WV Farmers' Connections Guide - Third Edition
This is the third edition of the WV Farmers' Connections Guide published by the West Virginia AgrAbility Project. This guide is a resource for farmers and farm families in West Virginia; it contains contact information about both state and national resources related to agriculture.
West Virginia AgrAbility is a partnership between the Center for Excellence in Disabilities, Northern West Virginia Center for Independent Living,and WVU Safety and Health Extension.
In the interest of continual improvement, we ask that if you know of any resource that should be listed in this guide or information in this guide is incorrect, please call 800-841-8436 or e-mail agrability@hsc.wvu.edu
Assistive Technology
Assistive Technology commonly refers to both assistive and adaptive devices, which may be either high or low technology, and various services such as evaluations, fabrication and training. Examples of high through low technology assistive devices which farmers and ranchers with disabilities might find beneficial could range from mounted chair lifts to easy grip hand tools.
WVATS
The West Virginia Assistive Technology System (WVATS) is dedicated to increasing awareness of and accessibility to assistive technology (AT) for West Virginians of all ages and types of disabilities.
WVATS Core Office and Northern Resource Center
Center for Excellence in Disabilites
959 Hartman Run Road
Morgantown, WV 26505
Voice and TDD: 304-293-4692
Toll free: 800-841-8436
E-mail: WVATS@hsc.wvu.edu
www.cedwvu.org/programs/wvats
WVATS Southern Resource Center
c/o WV Rehabilitation Center
PO Box 1004
Institute, WV 25112
Phone: 800-799-8287
Assistive Technology Loan Libraries/
Demonstration and Reutilization Centers
Mountain State Center for Independent Living
Contact: Brenda Goodfellow
821 Fourth Avenue
Huntington, WV 25701
Phone: 304-525-3324
Fax: 304-525-3360
E-mail: bgodfellow@mtstcil.org
Northern West Virginia Center for Independent Living
Contact: Inetta Fluharty
1009 Route 33 E
Elkins, WV 26241
Phone: 866-262-2875
Fax: 304-636-6508
E-mail: assist@cebridge.net
Easter Seal Rehabilitation Center
Contact: Martha Hon
1305 National Road
Wheeling, WV 26003
Toll free: 800-677-1390
Fax: 304-243-5880
E-mail: ateaster@hgo.net
Tech Link (Parkersburg)
Contact: Sue Patalano
521 Market Street #17
Parkersburg, WV 26101
Phone: 304-422-3151 ext. 107
Fax: 304-422-1025
E-mail: suep@wirefire.com
Technical Resources
The following are databases of assistive technology, where you can search for products that make specific activities easier and safer.
ABLEDATA
8630 Fenton Street, Suite 930
Silver Spring, MD 20910
Phone: 800-227-0216.
www.abledata.com
ABLEDATA provides objective information about assistive technology products and rehabilitation equipment available from domestic and international sources.
AgrAbility Assistive Technology Database
460 Henry Mall
Madison, WI 53706
Phone: 866-259-6280
www.agrabilityproject.org/search
This database is available on-line and on CD-ROM, featuring tools, modifications and technologies for fencing, livestock handling, shop tools, outdoor recreation, tractors, truck and daily activities in the home. The products listed also contain photographs and contact information for vendors. It is worth noting that many of the products listed in the following pages are listed in the database, along with hundreds of others, which, due to limited space, cannot be printed in this guide.
AT Network
1029 J Street, Suite 120
Sacramento, CA 95814-2495
Phone: 916-325-1695 (TTY)
Email: info@atnet.org
www.atnetwork.org
The AT Network, developed by the California Foundation for Independent Living Centers, publishes the AT Journal, as well as resources for amputees, those who are deaf, hard of hearing or have low vision. The web site is also home to advocacy resources and ergonomics information for employers and employees.
Center for Assistive Technology and Environmental Access
Georgia Institute of Technology
490 Tenth Street
Atlanta, GA 30332-0156
Phone: 800-726-9119 (voice/tty)
Email: catea@coa.gatech.edu
www.assistivetech.net
This on-line database of assistive technology is searchable by function, activity or vendor. It features products for gardening and recreational activities like hunting and fishing.
