules to train extension agents and service providers in inclusive farming practices. The team is also working to enhance its engagement with rehabilitation counselors, assistive technology providers, and local health organizations to ensure coordinated care for clients. In summary, 2024 has been a successful and productive year for the Clemson University AgrAbility team. Through participation in high-profile events, partnerships with veteran service organizations, youth and safety education, and inclusive programming for individuals with intellectual disabilities, the team has made significant contributions to SC AgrAbility's mission. Their work demonstrates the power of agricultural extension as a tool for inclusion, resilience, and lifelong engagement in farming and rural communities. Changes/Problems:
Nothing Reported
What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided?The AgrAbility National Conference was recently held in Las Cruces, New Mexico, with three dedicated Clemson Extension staff members representing South Carolina AgrAbility. This national gathering brought together experts, practitioners, and stakeholders committed to enhancing the quality of life and productivity of farmers and agricultural workers with disabilities. The conference agenda featured a comprehensive lineup of training workshops, immersive farm tours, and an assistive technology showcase focused on adaptive farming equipment. Vendors from across the country demonstrated cutting-edge developments in assistive devices and highlighted successful mentorship and peer support programs designed to empower farmers with disabilities. Among the Clemson Extension attendees was a graduate student who was researching to quantify disability populations within South Carolina's agricultural community, whose work was featured in a poster presentation during the exhibit. The Clemson team also engaged in numerous specialized workshops to enhance leadership and management skills, explore innovative agribusiness strategies, and address the unique challenges faced by individuals with disabilities in agriculture. These sessions included topics such as leadership and management within AgrAbility programs, hands-on demonstrations of outdoor assistive technologies, strategies for engaging youth in agricultural programming, guidance on developing and evaluating media campaigns, research on musculoskeletal injuries affecting ranchers and food growers, updates on the economic impacts of AgrAbility initiatives, and veteran support best practices tailored to various states. Participation in these workshops expanded the Clemson staff's knowledge and strengthened South Carolina AgrAbility's ability to deliver informed and innovative support to farmers and agricultural workers with disabilities. The conference emphasized the critical role of collaboration, technology, and tailored programming in advancing inclusive agriculture nationally. How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest?The Advisory Committee continues to convene quarterly, with Able SC providing leadership and coordination for each meeting. Committee members include representatives from Clemson University, Clemson Extension, Able SC, the South Carolina Vocational Rehabilitation Department, the South Carolina Commission for the Blind, the South Carolina Assistive Technology Program, the South Carolina Department of Agriculture, the Farmer Veteran Coalition, and AgFirst Farm Credit Bank. During the current year, three Advisory Committee meetings were held, with a fourth scheduled for August 2025. Each session featured a formal presentation, a comprehensive overview of grant objectives and progress, and concluded with updates from participating agencies. Highlights from the past year's presentations include the Florida AgrAbility Project Service Coordinator's participation in the August 2, 2024, meeting, where insights were shared on partnership development with agencies such as Vocational Rehabilitation, including referral and intake procedures designed to enhance service delivery efficiency. On February 7, 2025, a PowerPoint presentation detailed the results of the Needs Assessment, prompting valuable discussions among members regarding the challenges faced by farmers with disabilities, the stigma associated with disability, and strategies to optimize service delivery for both small- and large-scale farmers in South Carolina. The May 2, 2025, meeting focused on updates from the 2025 National AgrAbility Conference and future funding prospects for the program. The upcoming Advisory Committee meeting, scheduled for August 3, 2025, will feature a presentation from the Nebraska AgrAbility Project. In addition to the quarterly Advisory Committee meetings, core partners--Able SC, Clemson Extension, Clemson University, and South Carolina State University--meet monthly to review progress toward grant goals, explore strategies for goal attainment, and collaboratively address barriers encountered during the grant cycle. Discussions have centered on managing social media