Evaluation of Wisconsin AgrAbility and Vocational Rehabilitation

Relationship

R. T. Schuler, R. J. Straub,

P. Leverenz and R. H. Meyer2010 AgrAbility National Training

Workshop

Charleston, WV

October 11-14, 2010

AgrAbility of Wisconsin

AgrAbility Program

Initiated USDA funding in 1991Provides education and assistance to farmers and

ranchers with disabilities.Provides assistance through worksite assessment

on the farm or ranchRecommends assistive technology equipment for

the farmers and ranchers AgrAbility of Wisconsin is a collaboration of

University of Wisconsin-Extension and Easter Seals Wisconsin

Wisconsin AgrAbility Program

Agriculture in Wisconsin is very diverse with respect to focus and size. It has a strong dairy/livestock component .

Since 1991, nearly 2000 clients have been served by AAW.

We have worked closely with Wisconsin DVR to provide their counselors training and to acquaint them with agricultural issues.

Common Pieces of AT EquipmentSteps for tractors-most common

Common Pieces of AT EquipmentUtility Vehicles

Common Pieces of AT Equipment

Seat and suspension Manual feed cart

Common Pieces of AT Equipment

Feed bin and auger Milking systems Powered feed cart

AgrAbility – Vocational Rehabilitation Study

Goals:• To determine the success of AgrAbility of Wisconsin

(AAW) staff’s understanding of the farmer’s disability-related concerns and ability to listen to the farmers

• To evaluate how well the AAW and Division of Vocational Rehabilitation (DVR) staffs function as a team

• To evaluate the involvement of the farmer in developing their worksite plan

• To record how farmers viewed the success of their plan

Methods

•A survey instrument was developed in 2005

•Surveys were mailed to farmers who received a on-site assessment three months after the site visit from April, 2005 through April 2010.

•Easter Seals staff mailed the surveys with stamped return envelop

•Completed surveys were sent to UW-Extension

•Since August, 2007, client ID and State DVR region were footnoted on each survey

•No mail or phone follow-up was done

Results

• 394 surveys were mailed• 240 (60.9%) responses• 152 responses with client ID and State VR

region

Farmer’s view: AAW staff understands my needs

(n-239)

Response Percent

Strongly Agree 66.5

Agree 29.3

Neither Agree or Disagree 4.2

Disagree 0.0

Strongly Disagree 0.0

Farmer’s view: AAW staff listened to my needs and desires

(n-239)

Response Percent

Strongly Agree 64.4

Agree 29.7

Neither Agree or Disagree 4.2

Disagree 1.7

Strongly Disagree 0.0

Farmer’s view: I was satisfied with my involvement in the worksite process

(n-231)

Response Percent

Strongly Agree 55.0

Agree 32.0

Neither Agree or Disagree 7.7

Disagree 2.6

Strongly Disagree 1.7

Farmer’s view: AAW and DVR staffs worked as a team

(n-233)

Response Percent

Strongly Agree 54.9

Agree 33.6

Neither Agree or Disagree 7.3

Disagree 3.4

Strongly Disagree 0.9

Farmer’s view: DVR counselor left room for change or additions to my plan

(n-223)

Response Percent

Complete control 46.6

Some control 35.0

Not much control 9.4

No control 1.8

No opinion 7.2

Farmer’s view: DVR counselor left room for making purchases

(n-228)

Response Percent

Complete control 35.5

Some control 43.4

Not much control 12.7

No control 4.8

No opinion 3.5

Farmer’s view: How do you think your plan is working on your farm

(n-230)

Response Percent

A very good match 56.1

A work in progress 26.1

Plan is not really working 3.0

Not enough time to tell 12.2

No opinion 2.6

Farmer’s view: Is equipment provided working as you had hoped

(n-225)

Response Percent Working very well 63.1It is working okay 12.4It is not working well 1.3It does not work at all 0.4I have not been able to use 20.4No opinion 2.2

Farmer’s view: It is easier to complete my chores and tasks around the farm

(n-213)

Response Percent Strongly Agree 63.8Agree 19.2Neither Agree or Disagree 4.2Disagree 0.5Strongly Disagree 4.2No opinion 8.0

Farmer’s view: AAW and DVR staff working as a team for three DVR regions

(Percent)

Region

Response 6 (n-42) 8 (n-26) 9(n-34) All(233)

Strongly Agree 69.0 65.4 55.9 54.9

Agree 21.4 23.1 26.5 33.6

Neither 2.4 7.7 11.8 7.3

Disagree 7.1 3.8 2.9 3.4

Strongly Disagree 0.0 0.0 2.9 0.9

Farmer’s view: Farmer’s view: I was satisfied with my involvement in the

worksite process for three DVR regions(Percent)

Region

Response 6 (n-41) 8 (n-25) 9(n-33) All(231)

Strongly Agree 58.5 60.0 57.6 55.0

Agree 29.3 28.0 27.3 32.0

Neither 4.9 8.0 9.1 7.4

Disagree 7.3 4.0 0.0 2.6

Strongly Disagree 0.0 0.0 6.1 1.7

Conclusions

AAW understands farmer’s needs and listens wellAAW and DVR staffs work as a teamFarmers provide input into the plans and purchasesThe worksite plan and equipment are working on

the farmChores and other work tasks are easier to

completeMailing of surveys continues

Copies of paper including survey instrument provided by request. Please provide

name/email on signup sheet.

Questions