AgrAbility Overview AgrAbility Overview and and

Peer Support Training GoalsPeer Support Training Goals

Your State AgrAbility Peer Support TrainingDate

Promoting Success in Agriculture for People with Disabilities and their Families

• Provide assistance and resources to farmers with disabilities, and/or their family members with disabilities, that allows them to begin or continue farming

AgrAbility’s Mission

AgrAbility Project

• First authorized in the 1990 Farm Bill

• Competitive grants are awarded to Cooperative Extension Services at land-grant universities that partner with nonprofit disability organizations

• YOUR STATE project first authorized in YEAR, reauthorized in YEAR

State/Regional Projects

AgrAbility Affiliate

National AgrAbility Project Partners

• University of Wisconsin Extension, Madison, WI

• National Easter Seals,

Washington, DC

• Your State Research and Extension• Land grant university – Your State University Department

Administering AgrAbility

• Extension Core Mission Themes– Add the Functions/Objectives of Your State Extension

Service

Your State AgrAbility Partners

• Your State Partner(s)– Describe Activities and Services of Your

Partnering Organization Here

Your State AgrAbility Project Partners

• Since XXXX, your state AgrAbility has provided information and technical assistance to over XXX farmers, ranchers, farm workers, and their families.

Your State AgrAbility Clients

Eligibility for AgrAbility Services

• Must be involved in production agriculture or intend to be – as an owner/operator, employee, or family member of an owner/operator

• Must have a disability, limitation, or chronic health condition that affects ability to fully participate in farming

Types of DisabilitiesThose eligible for AgrAbility services may have any type of disability – physical, cognitive, or illness-related. For example:

•amputations •arthritis •cancer •cardiac problems •cerebral palsy

•diabetes•mental illness •mental retardation•multiple sclerosis

Types of Disabilities - continued

• Orthopedic injuries• Parkinson’s disease• Respiratory problems• Sensory impairments (vision, hearing)• Spinal cord injury• Stroke• Traumatic brain injuries

AgrAbility Services

• Education

• Networking

• Assistance

Education

Build service capacity by educating health, agriculture and government service providers

Networking

Expand program capacity by sharing resources with and securing services from individuals and organizations

Assistance

Provide on-farm consultative services and technical assistance to farmers to increase likelihood of remaining in production agriculture.

Peer Support

Purpose of Peer Support• Connect people with similar disabilities,

limitations, and/or experiences for support and encouragement

• Provide forums for information and idea exchange

AgrAbility Peer Support Training Goals

1. To increase the number of farmers, ranchers, and farm workers who volunteer to provide peer support.

2. To reduce the negative feelings associated with a newly acquired disability and having to navigate unknown challenges alone.

Peer Support Training Goals

3. To increase the number of farmers, ranchers, and farm workers who use AgrAbility information and services

4. To increase the probability of a farmer/rancher returning back to work

5. To establish a National AgrAbility Peer Support Network

Peer Support Training Objectives

1. To learn what effective peer support is and what it is not

2. To learn effective ways to successfully connect and establish rapport with other farmers/ranchers who have disabilities

3. To practice effective active listening skills

Training Objectives

4. To learn useful problem-solving skills

5. To learn how to spot signs of high stress, anger, depression, and suicidal thinking

6. To know when to notify AgrAbility staff or community professionals if you are concerned about a person’s welfare

Promoting Success in Agriculture for People with Disabilities and their Families