platforms, ensuring accessibility, troubleshooting consumer services and referral processes, and planning next steps to apply findings from the Needs Assessment. To enhance participation from state agencies such as the South Carolina Vocational Rehabilitation Department (SCVRD) and the South Carolina Commission for the Blind, a poll was distributed among monthly meeting participants to identify more convenient meeting times. These monthly meetings have fostered stronger collaboration among key partners and facilitated the streamlining of services offered to farmers statewide. Poll results will be reviewed, and a revised meeting schedule will be announced at the June 2025 meeting. The Clemson AgrAbility team had the privilege of participating in some of the most significant events in South Carolina and Georgia, showcasing the impact and benefits of AgrAbility for disabled farmers. The team also participated in Annie's Project, a national organization educating women in agriculture on risk management. The project coordinator attended two cohorts, one virtual in December and one in-person in June. She discussed agricultural safety and the South Carolina AgrAbility program, generating significant interest among participants, many of whom had direct connections to individuals with disabilities. At the South Carolina Farmer and Agribusiness Association Conference in Clemson, SC, the team engaged with nearly 250 agricultural educators and members, explaining the program's benefits and providing a farm safety and AgrAbility workshop. This conference facilitated connections with those unfamiliar with the service, highlighting its role as a link between clients and available support. What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals?Building on the considerable progress made in its third year, the South Carolina AgrAbility Project can accomplish its goals next year by expanding and deepening its educational outreach efforts. Continued participation in agricultural meetings, commodity groups, and professional conferences statewide will broaden awareness of AgrAbility's services. Developing additional specialized workshops tailored to the specific needs identified through post-session evaluations will ensure relevant and impactful training for diverse audiences, including veterans, youth, and minority farmers. The youth-focused curriculum initiative, "Grow the Future," should be scaled up by rolling it out in more schools across the state, refining the curriculum based on pilot feedback, and building partnerships with school districts and youth organizations to integrate agricultural career education. Tracking long-term student outcomes will support efforts to secure further funding and demonstrate program success. Strengthening collaboration and partnerships will be crucial to sustaining growth. Regular SC AgrAbility Partnership Advisory Committee meetings will ensure alignment on shared goals and resource leveraging. Deepening engagement with new partners such as the USDA Resilient Food Systems Infrastructure Program and FoodShare South Carolina will create joint programming opportunities supporting farmers with disabilities. Outreach to financial institutions and state agencies should be expanded to improve access to funding for assistive technologies. Additionally, increasing the involvement of Clemson students through hands-on projects and internships will foster innovation and build community ties. Direct support for farmers will remain a cornerstone of the project's work. Increasing the number of on-site farm assessments, assistive technology consultations, and mentor connections will enhance service delivery and peer support. Updated outreach materials, including accessible brochures and digital resources, should be widely distributed. The AgFlow Chart tool will continue to improve coordination among partner agencies for timely and practical assistance. Insights from the Needs Assessment will guide targeted interventions to address physical barriers on farms and develop safety training modules that alleviate employer concerns. Sharing these findings at national conferences and through publications will raise awareness and attract additional support. Maintaining a strong digital presence through the website and social media will increase visibility and engagement. Using new presentation and social media templates will enable consistent messaging by partners and stakeholders. Hosting virtual events will also broaden access for those unable to attend in person. Lastly, pursuing additional funding through grants and donations, while showcasing program impact and scalability, will support sustainability. Collaboration with financial partners to develop dedicated funding pools for adaptive equipment will strengthen resource availability. By building on its foundation in these ways, the SC AgrAbility Project will continue to grow its reach, impact, and sustainability, advancing toward a more inclusive and productive agricultural sector across South Carolina.
Impacts
What was accomplished under these goals?
