Services

Beyond the emotional and physical challenges of adapting to a disability, farm families often face financial challenges and uncertainties about the future of their farm operation. Michigan AgrAbility offers assistance and solutions that make a difference. All services are provided free of charge.  Michigan AgrAbility staff helps farm operations adjust to manage disabling conditions, such as, arthritis, chronic back pain, joint injuries, amputations, spinal cord injuries, hearing loss and any other condition that may limit a farmer’s ability to work. Here is our service delivery method:

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  1. An Agricultural Engineer visits the farm to learn the operation, what equipment is being used and what physical limitations hinder the farm work.

  2. After the farm visit, a summary report is provided regarding the farm tasks, barriers observed, and relevant solutions.

  3. The engineer works with the farmer to research solutions and develop new ideas for overcoming those barriers.

  4. As needed, Michigan AgrAbility staff helps the farmer through the process of acquiring funding to purchase the needed technology.

  5. Assist in the set-up and training of how to use adaptive equipment, and then follow up several months later to ensure everything is operating as intended and helping the farmer adequately.

The information and referral services and farm-site assessments are offered at no cost to the farmer. The cost of new equipment or modifications made to old equipment, the farm operation, or the farm home is typically covered through the state via Michigan Rehabilitation Services and Easterseals MORC, and our other partners and sponsoring organization. Michigan AgrAbility staff will help the farmer navigate the state system to access these supporting funds.