West Virginia Assistive Technology System Loan Library
959 Hartman Run Road
Morgantown, WV 26505
Phone: 800-841-8436
Email: jhayhurst@hsc.wvu.edu
www.cedwvu.org/programs/wvats
Home to hundreds of gardening, farming and daily living aids, the WVATS loan library is your connection to the products you might like to try before purchasing. Among the many products available are ergonomic gardening tools, back-saving handles and wheelbarrows, one-handed hammers, ratcheting pruners, anti-vibration gloves and many catalogues containing other products.
All short-term loans are free of charge and can be sent directly to your home. Visit the web site or call to see what products are currently available.
Assistive Technology for the Farm: Products and Vendors
Added Steps, Hand Holds and Cushioned Seating
Individuals with limited mobility may have trouble safely climbing on and off a tractor. Given the height and location of the operator's seat, added steps and hand holds can help increase the safety and usability of farm tractors. Given the variety of sizes and configurations of tractors, there are no "universal" steps and hand holds, but companies can help you find a good match for your equipment.
Deere & Company
One John Deere Place
Moline, IL 61265
Phone: 800-503-3373
www.deere.com
Deere & Co. fabricates a line of "Step-Kits" with integrated hand holds that is available for their 10-55 Series Row Crop Tractors. Ask your local dealer about the "Dress up a Deere Friend" brochure.
K & M Manufacturing
308 NW 2nd Street
Renville, MN 56284
Toll free: 800-328-1752
www.tractorseats.com
M. D. Products, Inc.
1998 215th Street
Humbolt, IA 50548
Phone: 515-332-3550
Fax: 515-332-3770
www.md-products.com
M. D. fabricates a line of add-on steps for John Deere Model 7000 and 8000 Series tractors and also sells individual steps.
Northern Tool & Equipment
PO Box 1499
Burnsville, MN 55337
Phone: 800-556-7885
www.northerntool.com
Manufacturer of agricultural equipment including quick hitches (allowing users to engage and secure implements from the tractor seat) and jiffy knobs.
If a commercial supplier of steps and hand holds for your model does not exist and the equipment needs to be fabricated locally, be sure that the fabricator follows the American National Standards Institute and/or American Society of Agricultural Engineers (ANSI/ASAE) minimum standards for access and egress (ASAE Standards, S318.14, Section 8). Check with your library for a copy of the ASAE Standards or request a copy from the ASAE Order Department at martin@asae.org or 616-429-0300. Check with West Virginia AgrAbility (800-841-8436 or agrability@hsc.wvu.edu for assistance in locating fabricators or for technical assistance about your unique needs.
The following are some local companies that may offer options for modification or be able to special-order pre-manufactured steps and hand-holds.
Atkins Farm Equipment
Rt. 4, Box 23 A
Union, WV 24983
Phone: 304-772-3741
Knighten Farm Supply
423 Gardeners Lane
Shepherdstown, WV 25443
Phone: 304-876-2648
Ruddle Farm Service
Route 33 East
Franklin, WV 26807
Phone: 304-358-7271
Commercial Lifts Resource Guide
Freedom Technologies
#3-2949 Miners Avenue
Saskatoon, Saskatchewan S7K 4Z6
Phone: 306-244-1508
Fax: 306-244-1931
Lectra Aid Person Lift
SFH Products, Inc.
1801 E. Medlock Dr.
Phoenix, AZ 85016
Toll Free: 888-224-1425
Life Essentials
345 Burnett Road
West Lafayette, IN 47906
Phone: 800-543-3740
Fax: 765-423-1017
Hitches and Fencing
When farm equipment needs to be connected or disconnected from tractors, self-propelled units or trucks, an individual is required to position themselves in between the equipment being connected or disconnected. This poses a danger to the individual who may be pinched between the equipment, get a hand crushed, or possibly be run over. Several types of commercial hitch adaptations are available that are designed to automate or "quicken" the hitching process without the need for an individual to place themselves in danger, especially when connecting to the drawbar only.
Commercial Hitching Adaptations
Attach-Matic, Inc.
116 Route 165 Sud
Ste-Sophie d'HaliFax
Quebec, Canada G0P 1L0
Phone: 819-362-2392 or 1-800-230-9077
Fax: 819-362-6731
E-mail: amatic@ivic.qc.ca
Agri-Speed Hitch
2984 Quail Avenue
Arthur, IA 51431
Phone: 800-677-8329
Fax: 712-675-4428
E-mail: info@agrispeedhitch.com
Anderson Machine, Inc.