In its third year, the South Carolina AgrAbility Project made considerable progress in expanding its educational, outreach, and support efforts for farmers and agricultural workers with disabilities across the state. A core focus was broadening its reach through strategic participation in targeted agricultural meetings, commodity events, and professional conferences. These events served as platforms for engaging presentations, workshops, and demonstrations introducing AgrAbility services to new audiences and potential clients. Two specialized workshops--on aquaponics and tunnel greenhouses with raised beds--were conducted for veterans and individuals with disabilities. Additional training sessions addressed specific challenges faced by farmers with disabilities, and post-session evaluations were used to assess effectiveness and future training needs. Collaboration with Clemson University's Department of Agricultural Sciences continued, with students in the Agricultural Mechanization program contributing hands-on solutions to support the independence and efficiency of disabled farmers. This fostered innovation and built meaningful bridges between students and the farming community. The project also strengthened its ties with Clemson LIFE, a program focused on enhancing life skills for young adults with disabilities, thereby deepening its engagement in agriculture. To address the significant disability employment gap in South Carolina--where nearly 40% fewer people with disabilities are employed compared to their non-disabled peers--the project launched an innovative pilot titled Grow the Future: Accessible Careers in Agriculture. Funded by a $10,000 donation from AgFirst Farm Credit Bank, this initiative was developed in partnership with Able South Carolina and Clemson Extension's Agricultural Safety Program. The program is creating a youth-focused curriculum designed for students with disabilities aged 13 to 21. It introduces them to various agricultural career paths and promotes employment, self-employment, disability pride, and financial independence. The curriculum will be piloted in local high schools with at least 50 students, and its effectiveness will be assessed through satisfaction surveys and long-term progress tracking. The initiative is built for future scalability and sustainability. SC AgrAbility maintained an active website and social media presence to enhance its visibility and build relationships across the state. The South Carolina AgrAbility Partnership (SCAP) Advisory Committee, composed of key stakeholders including Able SC, Clemson Extension, South Carolina State Extension, and other state agencies and organizations, regularly met to guide project goals and identify collaboration opportunities. Clemson student organizations were invited to participate in activities, and outreach was extended to financial institutions and state partners such as the South Carolina Farm Bureau and the Vocational Rehabilitation Department to help fund assistive technology solutions and support minority farmers, including veterans and women in agriculture. Several new collaborations were also launched. The team met with stakeholders in the USDA's Resilient Food Systems Infrastructure (RFSI) Program, which aims to strengthen regional food supply chains. Additionally, a promising partnership began with FoodShare South Carolina, which provides access to fresh produce through its Fresh Food Box program. Able SC and Clemson Extension staff met with FoodShare leadership to explore ways to support farmers with disabilities, increase digital accessibility, and provide environmental consultation for future community cooking programs. Direct assistance to farmers remained a cornerstone of SC AgrAbility's work. This included connecting individuals with mentors--both with and without disabilities--for peer support, conducting on-site farm assessments, and providing detailed assistive technology recommendations. Staff also helped clients pursue financial support for adaptive equipment. Outreach materials were expanded to include a fully accessible brochure created in collaboration with Clemson Extension and reviewed for digital and plain-language accessibility. This brochure was distributed at significant events such as the SC Assistive Technology Expo and AgrAbility workshops. To improve internal coordination among partner agencies, Able SC developed the AgFlow Chart--an interagency referral tool outlining eligibility criteria and partner contact information. While not intended for public distribution, this tool streamlined service delivery nationwide. Additionally, the team developed a robust outreach presentation highlighting employment services for farmers with disabilities. It emphasized the SC Assistive Technology Center and programs like Ticket to Work, SNAP2Work, and the Work Incentives Planning and Assistance Program (WIPA), which help individuals maintain employment while managing disability benefits. This presentation reached 90 individuals from counties including Anderson, Greenville, Darlington, Orangeburg, and Allendale. A Funding Resource Document was also maintained to help stakeholders navigate financing options for adaptive tools. New PowerPoint and social media templates were created to assist users in accessing the National AgrAbility Toolbox. This year's significant achievement was the completion of the South Carolina AgrAbility Needs Assessment. Conducted over six weeks in the fall, the assessment received 127 responses, with 73 fully completed and 71 participants interested in follow-up. Notably, 73% of respondents reported being directly involved in farm production. Although 62% stated their farms were physically accessible, 75% identified barriers such as uneven terrain, narrow paths, inaccessible garden areas and gates, and difficulty using standard tools and machinery. Supervisors expressed concerns about managing safety when hiring individuals with disabilities, but respondents believed that agriculture remains a viable and rewarding career path with proper equipment and training. This assessment--the only one in the nation targeting farmers with disabilities--provided valuable data to guide SC AgrAbility's future programming and inform similar efforts nationwide. The findings will be presented at the 2026 National AgrAbility Conference. They will be publicly available on the SC AgrAbility website to reinforce accessibility as a critical component of agricultural workforce development. In summary, the third year of the SC AgrAbility Project was marked by expanded educational outreach, innovative youth engagement, strengthened partnerships, and deeper direct support for farmers with disabilities. These combined efforts underscore South Carolina's commitment to building a more inclusive, resilient, and productive agricultural sector for all.
