development of a four way partnership providing at services to farmers with disabilities agrability...

Development of a Four Way Partnership Providing AT Services to Farmers with Disabilities

AgrAbility of Wisconsin Partners

UW-Extension: Cally Ehle, Ron Schuler

Easter Seals FARM Program: Holly Allen, Melba Brown, T Ellenbecker, Judith Guttman, Jeff Kratochwill, Paul Leverenz, Bruce Whitmore

WI Div. Voc. Rehab.: Manuel Lugo and DVR Supervisors and Counselors

WI Farm Center: Paul Dettman, Roger James, and CAP staff

Presented at National Training Workshop AgrAbility Program

October 29 – November 1, 2007

http://www.datcp.state.wi.us/index.jsp

Goals of this session

• Share partnership experiences• Provide ideas which may be used to

strengthen your partnership• Learn details of one partnership that

focused on providing direct assistance to farmers

• Provide tools to gain (more) involvement of a state vocational rehabilitation agency in the AgrAbility partnership

What determines a successful partnership with respect to serving farmers/ranchers with disabilities

• Establishing challenging goals jointly– Providing information and referral to 100 farmers and

ranchers– Providing farm assessment to 50 new clients– Providing VR services to 25 clients

• Meeting those goals together• Knowing your partners-capabilities and limitations• Sharing successes• Sharing failures• Appearing to be a single organization to the farmers

and ranchers served (They may compliment or criticize the incorrect organization.)

• Establishing good communication

Communication

The greatest problem in communication is the illusion that it has been accomplished.

George Bernard Shaw

Outline

• Chronology of events since 1990

• Relationship building

• DVR training and its evaluation

• Client surveys

• Awards and recognition

Chronology• 1990

– Initiate services to farmers with disabilities (Easter Seals and UW-Extension)– Establish an advisory committee (meet annually face to face)

• 1991 – Awarded USDA-CSREES Education and Assistance to Farmers with Disabilities

project– Placed on the DVR Approved Provider List for serving people with disabilities-

Easter Seals ( $60/hr, 2 hr min, $30/hr office work, mileage over 25 miles) • 1992

– Received four referrals from DVR– Received Kraft Dairy Grant

• 1993– Received $62,723 in AT support for AgrAbility clients– Established semiannual meetings with state DVR staff

• 1994– Awarded USDA-CSREES Education and Assistance to Farmers with Disabilities

project• 1995

– Established $1500/client fee for service (DVR and Easter Seals Wisconsin)– Developed farm assessment report (primary product of farm assessment)

Farm Assessment Report:• Report:

– identifies specific problems areas, – offers recommended solutions, – identifies appropriate vendors, – provides estimated costs

• Average 40 hrs/client• Twenty hours for each hour on the farm• Five to ten hours development/research

information for report (getting cost information and bids for items over $1500- WI requirement)

• Five hours to prepare report, 20 to 60 pages in length

Chronology• 1990

– Initiate services to farmers with disabilities (Easter Seals and UW-Extension)– Establish an advisory committee







project• 1995

– Established $1500/client fee for service– Developed farm assessment report

Chronology• 1990

– Initiate services to farmers with disabilities (Easter Seals and UW-Extension)– Establish an advisory committee







project• 1995

– Established $1500/client fee for service– Developed farm assessment report

• 1996– Conducted three question DVR Survey (learn more about DVR)

Survey of DVR staff in 1996

AgrAbility(Easter Seals) provides:• Farm site assessments-job accommodations, task

analysis, job restructuring• Farm site assessment report, described earlier

Three questions• Surveyed Workforce Development Area (WDA) office• How many clients do you work with in a year who have

been, are, or would like to be employed in agricultural production?

• Of these clients, how many per year do you believe would benefit from the services offered by the Easter Seal Resource Center for Farmers with Disabilities?

1996 DVR Survey Results

• Responses received from 26 offices• 198 clients would like to work in agriculture• 119 clients would benefit from AgrAbility• 4000 DVR clients of all areas served per year • Result: DVR and AgrAbility staff became aware

of the number of DVR clients who were farmers

Chronology Continued

• 1998

– Awarded USDA-CSREES Education and Assistance to Farmers with Disabilities project

– Contact 25 % of the WI DVR Counselors

– Initiated the AgrAbility client satisfaction surveys for closed cases

AgrAbility Client Satisfaction SurveyDescription

• Purpose: – Obtain outcome of AgrAbility services provided– Obtain information for improving services

• Annually surveyed clients whose cases were closed during the AgrAbility budget year (1998 - Present)

• The Dillman mail process was used in administering the survey

AgrAbility Client Satisfaction Survey

• 815 surveys mailed from 1998-2007• 340 clients responded to survey• 227 (66.8%) clients can do farm work better or more

easily than before working with AAW• 185 (54.4%) clients continue farming operation in part or

whole – without that help I would not have been able to do so.

