AgrAbility Harvest 2019 An ingathering of helpful information on disability in agriculture

Against the Odds: Ag adaptations give this Missouri woman a new purpose

by Cheryl Tevis, who was senior risk management editor with Successful Farming magazine for many years. She is currently a freelance writer and editor with AgPerspectives, Inc. and president of Iowa Women in Agriculture.

Eight years ago, Carey Portell’s life shattered when a drunk driver collided head-on with her vehicle on Route 66, a few miles from her St. James, Missouri, home. It was two days after Christmas, and the 35-year-old was on her way to teach a Zumba class, with two of her daughters, Olivia, 12 and Mackenzie, 10, in the back seat of her Ford Taurus.

In the aftermath of the collision, her husband, Greg, and her father rushed to the scene. The damage to her vehicle was devastating, and once paramedics arrived, Carey’s extrication was painstakingly slow. Greg had to leave when their daughters were taken by ambulance to the hospital. “The paramedic became my anchor,” Carey says. The girls were treated and released from the hospital within a day. The driver of the truck that collided with them was pronounced dead at the scene.

Carey suffered a fractured pelvis, crushed right ankle and dislocated left foot. After undergoing two surgeries, she remembers waking up to hear her eight-year-old son saying, “Thank you for staying alive, Mom.” She says, “When I looked down, my legs were in external fixators. I knew it was bad, but I had no clue how long or how hard my recovery would be.”

Climbing out of the depths

Confined to a wheelchair for almost two years, it was four years before Carey walked again without support. She had no feeling in her left foot during the first year. By the second year, shooting pains signaled the re-growth of nerves. Carey had 10 subsequent operations, fusing the joints in her ankles and bones in her pelvis.

The family received tremendous community sup- port during Carey’s recovery. “At times I had no idea what our children were going through,” she says. “I’ll never get that time back.” Today the Portell children are ages 21, 19, 18 and 16.

Carey pushed herself to learn to walk with walking casts. Next, she focused on walking without support. “After four years, I felt like I had climbed an enormous mountain, and then I plateaued. I still had severe, permanent lower body injuries, poor balance, and delicate lower legs. I could only take about 3,000 steps a day.”

Carey wore leg braces and lace-up boots 95% of the time, and she was unable to resume her former job. Yet she needed to remain productive. Before the accident, she had raised Corriente cattle, a roping breed. “We sold them as soon as I got out of the hospital,” she says. “I didn’t want to re-injure myself, but I loved working on the farm.” The Portells purchased 40 head of Angus. Greg continued to work fulltime off-farm, and do evening chores. But getting in and out of the truck multiple times daily was painful, and took a toll on Carey’s energy. “I had the mindset that I’d do the work the way I’d always done it,” she says.

AgrAbility Opens a Door

Then, in 2014 Carey attended a University of Mis- souri conference for ag women, where she met Karen Funkenbusch, Missouri AgrAbility director. Funkenbusch contacted the state Dept. of Vocational Rehabilitation, and encouraged Carey to apply to become a client. “We taught her how to avoid falls, protect herself if she fell, and how to work safer and smarter,” Funkenbusch says. “We showed her how to make simple modifications, and use proper body mechanics and ergonomics.”

Funkenbusch saw that Carey was determined to succeed. With help from Missouri AgrAbility and the Dept. of Vocational Rehabilitation, Carey received funding to buy a Polaris Ranger UTV. “There’s a cube feeder on the back of the bed, making feeding much easier,” Carey says. “We installed a switch inside the cab to open the feeder door, so I just pull up beside the bunks and let ‘er rip.”

During calving season, she releases the lid of the feed bin on the UTV, and the cows gather to feed, allowing her to drive around them, and count cows and calves.
“The UTV keeps me from being bumped over by cows, and from flying calf hooves,” she says. “I don’t have to walk on ground with frozen hoof prints. It’s the most essential piece of equipment I’ve received.”

Today the Portells have 120 head of Angus on their 1,000 acres. “The cows give me a purpose,” she says.

Sharing Her Story

Despite her shyness, Carey gradually began to share her experience, and today she’s a motivational speaker who addresses the repercussions of drunk driving, and what it’s like to get back to agriculture after a serious injury.
“In the spring and fall, I speak at a lot of schools,” she says. From January to April, she talks with farm groups. “Farmers have a lot of pride, and often feel they’ll lose their independence if they use assistive technology,” she says. “Adaptations help keep farmers farming—they’ll just do the work differently.”