Publications
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Progress 09/30/23 to 09/29/24
Outputs
Target Audience:The Clemson AgrAbility team continued to focus on military veterans this year. We teamed up once again with the South Carolina chapter of the Farmer Veteran Coalition to participate in their Farmers Bootcamp. This program allowed the Clemson team to introduce the details of AgrAbility, explain how it can assist veterans, and offer our support in any facet of agriculture. During the boot camp, the Clemson team also provided information on aquaculture and its use in farming under certain disability conditions. The Clemson AgrAbility team also participated in a farmers market program for disabled veterans at the South Carolina Veterans Hospital. This event allowed visiting veterans to engage in agricultural activities, learn about healthy eating, and receive information about AgrAbility and its opportunities for farmers. This year, the Clemson AgrAbility team was very active in educating youth about farm safety and AgrAbility. We welcomed a new team member who initially focused on farm safety but also helped promote AgrAbility during various events throughout the state. A unique group within the Clemson team introduced agriculture and AgrAbility to a ClemsonLIFE program housed at Clemson University. ClemsonLIFE is one of six Inclusive Post-Secondary Education (IPSE) programs in South Carolina, providing education, training, and independent living skills to students with intellectual disabilities. Approximately 60 ClemsonLIFE students participated in an agricultural exploration event in partnership with SC AgrAbility this quarter. In the morning, students worked with AgrAbility team members and volunteers to construct raised beds, later planting them with tomato plants. Afterward, they rotated through various stations, learning about agriculture and exploring potential roles within the industry. They also participated in a trivia game to test their agricultural knowledge, with each student receiving a packet of seeds to grow at home. The event was enthusiastically received by the ClemsonLIFE team, who expressed keen interest in scheduling future events. Overall, the event was a tremendous success. Changes/Problems:
Nothing Reported
What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided?There have been multiple opportunities for training and professional development thus far. Again, the Agricultural Safety Program at Clemson University aims to increase awareness of agricultural safety procedures, maintenance operations, and safety operations for all ages and provide training resources for South Carolina farmers and rescue teams. Currently, the program offers at least four field days conducted and targeted at students aged 14 to 18 and one teacher in-service. A 30-minute station with the topic of "AgrAbility Awareness" was developed, which every participant must complete. This goal is to prevent injury and aid in options for those with disabilities, allowing continued work in the agricultural industry. 2023-2024, these field days were delivered to over 650 South Carolina students and 65 agricultural educators. The program was not limited to these events, and interest has exceeded initial expectations. Seven SC AgrAbility staff and partners were in attendance at the National Workshop. This included two staff members from Clemson Extension, two partners from South Carolina State University, two staff members from SC Vocational Rehabilitation Department, and one team member from Able South Carolina were in attendance. Able SC: Able SC's Director of Employment Programs focused attention on workshops such as Able SC focused on attending seminars such as Peas in a Pod: Similar but Different Models of Peer Support, Opioid Overdose Prevention and Response, Improving Vocational Outcomes for Persons with TBI, How Do We Get There From Here? Destigmatizing Disability Within the Farming Community, Cultivating a Peer and Mentorship Network in Your State, and Making the Case for Your Veteran-Owned Business. SC Vocational Rehabilitation (SCVR) Agency: SCVR focused on workshops for VR partners working with farmers with disabilities and the AgrAbility Project. The National AgrAbility Conference was a great networking experience. With this being VR's first time attending, the biggest takeaway from the conference was learning how several states have been involved and speaking with farmers with disabilities involved with the project. SC State University: SC State sent two SANRE Agents that attended workshops such as farming Like it's 2024, Equipment and Technologies for Disabled Farmers Overview of the Program to New Staff, Accessible Beekeeping: Improving Quality of Life Through Therapy and Assistive Technology, Exploring AgrAbility Quality of Life Profiles, Getting Down on the Farm: Assistive Devices for Physical and Mobility Impairments, Creating Reliable Plans for DIY Assistive Technology Disabled Farmer Adaptations to Diversified, and Tell Reaching New Heights and Expanding Audiences by Promoting AgrAbility How to Develop Financial Stability for Your Organization. Clemson Extension: Clemson Extension staff that attended the conference included a graduate student working on Combine-Cab accessibility features with a poster presented during the conference exhibit. Clemson Extension staff also attended conference workshops such as farming Likes it's 2024, Equipment and Technologies for Disabled Farmers, The LIFE Project - A Unique Partnership to Educate, Support, and Promote Socially Disadvantaged and Veteran Farmers and Ranchers in Agriculture, Obstacles in Designing Assistive Technology within a Skid Loader for Low-Mobility Individuals, Assistive Technology for Hitching Farm Equipment and Cultivating a Peer and Mentorship Network in Your State. How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest?The activities of SC AgrAbility have been broadly communicated. During the first year, an advisory committee included several disability and agricultural partners. We meet with the advisory committee quarterly to inform them regularly of SC AgrAbility activities and results and