R.R. #2, Box 9
Andover, SD 57422
Phone: 605-298-5663
Fax: 605-298-5220
E-mail: kanderson@nvc.net
Stafast Hitches, Inc.
13586 N 500 W
Nappanee, IN 46550
Phone: 219-773-3397
Bubco Incorporated
816 "B" Black Diamond Way
Lodi, CA 95240
Phone: 209-367-3885
Toll free: 800-474-2532
Fax: 209-367-3895
E-mail: info@bubco.com
www.bubco.com
Freedom Hitch, Midwest Industries, Inc.
Highway 59 and 175
Ida Grove, IA 51445
Phone: 712-364-3365
Toll free: 800-859-3028
Monday - Friday, 8 a.m. - 5 p.m. Central Time
Fax: 712-364-3361
E-mail: frhitch@pionet.net
www.freedomhitch.com
Jiffy Hitch Systems Inc.
9100 W. Beaver Street
Jacksonville, FL 32220
Toll free: 800-786-2829
www.jiffyhitchsystems.com
Farm Star Equipment (same products as Worksaver, Inc.)
PO Box 100
9 Worksaver Trail
Litchfield, IL 62056
Phone: 217-324-5973
Fax: 217-324-3356
E-mail: sales@farmstar.com
www.farmstar.com
Land Pride
A Division of Great Plains Mfg., Inc.
1525 E. Norh Street
Salina, KS 67402-5060
www.landpride.com
Schumacher USA
502 West 1st Avenue
Durant, IA 52747
Phone: 563-785-4449
Fax: 563-785-4426
E-mail: info@schumacherlc.com
www.schumacherlc.com
Parker Hannifin Corporation, Pioneer Quick Couplings
Quick Coupling Division
8145 Lewis Road
Minneapolis, MN 55427
Phone: 763-544-7781
Fax: 763-544-3418
www.parker.com/quickcouplings/indexv4.asp
Rowe Manufacturing, Inc.
PO Box 386
1266 Highway 96
Gladbrook, IA 50635
Phone: 515-473-2189
Toll Free: 800-544-4123
Fax: 515-473-2427
E-mail: neilrowe@iowatelecom.net
www.rowemfg.com
Wire Stretcher
Gempler's
PO Box 270, 100 Countryside Drive
Belleville, WI 53508
Toll Free: 800-382-8473
www.gemplers.com
This wire stretcher can be used for a variety of jobs including to splice, staple and raise and lower wire. A new design has curved jaws to hold hi-tensile wire in addition to barbed and smooth wire. Available for loan from the West Virginia AgrAbility Project.
Gates, Guards & Latches
Several different models of livestock guards, gates and latches available are on the market. The proper use of guards, gates and latches will contribute to improved livestock behavior along with improved safety for livestock and for farmers/ranchers with and without a disability.
Livestock Guards
In some cases, livestock guards, welded metal bars that humans can walk or drive over but animals cannot, can eliminate the need for cumbersome gates. Such guards are also available from local livestock equipment dealers.
Texas Portable Cattle Guard
HiQual Manufacturing
3139 Creek Drive
Rapid City, SD 57703
Phone: 605-343-1234
Fax: 605-348-6618
E-mail: cmarsh@hiqualmfg.com
www.hi-qual.com
Barnworld Cattle Guard
11757 W. Ken Caryl Ave.
Littleton, CO 80127
Phone: 303-952-0830
www.barnworld.com
Livestock Gates
Mighty Mule E-Z Gate Openers
GTO, Inc.
3121 Hartsfield Road
Tallahassee, FL 32303
Toll free: 800-543-4283
Fax: 850-575-8912
E-mail: gto@gtoinc.com
www.gtoinc.com
Drive Through Electric Gates
Koehn Marketing, Inc.
PO Box 577
Watertown, SD 57201-0577
Toll free: 800-658-3998
Fax: 605-886-2123
E-mail: koehn@iw.net
www.koehnmarketing.com
Gate Latches
Hop-Lok Spring Loaded Latch
Duffy Manufacturing Company, Inc.
