AgrAbility Overview and Peer Support Training Goals AgrAbility Overview and Peer Support Training Goals Your State AgrAbility Peer Support Training Date Promoting Success in Agriculture for People with Disabilities and their Families

Provide assistance and resources to farmers with disabilities, and/or their family members with disabilities, that allows them to begin or continue farming AgrAbility’s Mission

AgrAbility Project First authorized in the 1990 Farm Bill Competitive grants are awarded to Cooperative Extension Services at land-grant universities that partner with nonprofit disability organizations YOUR STATE project first authorized in YEAR, reauthorized in YEAR

State/Regional Projects AgrAbility Affiliate

National AgrAbility Project Partners University of Wisconsin Extension, Madison, WI National Easter Seals, Washington, DC

Your State Research and Extension Land grant university – Your State University Department Administering AgrAbility Extension Core Mission Themes –Add the Functions/Objectives of Your State Extension Service Your State AgrAbility Partners

Your State Partner(s) –Describe Activities and Services of Your Partnering Organization Here Your State AgrAbility Project Partners

Since XXXX, your state AgrAbility has provided information and technical assistance to over XXX farmers, ranchers, farm workers, and their families. Your State AgrAbility Clients

Eligibility for AgrAbility Services Must be involved in production agriculture or intend to be – as an owner/operator, employee, or family member of an owner/operator Must have a disability, limitation, or chronic health condition that affects ability to fully participate in farming

Types of Disabilities Those eligible for AgrAbility services may have any type of disability – physical, cognitive, or illness-related. For example: amputations arthritis cancer cardiac problems cerebral palsy diabetes mental illness mental retardation multiple sclerosis

Types of Disabilities - continued Orthopedic injuries Parkinson’s disease Respiratory problems Sensory impairments (vision, hearing) Spinal cord injury Stroke Traumatic brain injuries

AgrAbility Services Education Networking Assistance

Education Build service capacity by educating health, agriculture and government service providers

Networking Expand program capacity by sharing resources with and securing services from individuals and organizations

Assistance Provide on-farm consultative services and technical assistance to farmers to increase likelihood of remaining in production agriculture.

Peer Support

Purpose of Peer Support Connect people with similar disabilities, limitations, and/or experiences for support and encouragement Provide forums for information and idea exchange

AgrAbility Peer Support Training Goals 1.To increase the number of farmers, ranchers, and farm workers who volunteer to provide peer support. 2.To reduce the negative feelings associated with a newly acquired disability and having to navigate unknown challenges alone.

Peer Support Training Goals 3.To increase the number of farmers, ranchers, and farm workers who use AgrAbility information and services 4.To increase the probability of a farmer/rancher returning back to work 5.To establish a National AgrAbility Peer Support Network

Peer Support Training Objectives 1.To learn what effective peer support is and what it is not 2.To learn effective ways to successfully connect and establish rapport with other farmers/ranchers who have disabilities 3.To practice effective active listening skills

Training Objectives 4.To learn useful problem-solving skills 5.To learn how to spot signs of high stress, anger, depression, and suicidal thinking 6.To know when to notify AgrAbility staff or community professionals if you are concerned about a person’s welfare

Promoting Success in Agriculture for People with Disabilities and their Families