• 10 (2.9%) clients continue to live on farm but are successfully employed in another occupation

• Many positive and appreciative comments were also provided about all three partners

• Some not so positive responses were provided about all three partners which provided opportunities to improve

• Many clients volunteered to be members of the Farmers Network


• 1998





• 1998– Awarded USDA-CSREES Education and Assistance to Farmers with

Disabilities project– Initiated the AgrAbility client satisfaction surveys for closed cases– Contact 25 % of the WI DVR Counselors

• 1999– Contact another 25 % of the WI DVR Counselors– Holly Allen impact study of AgrAbility clients

Holly Allen Impact Study

• Goals:– Evaluate programs that serve farmers with

disabilities– Determine issues that farmers with disabilities

commonly face

• Survey population – 413 former AgrAbility clients

• Dillman mail system was used to conduct the survey

Results of Holly Allen’s Study

• Respondents – 67.1 %

• Respondents received services from AgrAbility – 83.7 %

• Respondents received services from DVR – 57.8 %

• Respondents received services from UW-Extension – 15.0 %

Results of Holly Allen’s Study

Assistance provided:

• Equipment – 70.0 %

• Funding – 60.0 %

• Building/equipment modification – 42.1 %

• Information and referral – 30.7 %

• Counseling and emotional support – 25.0 %


• 1998




• 1999

– Contact another 25 % of the WI DVR Counselors

– Holly Allen impact study of AgrAbility clients

• 2000

– Contact another 25 % of the WI DVR Counselors





• 2000– Contact another 25 % of the WI DVR Counselors

• 2001– Contact final 25 % of the WI DVR Counselors







• 2002– Awarded USDA-CSREES AgrAbility project– Received training and evaluation grant from WI DVR (Easter Seals)

DVR Staff Training 2002 Agreement with DVR

Expected outcomes• Expand the availability of vocational rehabilitation

services to Wisconsin farmers– Conduct outreach activities for DVR counselors and other staff– Improve and expand services customized for WI farmers

• Train a minimum of 200 DVR staff in:– Viability of farming as a occupation– Most effective use of customized vocational rehabilitation

services

Four trainings were conducted• Introduction to FARM program and rehabilitation service

for farmers• Applications of alternative agriculture to operations of

farmers with disabilities and process for managing clients• Two on-farm trainings dealing with on-farm assessments

and DVR relationship building with FARM program







• 2002– Awarded USDA-CSREES AgrAbility project– Received training and evaluation grant from WI DVR (Easter Seals)







• 2002– Awarded USDA-CSREES AgrAbility project– Received training and evaluation grant from WI DVR (Easter Seals)– Established new fee for service with DVR ($2500/client) – Initiated first set of trainings for DVR counselors

Initial DVR training 2002

• Training objectives– Provide information about AT for farmers with

disabilities – Create an awareness of vocational rehabilitation

service opportunities for farmers– Create an awareness of the importance of farming in

the local and state economy

• Training was conducted in nine Workforce Development Areas (WDA’s)

• DVR staff provided responses - 94

Initial Training Results 2002

What is your impression of farming with a disability?

Prior After

Sounds dangerous 0 % 0 %

Physical demands too great 10 % 0 %

Might be possible, will not last 20 % 5 %

Very possible 70 % 95 %

Initial Training Results 2002

• What is the role of the farm economy in WI?Prior After

Does not have role in my community 19 % 2 %

Does not have major role in WI 4 % 0 %

Is important but mostly dairy 41 % 5 %Aware of the range of farm products 36 % 93 %

Initial Training Results 2002Prior to the training:• Did you know about the Easter Seals/DVR partnership?

– Not aware of Farm program – 11 %– Had heard about the program – 40 %– Knew about the partnership – 49 %

• Did you know about AgrAbility Easter Seals program?– Never heard of it – 5 %– Heard about it but no contact – 34 %– Familiar about program, no contact – 17 %– Familiar about program, worked with them – 43 %

• Did you understand purpose of partnership?– Unfamiliar – 23 %– Somewhat familiar – 37 %– Quite familiar – 20 %– Very familiar – 20 %

Chronology Continued• 2003

– Initiated DVR client satisfaction survey (4 questions)

DVR Satisfaction Survey Description

• Clients received survey instruments 60 to 90 days after a farm assessment was completed by AgrAbility-Easter Seals staff