collaborate on engaging them with our activities. The Clemson AgrAbility team had the privilege of participating in some of the most significant events in South Carolina and Georgia, showcasing the impact and benefits of AgrAbility for disabled farmers. In Georgia, at the Sunbelt Ag Expo held at Spence Field in Moultrie, attendees learned about AgrAbility and its advantages for local farmers. The attendees experienced adaptive tools used in agricultural settings--the Clemson team connected with Florida's AgrAbility program, gaining insights into client interaction and assistance strategies. The South Carolina State Fair provided a platform for the Clemson team to promote AgrAbility and farm safety to the general public and state farmers. Here, the public explored small agricultural and gardening tools. The team also attended the South Carolina Farm Bureau CAFLS Alumni Tailgating event hosted by the CAFLS Alumni Board. This event enhanced AgrAbility's visibility, reaching a broader audience and connecting with more farmers within the state. The Farmer Veteran Coalition (FVC) event at the Phillips Market Center in Columbia, SC, was particularly significant. It allowed the team to engage one-on-one with veterans, understanding their needs and exploring ways to enhance their farming capabilities. At the CU-Cat Spotlight event hosted by the CU Center for Agricultural Technology on the Clemson Campus, a graduate student presented an accessible cab display constructed by undergraduates participating in the Agricultural Mechanization Capstone project. This event allowed students from across the campus to interact with adaptive technology and learn about AgrAbility's benefits for farmers. The team also participated in Annie's Project, a national organization educating women in agriculture on risk management. The project coordinator attended two cohorts, one virtual in December and one in-person in June. She discussed agricultural safety and the South Carolina AgrAbility program, generating significant interest among participants, many of whom had direct connections to individuals with disabilities. At the South Carolina Farmer and Agribusiness Association Conference in Clemson, SC, the team engaged with nearly 250 agricultural educators and members, explaining the program's benefits and providing a farm safety and AgrAbility workshop. This conference facilitated connections with those unfamiliar with the service, highlighting its role as a link between clients and available support. In March, the Clemson team participated in the South Carolina Assistive Technology Expo, hosted by the University of South Carolina School of Medicine in Columbia, SC. They connected with VR and AT industry individuals, expanding their network and impact. What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals?Clemson Extension and AgrAbility team members worked closely with Able SC staff to develop a needs assessment that meets plain language guidelines to reach as many of the farming community as possible. The needs assessment aims to assess the specific requirements of South Carolina's disabled farming population. The team aimed to conduct a comprehensive survey involving farmers with and without disabilities, prospective farmers with disabilities, family members, service providers, educators, and the agricultural community. This assessment should provide crucial baseline information on the prevalence and types of disabilities within the target populations, enabling the team to shape their future efforts effectively. The survey was distributed digitally through crucial stakeholders to ensure a robust response rate. This needs assessment is intended to serve as a crucial initial step in understanding the needs and wants of disabled agriculturalists in South Carolina. The data collected will help define the services and support SC AgrAbility can provide to agriculturalists with disabilities across the state. By answering questions about the disabilities, barriers, and potential solutions, the needs assessment will guide the development of an effective program. Additionally, the team aims to identify barriers to agricultural careers for individuals with disabilities - including transition-aged youth. We hope to better support individuals with disabilities in pursuing agriculturally related careers. Once the needs assessment was developed, it was submitted to the Clemson University Institutional Review Board (IRB) Office to ensure that it meets all University requirements for data collection. To encourage participants' responses, two Clemson AgrAbility team members purchased five $250 each (totaling 10) Amazon gift cards worth $50 each as incentives to complete the survey. The survey was approved in May 2024, and surveys were sent to the following commodity groups' mailing lists from the South Carolina Department of Agriculture (SCDA): SCDA Watermelon/Peach/Seafood Farmers SCDA SC Specialty Crop Growers Association SCDA Beef/Equine/Poultry Farmers The South Carolina Farmer-Veteran Association and the Carolina Farm Stewardship Association also sent the surveys to their constituents. As of the date of this report, there were 41 respondents. However, the needs assessment is still in the middle of data collection, and follow-up reminders are being sent to the lists discussed above. Plans are in place to complete the data collection toward the end of August so the findings can be summarized and a report can be developed for distribution. The low response rate will restrict any inferences but could provide some ideas for future consideration. The team plans to obtain information from the assessment to distinguish who needs the AgrAbility program's services. The team would also like to be able to reach out to the farmers and offer the services of AgrAbility and Able SC to offer support through vocational education in South Carolina. The team would also like more in-service events to provide information to extension agents. Hence, they can identify disabled farmers or those in need of the services offered by AgrAbility. The team would like to expand the events where information could be provided to those interested.
