AgrAbility is a consumer-driven USDA-funded program that provides direct education and assistance to farmers and family members with disabilities.
Through the combined dedication and expertise of the Cooperative Extension System and nonprofit organizations that provide direct services to disabled individuals, AgrAbility helps producers overcome barriers to increase their success in agricultural production.
AgrAbility was implemented in the 1990 Farm Bill and received its first Federal funding in 1991. Competitive awards are made to Cooperative Extension and nonprofit disability organization teams.
State and Regional AgrAbility Projects (SRAPs):
- provide direct education and assistance to farmers with disabilities
- create development opportunities for Extension, rehabilitation, vocational, and healthcare providers
- mobilize rural volunteer resources.
The National AgrAbility Project (NAP) provides technical assistance, training, information dissemination to support SRAP teams and community-based rehabilitation and assistive technology service programs.
Impacts
AgrAbility activities demonstrate the ability of Cooperative Extension, in partnership with nonprofit organizations, to respond to local needs and make a difference in communities. Most importantly, the partnerships illustrate how communities can leverage resources to provide opportunities, expand boundaries, and turn hope into reality.
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For more than 30 years, the AgrAbility Program, supported by USDA’s National Institute of Food and Agriculture, has helped to empower individuals with disabilities to keep doing what they love. AgrAbility’s efforts have helped enhance quality of life, not only for individuals, but also for families...
Eligibility
Applications must be submitted by Cooperative Extension at 1862 and 1890 Land-grant Universities, including:
- the University of the District of Columbia
- Tuskegee University
- West Virginia State University
- Central State University
Applicants must partner with private nonprofit organizations providing direct services to individuals with disabilities.
Awards
Visit the NIFA Reporting Portal for previous and current AgrAbility awards.
Legislative Authority
7 U.S.C. 5933—Assistive Technology Program for Farmers With Disabilities