• Monthly the surveys were mailed

• Surveys returned - 55

DVR Satisfaction Survey Results

• Clients rate the services as good or very good – 95 %• Clients ‘strongly agree’ or ‘agree’ the staff was

knowledgeable about accommodating a disability in agriculture – 88 %

• Clients ‘strongly agree’ or ‘agree’ staff helped them better understand the impact of the disability – 93 %

• Clients ‘strongly agree’ or ‘agree’ the staff provided needed information – 94 %

• Nearly all comments were positive or respondents greatly appreciated the program

• DVR concern: The survey focused on the Easter Seals staff and little information was gained on the DVR staff


• 2003



• 2003


– Conducted on alternative agr./FARM process training for DVR

Description of Alternative Agr training

Purposes of training:• Provide an understanding of the client

management process between DVR and FARM program

• Provide understanding why and when alternative agriculture practices maybe useful for farmers

• Become familiar with alternative agricultural resources

Training was conducted in 10 WDA’sSurveys returned - 131

Client Process:

• DVR Counselor sends Purchase Order to AgrAbility-Easter Seals Staff

• AgrAbility-Easter Seals conducts on-farm assessment• A statement of findings is sent to counselor from

AgrAbility-Easter Seals• A Report is sent to the DVR Counselor from AgrAbility-

Easter Seals• The Counselor sets an appointment to review Report on

the farm with the farmer and AgrAbility-Easter Seals • Roles are assigned to achieve the goals

Results of Alternative Agriculture training

• Understand the correct order of the client processing step – 74 %

• Understand the potential of alternative agriculture for farmers with disabilities – 94 %

• ‘Strongly agree’ or ‘agree’ they know where to find information on alternative agriculture – 99 %

• ‘Strongly agree’ or ‘agree’ they know where to go for assistance in determining financial viability of farms – 95 %


• 2003




• 2003



• 2004

– Conducted on-farm training for DVR staff

Description of on-farm training

• Purpose:– Gain a better understanding of successful

vocational rehabilitation practices for farmers– Become aware of the tasks completed by

farmers on a routine basis– Become familiar with AgrAbility- Easter Seals

farm assessment report

• Surveys returned – 133• Training was conducted in all 11 WDA’s

Results of DVR On-farm Survey -2003-04

• Feel they have a better understanding of farmer’s view of accessing DVR services – 95 %

• Have a better sense of how farmers access the DVR resources – 93 %

• Have a better understanding of farming as a series of tasks, rather than a single job – 96 %

• Respondents feel that the Easter Seals program reports are– ‘just right’ in length – 94 %– ‘just right’ in terms of detail – 92%

• Understand how the Easter Seals program creates the plans/reports – 98 %

• Expressed the importance to followup with farm clients to ensure the equipment meets the farmer’s need – 96 %


• 2003



• 2004



• 2003



• 2004


• 2005

– Revised DVR client satisfaction survey(7 questions)

Description of revised DVR satisfaction survey

• Survey was designed to provide more information about the DVR counselor support and relationship with AgrAbility-Easter Seals Staff

• Clients received survey instruments 60 to 90 days after a farm assessment was completed by AgrAbility-Easter Seals staff

• Monthly the surveys were mailed to the clients• Surveys returned - 114

DVR Satisfaction survey results

• ‘Strongly agree’ or ‘agree’ that:– AgrAbility-Easter Seals program staff understood

disability issues as they relate to farming – 97 %– AgrAbility-Easter Seals program staff listened to my

needs and desires – 94 %– I was satisfied with my involvement in the process –

87 %– DVR counselor and AgrAbility-Easter Seals staff

worked as a team – 88 %• DVR counselor allowed some or complete

control to change or add information to the plan – 78 %

DVR Satisfaction survey results, continued

• DVR Counselor permitted flexibility to make purchasing decision – 78 %

• How do you think your DVR plan is working?– A good match – 57 %– Some things work right – 25 %– Isn’t working – 5 %– Not enough time to tell – 13 %

• Is the equipment working as you hoped?– Working well – 61 %– Working okay – 15 %– Does not work well – 1 %– Have not been able to use – 19 %– No opinion – 4 %

DVR Satisfaction survey results, continued

It is easier to complete chores and tasks around the farm:

• Strongly agree – 64 %

• Agree – 18 %

• Neither agree or disagree – 4 %

• Strongly disagree – 7 %

• No opinion – 7 %


• 2003



• 2004


• 2005

– Revised DVR client satisfaction survey(7 questions)


• 2003– Initiated DVR client satisfaction survey (4 questions)– Conducted on alternative agr./FARM process training for DVR

• 2004– Conducted on-farm training for DVR staff

• 2005– Revised DVR client satisfaction survey(7 questions)– Conducted second on-farm training for DVR staff

Second on-farm training for DVR staff

• Purpose:– create a better understanding farm culture,

farm tasks and farming as a business– create an awareness of rehabilitation

opportunities with farmers.