Impacts
What was accomplished under these goals?
A needs assessment was drafted and will be used to determine what is present in South Carolina concerning disabled farmers and farmers. So far, it has been challenging to discover farmers who will benefit from services provided by AgrAbility. Again, this year, the group had the most luck communicating with the veterans' farmer groups within South Carolina. Those veterans who participated in the Veterans Coalition were very receptive to what AgrAbility stood for and the opportunities the team offers. The team also communicated the importance of AgrAbility through the veteran's boot camp events held around the state. The most challenging part of the program is finding candidates to provide the services of the AgrAbility program. The Clemson team was able to put together two table displays to use at events around the state. This has been very helpful in distributing information to those interested in the program. Able SC and Advisory Committee members will also supply promotional material to reach potential farmers.
Publications
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Progress 09/30/22 to 09/29/23
Outputs
Target Audience:No agency or organization is currently assimilating data for farmers with disabilities in South Carolina. Few groups in the state offer information and resources for those with disabilities interested in farming. Aging farmers is one of the most critical groups in South Carolina that the AgrAbility team has focused on in the program. Of almost 39,000 producers, only 7% are 35 or younger, and nearly 36% are 65 or over. These numbers show an aging population of farmers who would generally be aware of other extension efforts and would directly benefit from an AgrAbility program. Beginning and Experienced Farmers with Disabilities are another groups the team has focused on throughout the program. South Carolina numbers show about a third of the farming population are beginning farmers with little experience. Clemson and South Carolina State Extension programs combined with Able SC's ability to reach the general disability population interested in farming, the project would identify and serve beginning and experienced farmers who have acquired a disability. Military Veterans (5,000) contribute to the interest in farming. The South Carolina chapter of the Farmer Veteran Coalition is an adviser to that group. Additionally, the National Veterans Agriculture Association in South Carolina is recruiting disabled veterans interested in assistive technologies for leafy greens and vegetable production under high tunnel production systems. Youth interested in farming is the beginning group we have focused on thru Agricultural Safety Days throughout South Carolina. Able SC has also recruited youth and young adults with disabilities working in agriculture or interested in farming through its pre-employment transition services in schools across the state. Changes/Problems:
Nothing Reported
What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided?There have been multiple opportunities for training and professional development thus far. This includes disability-specific and agricultural-specific training. Able SC conducted a disability culture training session for agricultural-specific organizations. The training was in-person at the South Carolina Water Resources Center (Pendleton, SC), with the option of attending via Zoom video conferencing to accommodate participants' preferences and circumstances. The training session covered three key topics to increase awareness and promote inclusivity within the agricultural community: Understanding disabilities, disability etiquette, and myths and misconceptions about disability and employment. Clemson Cooperative Extension and Clemson academic community members held a training at the Able SC headquarters to educate the Able SC participants on what agriculture is and the types of agriculture throughout South Carolina. The Agricultural Safety Program at Clemson University aims to increase awareness of agricultural safety procedures, maintenance operations, and safety operations for all ages and provide training resources for South Carolina farmers and rescue teams. Currently, the program offers at least four field days conducted and targeted for students aged 14 to 18 and one teacher in-service. A 30-minute station with the topic of "AgrAbility Awareness" was developed, which every participant must complete. This goal is to prevent injury and aid in options for those with disabilities, allowing continued work in the agricultural industry. In the 2022-2023 reporting year alone, these field days were delivered to over 560 South Carolina students and 50 agricultural educators. The program was not limited to these events, and interest has exceeded initial expectations. AgrAbility SC proudly sent four staff members to the National Training Workshop held in Spokane, WA. The team included Lance Beecher, Dale