Welcome Statement
The Idaho Center for Assistive Technology is the leading authority on tools designed to make life easier for everyone. These tools are critical in the lives of people with a disability because they facilitate a more independent, productive life. Our organization shares our knowledge base with and provides direct services to all Idahoans with the fundamental goal of building a more successful, independent Idaho.Commitment Statement
Your support enables us to work for positive change in the community by fulfilling lives through technology.E-mail: idahoagrability@idahocat.org
ICAT Website:www.idahocat.org
Partners
The Idaho AgrAbility Project is a cooperative effort between ICAT of Idaho and the two partner agencies listed below:University of Idaho Cooperative Extension System (UI-CES)
PO Box 440904
Moscow, Idaho 83844-0904
Phone: 208.885.7627
UI-CES Website: www.extension.uidaho.edu
Idaho Assistive Technology Project (IATP)
121 West Sweet Ave.
Moscow, ID 83843
Toll-Free Phone: 1.800.432.8324
IATP Website: www.idahoat.org
About AgrAbility
The AgrAbility Project was created to assist people with disabilities employed in production agriculture. Congress authorized the AgrAbility Project in the 1990 Farm Bill and the program was launched in 1991 by the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Cooperative State, Research, Education, and Extension Service (USDA-CSREES). The AgrAbility Project is administered by CSREES and includes a National AgrAbility Project that provides training, technical assistance, and information to state and regional AgrAbility projects. The national project is based at the University of Wisconsin.
Each state and regional AgrAbility project involves a partnership between a cooperative extension at a land grant university and a nonprofit organization that serves people with disabilities. For a current list of AgrAbility projects, please visit the National and State AgrAbility Projects page of the national project's website. The Idaho AgrAbility Project includes three partners: the University of Idaho Cooperative Extension System (UI-CES), the Idaho Assistive Technology Project (IATP), both in Moscow, Idaho, and Idaho Center for Assistive Technology (ICAT) in Boise.
AgrAbility engages Extension Service educators, disability experts, rural professionals, and volunteers in offering an array of services, including:
Through all of these efforts, the AgrAbility Project helps farmers, ranchers, and farmworkers with disabilities to continue their agricultural endeavors and remain vital rural business and community members.
Each state and regional AgrAbility project involves a partnership between a cooperative extension at a land grant university and a nonprofit organization that serves people with disabilities. For a current list of AgrAbility projects, please visit the National and State AgrAbility Projects page of the national project's website. The Idaho AgrAbility Project includes three partners: the University of Idaho Cooperative Extension System (UI-CES), the Idaho Assistive Technology Project (IATP), both in Moscow, Idaho, and Idaho Center for Assistive Technology (ICAT) in Boise.
AgrAbility engages Extension Service educators, disability experts, rural professionals, and volunteers in offering an array of services, including:
- Identifying people with disabilities who are working in agriculture and referring them to appropriate resources;
- Providing on-site technical assistance for modifying operations and buildings, as well as adapting and using equipment and tools;
- Offering agriculture-based education to prevent further injuries;
- Training rehabilitation, healthcare, and Extension Service professionals to better assist farmers and ranchers with disabilities; and
- Developing and coordinating peer support networks.
Through all of these efforts, the AgrAbility Project helps farmers, ranchers, and farmworkers with disabilities to continue their agricultural endeavors and remain vital rural business and community members.
This material is based upon work supported by the USDA Cooperative State Research, Education, and Extension Service under special project number 2006-41590-03435.
Services
Information and Referral
AgrAbility provides information about farming or ranching with a disability and how to prevent further injuries and disabling conditions. It also offers referral information on services available for farmers, ranchers, and farmworkers, in agriculture, rehabilitation, and their communities.
On-Site Assessment
AgrAbility conducts on-site home or agricultural worksite assessments and recommends ways to continue farming or ranching. Recommendations can include how to:
- Restructure work tasks or agricultural operations;
- Explore alternative agricultural enterprises;
- Modify farm equipment and tools; and
- Acquire assistive technology related to agriculture.
The AgrAbility Project does not purchase equipment or pay for modifications for clients, but information regarding possible funding sources can be provided.
Custom Equipment
Idaho AgrAbility creates custom equipment with a focus on economical construction. For more information, to volunteer, or to request a piece of custom equipment please visit our Self Built Custom Equipment page.
Peer-to-Peer Network
AgrAbility connects farmers and ranchers with disabilities to others who have coped with the same challenges through a peer-to-peer network. Individuals willing to share their experiences and the knowledge they have gained can be a valuable resource for others.
Training and Education
AgrAbility provides training and education about farming and ranching with a disability for rehabilitation and healthcare professionals. Articles, papers, workshops, seminars, and distance education are used to help these professionals better serve clients who work in production agriculture.
For More Information
Contact AgrAbility through Idaho Center for Assistive Technology (ICAT) at 1.888.289.3259 or 208.377.8070 if you have any questions about these services, or if you would like to schedule an assessment or training. You can also e-mail Idaho AgrAbility at idahoagrability@idahocat.org.
News & Events
News
Tom Holm, an Idaho farmer, is the focus of the National AgrAbility Project's newsletter. His story is an inspiring one, and you can also learn more about the Idaho AgrAbility Project and farming in Idaho, because the entire issue focuses on Idaho.
Advisory Committee Meetings
A list of committee members (PDF) is available.
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