 |
|
|
|
Wyoming AgrAbility Services
Agriculture consistently ranks as one of the nation’s most dangerous
occupations. Wyoming has over 17,000 residents directly or
indirectly involved in production agriculture. The combination of
workplace hazards, a maturing ranch and farm population, and limited
access to health information and care make the Wyoming agriculture
sector particularly susceptible to health problems and work-related
injuries.
Our Purpose:
AgrAbility is a program that provides education, networking, and
assistance to ranchers, farmers, and agricultural workers with
disabilities and their families, particularly any engaged in
production agriculture who wants to continue ranching or farming.
Authorized by the 1990 Farm Bill, the U.S. Department of Agriculture
initiated funding for state-level programs to provide help on
accommodating disability in agriculture. Twenty-two states are
currently operating within this funding and together make up the
national effort known as the National AgrAbility Project.
As one of those states, Wyoming has created a partnership between the
University of Wyoming through its Cooperative Extension Service, Wyoming Institute for
Disabilities (WIND), Wyoming Independent Living Rehabilitation (WILR), and Wyoming Services
for Independent Living (WSIL). This partnership offers comprehensive assistance to individuals
and their families who have been affected by a disability who also engage in farming, ranching,
or agricultural-related activities
Building on the strength of nationwide information resources, along
with a statewide network of agricultural, rural health, safety, and
social agencies, Wyoming AgrAbility offers individual services for
increasing self-sufficiency and maintained independence.
Services Provided:
The Wyoming AgrAbility Project is focused on promoting success in
agriculture for people with disabilities and their families.
AgrAbility offers:
AgrAbility assists with:
Eligibility:
Any Wyoming farmer, rancher, farm/ranch family member, or
agricultural worker who has a disability or chronic health
condition, regardless of the cause or onset of the condition, is
eligible for AgrAbility services.
People eligible for AgrAbility services may have any type of
acquired or traumatic disability—physical, cognitive, or sensory.
Services are provided without regard to race, creed, gender,
disability, or national origin. Wyoming AgrAbility can assist those engaged in agriculture that have a disability or have a family member with a disability. Some disabilities may have been present at birth, while others may be the result of accidents, illness, or age-related conditions, and may include:
Cost for Service:
Does the rancher/farmer pay for AgrAbility services?
The information, referral services, and farm-site assessments are
offered at no cost to the farmer or rancher. The cost of new
equipment or modifications to current equipment, the farm operation,
or the farm home are not typically covered with AgrAbility funds.
Although some assistance with the cost of the equipment may be
available from the Division of Vocational Rehabilitation (DVR) or
the Wyoming Technical Assistance Program (WYTAP), the farmer/rancher
is always asked to share the costs to the fullest extent possible.
Complete Confidentiality:
Wyoming AgrAbility is dedicated to maintaining client
confidentiality. We will never use your information without your
express permission and we will NEVER sell your information. We
provide complete confidentiality with your records and information
and want you to know that we understand the importance of your
privacy.
Client-Centered Planning:
We practice
client-centered planning. This means that we will involve you in
every step of the planning process regarding your worksite
assessment and decisions made based on the needs determined by
your worksite assessment. We will not force you to make any
adjustments that you cannot afford or do not wish to make. We
are here to assist you and want to help you in making your
worksite more accessible for you.
|