Although Carey has gained strength and mobility, she has end-stage traumatic arthritis. “I have moments when I feel 80 years old, but then I have the best days ever, and I stop and soak it all in,” she says. “I have to avoid doing so much that I hurt myself, but enough to keep my joints loose. It requires patience.”

She offers these words of advice to others:
(1) Acceptance. “Accept where you’re at now, and what’s possible in the future,” she says. Acceptance is the key to my happiness.”
(2) Forgiveness. “You must choose to forgive,” she says. “I do not excuse the drunk driver. I have to forgive him for my own sake. There’s no other way to heal.”

Carey says that this life-changing event brought her closer to God. “Nothing, absolutely nothing, happens in this world by mistake,” she says. “I don’t focus
on what needs to be changed in the world as much as what needs to be changed in me. I think of all the lessons I’ve learned and the challenges I’ve gone through. It forced me to grow into the person I am today.”

Carey Portell was the keynote speaker at the 2019 AgrAbility National Training Workshop. Get more information about her at www.careyportell.com

A COLLECTION OF ASSISTIVE TECHNOLOGY PRODUCTS IN AGRICULTURE

ATVs, UTVs, and their many attachments and accessories

For farmers and ranchers with mobility impairments, strength and endurance limitations, arthritis, and other problems, a utility vehicle (UTV) or an all-terrain vehicle (ATV) can be an invaluable work tool. This article does not address the multitude of different models of conventional UTVs and ATVs; rather, it lists some handy attachments and accessories that can help agricultural workers with disabilities, and it references one wheelchair-accessible UTV. See many more related solutions at www.agrability.org/toolbox.

Strong Arm Lift for UTVs
With its multiple attachments, this driver’s-side, bolt-on, hydraulic lift is designed to allow one to pick up and load into the vehicle’s cargo bed all types of items (e.g., rocks, debris, hay, logs, feed, seed, fertilizer bags, even game animals) without having to leave the driver’s seat. It’s reportedly compatible with many Kubota, Deere, Kioti, and Polaris models. (Visit www.strongarmlift.com)

ATV/UTV-Mounted Calf Catcher
This is a wheeled cage for corralling a calf on pasture in order to treat it right there or transport it without an aggressive mother’s interference. First towed behind then re-attached adjacent to the vehicle, the driver (via rope) latches open the spring-loaded gate, corrals the calf into the cage, then steps on a latch-release mechanism to close the gate. (Visit www.tinyurl.com/calf-catch)

Hand Controls for UTVs
These consist of a handle attached to the steering wheel, shafts running down to the
gas and brake pedals, and a manual safety-lock system. For accelerating, the handle is eased back; for braking, it’s pushed forward, which allows the driver to keep both hands on the wheel. The safety-lock will disable the acceleration function until released by a switch. (Visit www.suregrip-hvl.com)

Buddy Buggy Wheelchair-Accessible UTVs
Its joystick-operated rear lift and behind-the-wheel docking system allows wheelchair users to access and drive this all-electric UTV most anywhere off-road at speeds up to 17 mph. Two
models are available: the 11-foot, 4WD, two- person Buddy Buggy with cargo bay and the 8-foot, 2WD, driver-only Buzz Buggy. (Visit www.buddybuggy.net)

Boom-Lift Dump Trailer for ATVs/UTVs
This tow-behind trailer has a crank-operated boom lift that can reportedly hoist (from either side) loads weighing up to 440 pounds. Its all-steel bed features a steep (35°) dump angle, winch-assisted dumping action, side stabilizers, removable end panels,
pivoting hitch and jack stand, and tire-valve steel guards. (Visit www.drpower.com)

Tow-Behind Cultivators for ATVs/UTVs
Intended primarily for small-acreage plots, these tow-behind, two-wheeled implements accommodate various cultivating tools (e.g., shanks, shovels, tines, smooth or serrated discs) used to break up, ridge, or aerate the soil, smother weeds, etc. Most models feature levers to raise/lower the implement and adjust tool depth. (Visit www.tinyurl.com/ UTVcultivators)

* The authors assume no liability in connection with any use of the products discussed and make no warranty (express or implied) in that respect. References to products are not intended as endorsements to the exclusion of others that may be similar.

Coming: new diabetes booklet for farmworkers

California AgrAbility is collaborating with Dignity Health and the Western Center for Agricultural Health and Safety to develop a Spanish-language educational booklet (foto- novela) on farming and diabetes.

California AgrAbility staff members often see program participants having diabetes in combination with arthritis. Although there are many resources on diabetes, few focus on farmworkers.