• Training was conducted in 11 WDA’s

• Responses - 178

Second on-farm training for DVR staff

Results• ‘Satisfied’ or ‘very satisfied’ with training – 71.8%• Had a ‘large’ or ‘some increase’ in knowledge

with regard to ‘Impact that this farmer’s disability had on his/her being able to perform necessary tasks’ – 88.4 %

• Had a ‘large’ or ‘some increase’ in knowledge with regard to ‘How the accommodations chosen for this farm addressed the specific needs of the farmer’ – 86.2 %

• Had a ‘large’ or ‘some increase’ in their level of confidence for ‘Working with farmers’ – 72.7 %






Disabilities project






Disabilities project– Received NIDRR Grant for equipment utilization






Disabilities project– Received NIDRR Grant for equipment utilization

• 2007– Conducted equipment utilization survey

Assistive technology equipment reutilization (NIDRR)

Goals:• To understand the types and costs of AT used by WI farmers• To understand the farmers’ use of AT devices over time in WI• Develop used farm AT equipment referral service

Methodology (year 1)• Conduct an analysis of Easter Seal’s data base• Conduct a survey of farmers to determine the use and status of AT devices (telephone)

Equipment Survey Results

Successful Surveys - 178/204Pieces of Equipment Recommended – 1296• Pieces of equipment not obtained – 164• Pieces of equipment obtained – 1102• Equipment in use or plan to use – 1024• Equipment not being used – 78

•Still have – 58•Have gotten rid of – 19

–Sold or given to another farmer – 5–Trade-10–Something else - 4

Equipment Survey Results, continued

Equipment in use or plan to use – 1024• Condition

– Excellent – 709– Good – 298– Poor – 9– Broken – 7

• Help with chores– A lot – 757– Quite a bit – 215– A little – 40– Not at all – 7

• Fixed or modified to meet your needs – 187

Awards and Recognition

• Easter Seals Recognition of Cooperative Extension (Dean received award) (1998)

• Extension Recognition of Easter Seals-Friend of Extension Award (CEO received award) (2001)

• Mutual of America Award-Partnership Award(2006)– Easter Seals Wisconsin (CEO received award)

– University of Wisconsin-Extension (Dean)

– WI Division of Vocational Rehabilitation (DVR director)

– WI Farm Center, WI Dept. of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection (Dept. Secretary)

Fourth PartnerFarm Center

Dept of WI Agr. Trade and Consumer Protection

• Provide financial analysis• Provides home to CAP (Client Assistance Program)

Assets of AgrAbility of WI related to DVR

• Closure times – 10 months for farmers – 23 months for other clients

• Placement success– Over 90 percent for farmer– About 43 percent for other clients

• Knowledge of farming and associated AT• Cost of agricultural plans are $1500 less than

other clients’ cases

Where is this partnership today?

Partnership Staff• Easter Seals Wisconsin FARM staff

– Holly Allen, Rural Rehabilitation Specialist (farm assessments)– Melba Brown, Technical Assistant– T Ellenbecker, Rural Rehabilitation Specialist (case

management)– Judith Guttman, DVR report preparation and research– Jeff Kratochwill, Rural Rehabilitation Specialist (farm

assessments)– Paul Leverenz, Rural Rehabilitation Specialist and FARM

Program Director– Bruce Whitmore, Rural Rehabilitation Specialist (farm

assessments)• University of Wisconsin-Extension

– Cally Ehle, Outreach Specialist– Ron Schuler, Program Leader

• WI Division of Vocational Rehabilitation– Manuel Lugo, Division Deputy Director– District Directors– Counselors

• WI Farm Center– Paul Dettman, Director– Roger James, Counselor– CAP staff, client assistant program

http://www.datcp.state.wi.us/index.jsp

• “Last year in Wisconsin, the assistive technology provided by WDVR cost $26,000 per farmer.” Manuel Lugo, May 1, 2007 AgrAbility Assessment Training in Madison, WI

• “Last year in Wisconsin, 126 farmers with disabilities received services from the Wisconsin Division of Vocational Rehabilitation” Manuel Lugo May 1, 2007, AgrAbility Assessment Training in Madison, WI

Closing Remarks

• Ideas to strengthen your partnership

• Tools to gain information for partners and the partnership

• Potential involvement of vocational rehabilitation as a partner

Treat your partner the same way you would like them to treat you.

Questions

development of a four way partnership providing at services to farmers with disabilities agrability...

Documents

disabilities easter

disabilitieseaster seals

disabilities projectplaced

hr office work

service dvr

dvr supervisors

dvr approved provider

direct assistance