PO Box 4545
Beeville, TX 78104-4545
Toll free: 800-959-6145
Fax: 361-358-3121
E-mail: info@hoplok.com
www.hoplok.com
Quick Gate Latch
Ramm Fence
13150 Airport Highway
Swanton, OH 43558
Phone: 419-825-2422
Toll free: 800-434-8455
E-mail: rammfence@ramminc.com
www.rammfence.com
Sure-Latch
Co-Line Welding, Inc.
1232 100th Street
Sully, IA 50251-8000
Toll free: 800-373-7761
Fax: 641-594-4410
E-mail: info@colinemfg.com
www.surelatch.com
Mobility
The Journeyman Mobility Vehicle
Life Essentials
8796 South US 231
Brookston, IN 47923
Phone: 765-742-6707
www.life-essentials.net
Built for off-road use, the Journeyman can fit just about anywhere, and also raise up to enable users to reach high cabinets and tools stored on a peg-board.
The Standing Company
5848 Dixie Highway
Saginaw, MI 48601
Toll Free: 800-782-6346
www.thestandingcompany.com
With medical evidence that passive standing improves circulation, prevents calcium loss and offers a host of other benefits over sitting, the Standing Company has manufactured and sold, for over 15 years, versatile wheelchairs that allow the user to either sit or stand. The company offers manual, half-power and full-power chairs.
Tank Chair
Phone: 602-882-4103
www.tankchair.com
Tank Chair is a custom off-road wheelchair that can go anywhere outdoors, allowing users to navigate in streams, mud, snow, sand and gravel, as well climb up and down stairs.
Trax All-Terrain Power Wheelchair
Permobil
6961 Eastgate Boulevard
Lebanon, TN 37090
Toll Free: 800-736-0925
E-mail: info@permobilusa.com
www.permobilusa.com
Permobil's Trax series allows users to comfortably run over uneven terrain. The Trax is designed to stand up to, overcome and conquer irritating obstacles through rear-wheel drive and jointed spring suspension on the front wheels.
Ventrac Freedom 300
Ventrac Products
328 East Water Street
PO Box 148
Orrville, OH 44667
Toll Free: 866-836-8722
www.ventrac.com
The Freedom 300 is a gas-powered three wheel device that allows users to go off-road without transfering from their manual wheelchair. The metal platform has a built-in ramp, and the device can travel safely up to 15 miles per hour. Available for demonstration from the West Virginia AgrAbility Project.
Injury Prevention
Falls, whether caused by a slip, loss of balance or poor vision, are the leading cause of injury, disability, placement in nursing homes and premature death in older Americans. According to the National Safety Council, 27.7% of slips and falls occur either while a person is on the job or while working in the house/yard. The risk of secondary injuries due to a slip or fall is greater for farmers who have mobility impairments than for those who do not. For more information, visit www.agrabilityproject.org/assistivetech/resource/slipsandfalls.cfm.Shop Flooring, Steps, Ladder Rungs
Grip Strut® & Tread-Grip® Ladder Rungs
McNichols
5505 West Gray Street
Tampa, FL 33609-1007
Toll free: 800-237-3820
Fax: 813-243-1888
E-mail: sales@mcnichols.com
www.mcnichols.com/
Traction-Tread Flooring
Metals, Incorporated
185 Oakleaf Oval
Cleveland, OH 44146
Toll free: 800-492-7304
Fax: 440-439-0577
E-mail: metalsinc@worldnet.att.net
www.metals-inc.com
ErgoSource
P.O. Box 695
Wayzata, MN 55391
Phone: 952-404-1969
www.ergosource.com
Throughout the last decade, ErgoSource has specialized in adjustable height workbenches, workstations, retro-fit lift systems, seating, sit and lean stands, table edging, forearm supports, anti-fatigue matting, hand tools, office workstation accessories and more. The Levitech Hydraulic Lift System is designed to provide adjustability to any conventional table, bench, work stand or conveyor.