The fotonovela covers a variety of subjects, including a definition of diabetes, its signs and symptoms, and how to manage one’s health while living with the disease. At the end of the fotonovela are examples of proper portions for each food group, healthy recipes, and an expla- nation of blood sugar measurements through the A1C test.
The publication is expected to be available later in 2019 and should be available through CalAgrAbility’s website (https://calagrability.ucda vis.edu/).

Texas “BattleGround to Breaking Ground” program helps veterans

Texas A&M AgriLife Extension and staff from Texas AgrAbility are co- ordinating a program focused on helping veterans start agricultural businesses. Called “BattleGround to Breaking Ground,” the initia- tive’s goal is to increase the number of veteran and other new and beginning farmers/ranchers in Texas through several means: face- to-face and online educational training in farm management and production-specific agriculture practices; individualized educational planning and guidance to support diverse agriculture business interests; hands-on learning opportunities connected to online course content; and peer-to-peer mentor support. Additional benefits include help in applying for other programs and funding grants, disability-specific technical assistance, and access to a network of veteran farmers/ranchers and veteran support organizations.

The program, funded through the USDA/NIFA Beginning Farmer Rancher Development Program, recently welcomed its fifth cohort of veterans, who started with a three-day basic training session. For more information, email txagrability@gmail.com.

Help for deaf and hard of hearing farmers

The National AgrAbility Project has seen increasing interest from deaf and hard of hearing farmers, as several have been attending the National Training Workshop in recent years. One such individual, David Galyean of Washington state, has started a Facebook group called “Farming Association for Deaf, Hard of Hearing.”
The group’s stated purposes include educating deaf/hard of hearing farmers and gardeners about how to establish their enterprise and about how to plant, harvest, and preserve their crops. The group also seeks to encourage its members in their efforts to acquire the land, structures, and equipment necessary for successful agriculture.
To participate in the group, search “Farming Association for Deaf, Hard of Hearing” on Facebook and click “Join Group.”

New report on agricultural access lifts

For farmers with mobility impairments, lifts to get them into agricultural machinery can be a lifeline for continuing their livelihoods. Given the importance of these devices, the National AgrAbility Project (NAP) has produced the 12-page Plowshares Technical Report, “Agricultural Machinery Access Lifts: Design, Utilization, and Safety Issues.” Topic areas include lift design and selection, lift styles and mounting types, and safety concerns. The publication can be downloaded in PDF format from www.tinyurl.com/agrability-plowshares. For information on obtaining printed copies, email the NAP at agrability@agrability.org.

Alaska

When you think of Alaska, mountains, wildlife, and snow probably come to mind: farming, not so much. Although there are only about 760 farms in Alaska according to USDA1, agriculture is still important to the state’s economy, especially when fishing and logging are considered.
Alaska’s top agricultural commodities include greenhouse and nursery products, hay, dairy products, potatoes, and cattle/calves. The state also leads the nation per capita for farmers market growth, and its fish catch is the most valuable among the 50 states.

Alaska AgrAbility got its start, surprisingly, through Tennessee AgrAbility’s 2017-21 grant. Part of Tennessee’s activities was to introduce AgrAbility into Alaska using the Tennessee State University “Tennessee New Farmer Academy” as a model program to develop agricultural business skills. Alaska AgrAbility plans to adapt that program to its own climate, culture, and agricultural conditions.

One of every ten Alaskans is a veteran.4 Therefore, one of the Project’s key objectives is to assist veterans with disabilities in obtaining employment. A series of workshops are being designed to introduce agriculture/horticulture to veterans as a possible career choice, develop networking among veterans, and offer ways to help veterans manage stress.

New Mexico

New Mexico has great diversity in its geography, culture, and agriculture. Despite its somewhat arid climate, New Mexico is a leading producer of pecans, chili peppers, onions, and dairy products. Livestock production has been thriving in the state since the days of the early Western cattle drives.

The state also has the highest percentage of citizens with Hispanic ancestry (48% as of 2015) and the second largest percentage of Native Americans (10.6% in 2016).

New Mexico AgrAbility Project partners include New Mexico State University Extension, the University of New Mexico School of Medicine’s Division of Occupational Therapy, the New Mexico Technology Assistance Program, and Mandy’s Farm, an organization that serves individuals with developmental disabilities through agriculture.

Some of the Project’s target audiences include farmer veterans, Hispanics, women, and Native Americans. One of its novel initiatives is the es- tablishment of a farmer cooperative model that is self-governed by people with disabilities for the purpose of developing and sharing resources.
Project Co-director Dr. Carla Wilhite of the University of New Mexico has served on the staffs of Oklahoma AgrAbility and Colorado AgrAbility and is current a member of the National AgrAbil- ity Project Advisory Team.