Layfield, Aaron Turner (Clemson University), and Cali Sandel (Able SC). The workshop commenced on Monday, March 20th, and proved an excellent opportunity. The AgrAbility SC team actively participated in several sessions to enhance their knowledge and capacity. They attended a three-hour new staff training session on Monday, March 20th, providing a solid foundation in their roles. Other sessions they attended covered topics such as promoting positive mental health outcomes in farming communities, understanding AgrAbility in areas experiencing persistent poverty, exploring alternative and value-added agriculture enterprises, promoting resiliency using SAMHSA's 8 Domains of Wellness, suicide prevention, and the role of the project director. The team also attended sessions on assistive technology, beekeeping, reintegration of farmer veterans into the community and heard a keynote speech by Laurie Hayn, who shared her perspective on living with an acquired disability and how AgrAbility changed her life. Moreover, they gained insights into partnering with vocational rehabilitation, working with health sciences students, cultural humility, funding assistive technology, strategies for memory and organization, and safety considerations for on-site assessments to ensure staff safety. In year two and beyond, we plan to develop training that mergedisability and agriculture. How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest?The activities of SC AgrAbility have been broadly communicated. During year one, we formed an advisory committee that included several disability and agricultural partners. We meet with the advisory committee quarterly to inform them regularly of SC AgrAbility activities and results and collaborate on engaging them with our activities. An SC AgrAbility website, Facebook, and Instagram page have been developed, which features current information on the project and contact information for those interested in learning more. We will expand the website in upcoming years as more activities and resources are created. Lance Beecher and Cali Sandel from Able SC presented to the SC Disability Employment Coalition, a statewide initiative to decrease employment barriers in South Carolina, in June 2023. The Coalition includes over 40 state and local organizations. The presentation included information about SC AgrAbility, an overview of SC agriculture, and ways for Coalition members to stay connected and informed about activities. The SC Agrability website consists of a space for individuals to sign up for our mailing list, in which we plan to send out regular communications to keep individuals informed and engaged in our work. What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals?The team plans on having information from the assessment to distinguish who needs the AgrAbility program's services. The team will also like to be able to reach out to the farmers and offer the services of AgrAbility and Able SC to offer support through vocational education in South Carolina. The team would also like more in-service events to provide information to extension agents. Hence, they can identify disabled farmers or those in need of the services offered by AgrAbility. The team would like to expand the events where information could be provided to those interested.
Impacts
What was accomplished under these goals?
A needs assessment is being drafted to determine what is present in South Carolina concerning disabled farmers and farmers. It has been challenging to locate farmers that require services provided by AgrAbility. Exposure to both disabled farmers has been expressed at many events, but the difficulty of getting disabled farmers to understand what AgrAbility is has been a challenge. One such group we have had luck with is the veterans' farmer groups within South Carolina. Those veterans who participated in the Veterans Coalition were very receptive to what AgrAbility stood for and the opportunities the team offers. The most challenging part of the program is finding candidates to provide the services of the AgrAbility program. Most of the responses have been from those who think we can fund and offer assistance to start a farm. We encourage them to reach out to other organizations for this opportunity. Promotional items are in the works, and the team hopes to use them to further educate the public on the definition of AgrAbility and what it has to offer. Able SC and Advisory Committee members will also supply promotional material to reach potential farmers. One such activity will be a workshop planned for July in South Carolina. This workshop will first act as an in-service program for agricultural agents from Clemson and South Carolina State Universities and also a seminar for underserved and disabled farmers in the community. The workshop will allow these farmers to explore topics such as high tunnels and aquaponics seminars.
Publications
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