Home Flooring, Stair Edge, Rugs and Rail/Grab Bars
Non-Skid Safety Tape, Hazard or Warning Tape
Central Supply Company
1511 Pearl Street
Waukesha, WI 53186
Phone: 262-549-2300
Toll Free: 800-966-5566
Fax: 262-549-2310
E-mail: info@cscoid.com
www.cscoid.com
Plasti Dip (Performix) Super Grip® Non-skid Spray-on Coating
GlobalNovelties.com
1821 N. Saffron Circle
Mesa, AZ 85205
Phone: 480-215-7956
E-mail: info@globalnovelties.com
www.globalnovelties.com
Lok-Lift® Rug Gripper Tape, Outdoor/Indoor Mat Gripper Tape
Optimum Technologies, Incorporated
PO Box 1537
570 Joe Frank Harris Parkway
Carterville, GA 30120-1537
Phone: 770-386-3470
Fax: 770-382-9047
E-mail: info@otitech.com
www.otitech.com
For assistance in locating other possible resources to prevent slips and falls, please visit the Assistive Technology Product Database to find/view more examples of products to help prevent slips and falls. www.agrabilityproject.org/search/index.cfm
Attachments for Canes, Crutches, Walkers, and Shoes/Boots
Ice Grip Cane Attachment
Accessibility Products, Inc.
4855 South Emerson Avenue
Indianapolis, IN 46203
Phone: 317-784-2255
Toll free: 800-336-1147
Fax: 317-784-0555
E-mail: sales@accesstoday.com
www.accesstoday.com/
Access today also sells ramps, wheelchair lifts for vehicles, stairs and bathtubs, as well as other mobility aids.
Yaktrax
Yaktrax, Inc.
9300 SW Barney White Road, Suite 100
Port Orchard, WA 98367
Phone: 360-479-5934
Toll Free: 866-925-8729
Fax: 360-479-0270
E-mail: info@yaktrax.com
www.yaktrax.com/
A Selected List of other Vendors for
Labor-Saving and Ergonomic Products
A.M. Leonard
Safety gear, water wands, self-coiling hoses
241 Fox Drive
Piqua, OH 45356
Toll Free: 800-543-8955
www.amleo.com
Barco Tools
BioCurve Ergonomic hammers
1020 MacArthur Road
Reading, PA 19605
Toll Free: 800-234-8655
www.barcotools.com
Gardener's Supply Company
Tractor Scoot, Dolly cart, garden kneeler, NRG Radius hand tools, knee pads, etc.
128 Intervale Road
Burlington, VT 05401
Toll Free: 800-444-6417
www.gardeners.com/default.asp
Gardenscape Tools
NRG Radius Hand tools, kneeler benches, knee pads, telescopic tools, E-Z reacher, PETA grips, D & T grip attachments, ratcheting pruners
2372 Queen St.
East Toronto, Ontario Canada
Toll Free: 888-472-3266
www.gardenscapetools.com
Gempler's
E-Z reach grabber, fencing tools, anti-vibration gloves, safety glasses, ear protection, respirators, telescoping pruners
P.O. Box 44993
Madison, WI 53744
Toll Free: 800-382-8473
www.gemplers.com
Hand Helpers
Bionic garden gloves, Radius and Peta-grip hand tools
P.O. Box 324
Center Valley, PA 18034
Toll Free: 888-632-7091
www.handhelpers.com
Lee Valley Garden Tools
Dolly Cart, Pro Seeder, Tractor scoot, kneeler, knee pads, Radius hand tools, telescoping pruners, carts, water wands, self-coiling hoses, one-handed magnetic hammer, etc.
P.O. Box 1780
Ogdensburg, NY 13669-6780
Toll Free: 800-513-7885
www.leevalley.com
Life With Ease
GT hand tools, Fist Grip hand tools, back-saving handles and shovels, tractor scoot, easy faucet handle, kneelers, telescoping rakes & carts
P.O. Box 302
Newbury, NH 03255
Toll Free: 800-966-5199
www.lifewithease.com
Stanley Tools
Anti-vibe hammers
1000 Stanley Drive
Concord, NC 28027
Toll Free: 800-505-4648
www.stanleyworks.com
Viscolas, Inc.
Vibration dampening gloves, Orthex grip kits, GripMaster Tool wrap, educational information about heel, hand and back pain and muscle fatigue
8801 Consolidated Drive
Soddy Daisy, TN 37379
Toll Free: 800-548-2694
E-mail: info@viscolas.com
www.viscolas.com
Walter Nicke
E-Z Reach grabber, ratchet pruners, adjustable rakes, knee pads, kneelers, carts, trugs, watering wands
36 McLead Lane
PO Box 433
Topsfield, MA 01983
Toll Free: 800-822-4114
www.gardentalk.com
Information obtained from the National ArgrAbility Project Web site.