South Dakota

The new AgrAbility project in South Dakota is one of the most unique that USDA has funded. Focused on the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation, the project seeks to address issues not tradition- ally focused on by AgrAbility, such as trauma, persistent poverty, and food insecurity. Pine Ridge is home to most of the Oglala Lakota Tribe, also known as the Oglala Sioux. In the Lakota language, the South Dakota AgrAbility Project is known as “Tatanka Ki Owetu,” meaning “The Renewal.”

As part of the effort to serve tribal members, three incubator-hub sites will be located across the reservation to provide landless beginning farmers with access to land to start farming.
Each incubator site can also become a food hub where surplus produce can be aggregated and delivered to schools, elderly centers, food banks, and shelters across the reservation. The hubs will also have on site (or at least access to) assistive technology fabricators and equipment to develop AT locally, which reduces the costs and barriers facing new, disabled producers.
Another goal of the project is to produce new culturally sensitive AgrAbility-related materials or adapt existing materials so that they are appropriate for Native American audiences.

Hellos

For the 2021-25 grant cycle, the National AgrAbility Project is welcoming new faces.

Ned Stoller will serve as the assistive technology (AT) specialist. In that role, he will help with developing The Toolbox, act as liaison to the Rehabilitation and Assistive Technology Society of North America (RESNA), and address AT questions from the state AgrAbility projects. Ned is already functioning as NAP’s consultant to develop and document low-tech AT for farmers worldwide and to help develop a low-tech section of The Toolbox.

Ned is an agricultural engineer and RESNA-certified Assistive Technology Professional. He has been the engineer for Michigan AgrAbility since 2003 and is the developer of http://DisabilityWorkConsulting.com.

Kimber Nicoletti-Martínez will serve as Latino outreach coordinator. She has extensive experience in working with Latino migrant/seasonal farmworkers and was named 2018 National Social Worker of the Year by the National Association of Social Workers. Her participation on the NAP should greatly enhance the project’s outreach to Latino agricultural workers and organizations that serve them.

Since 2008, Kimber has been director of Purdue University’s MESA program (Multicultural Efforts to end Sexual Assault), a statewide initiative committed to preventing sexual violence in multicultural communities and other underserved and underrepresented populations in Indiana.

Ed Sheldon has been working with NAP for more than a year in a variety of capacities and will function as its outreach coordinator during the next grant cycle. He will help coordinate outreach activities, assist with resource development, promote AgrAbility services to Cooperative Extension staffs, and support NAP’s programming efforts for underserved populations and veterans. He also handles all calls to NAP’s toll-free helpline.

Ed has extensive agricultural and educational experience, having served as a county Purdue Extension agricultural educator and as a senior staff member in the Indiana State Department of Agriculture.

Goodbyes

Although gaining new staff, some long-time AgrAbility staff members retired recently.

Dr. Bob Aherin began his agricultural safety and health career at the University of Illinois in 1984 and became the project director of Illinois AgrAbility Unlimited when the program started in 1991. Throughout his decades of service, Bob distinguished himself as a leader not only within AgrAbility but also within the worldwide agricultural safety movement.

In addition to publishing over 100 peer-reviewed professional papers and training materials, he served as president of the International Society of Agricultural Safety and Health and co-founded the Grain Handling Safety Coalition. As a University of Illinois faculty member, he helped establish a minor in agricultural safety and health for undergraduates and developed several courses to that end.

Steve Swain became Indiana AgrAbility’s rural rehabilitation specialist in 2000 and NAP’s assistive technology specialist in 2008. During his tenure, he worked in-person with hundreds of farmers, assisted thousands more through the program’s toll-free helpline, and earned Assistive Technology Professional certification from RESNA. He spent long hours, often around kitchen tables, not only gathering information for reports but also serving as a compassionate ear to the struggles of farmers who are often overwhelmed by newly acquired disabilities.

As an encore, Steve is returning on a part-time basis to assist Indiana farmers who are being served through the Indiana Department of Vocational Rehabilitation. He will also be assisting NAP with various activities during the new grant cycle.

The 2019 AgrAbility National Training Workshop in Lincoln, Nebraska was a great success with 247 participants representing 33 states. The outstanding speakers included AgrAbility client Carey Portell, featured in the Closer Look section of this publication. Mark your calendars for the 2020 AgrAbility National Training Workshop, scheduled for March 23-26 in Madison, Wisconsin.