Minnesota AgrAbility Project

John Shutske, Professor and Extension Agricultural Safety and Health Specialist
Michele Schermann, Research Fellow
Deen Swart, Goodwill/EasterSeals
Maureen Gaedy, Goodwill/EasterSeals
Kelly Matter, Goodwill/EasterSeals

Objective

Educate and provide on-site technical assistance to help farmers with disabilities remain safe and productive after an injury or serious health condition.

Need or Impact

The Minnesota AgrAbility Project (MAP) is a joint project of Goodwill/Easter Seals and the University of Minnesota Extension Service’s Agricultural Safety and Health Program. MAP provides information and referral, on-site visits, individualized assessment, education, and support services for Minnesotans with disabilities who have goal to continue farming and/or farm-related occupations. The MAP Project reaches out to farmers, farm family members, agricultural workers, rural health care providers and agri-business leaders through award programs, educational presentations, regular mailings, collaborative service agreements, Fenceline (peer support network), and on-site visits.

Status

Ongoing. The project directly serves approximately 35 farm families per year; education is provided for 150 health professionals on related topics.