Publications
Breaking New Ground Publications, Purdue University
www.breakingnewground.infoThe following publications are available from the Breaking New Ground (BNG) Resource Center. A number of videos, not listed here, are also available from Breaking New Ground.
Assistive Technology Needs Assessment of Farmers and Ranchers with Spinal Cord Injuries, 1992
Cost: $25.00
This manual reports findings of a study completed by BNG, funded by the Paralyzed Veterans of America Spinal Cord Research Foundation in which farmers and ranchers with spinal cord injuries were surveyed to determine rehabilitation technology needs.
Barn Builders, 2002
www.pasture.ecn.purdue.edu/~agenhtml/ABE/Extension/BNG/Resource%20Center/barnbuil.pdf (PDF file)
Cost: $15.00
A peer support network of farmers and ranchers with disabilities and their caregivers, this resource aims to help provide a network of individuals in similar situations. This directory represents 102 farmers and 36 caregivers from 24 states and Canada. All the individuals listed have agreed to assist another farmer, rancher or caregiver by talking, corresponding and/or making farm or hospital visits. On-line version available.
Bridging Horizons, 1996
Cost: $5.00
Bridging Horizons is a publication to provide FFA advisors with information to assist in their efforts to include all youth in FFA, especially those who have disabilities.
It contains sections on cultivating independence and confidence in members with disabilities, practical ways to improve accessibility in FFA facilities and programs, case histories of members with disabilities who have successfully participated in FFA programs and understanding disabilities.
Conducting Agricultural Worksite Assessments, 1991 (revised 2005)
Cost: $30.00 (print), $75.00 (electronic), $100.00 for both
This publication assists rural rehabilitation professionals in conducting an effective agricultural worksite assessment for a farmer with a physical disability. The 125-page publication provides a standardized assessment format as well as a wealth of information for preparing a plan to address individual needs.
The new electronic version of the assessment tool in Microsoft Access format allows for recording and storing of client information plus the printing of reports and running of data queries.
Available for loan from West Virginia AgrAbility.
Cooperative Extension Service and Accessibility
Cost: $25.00
This resource package includes a 15-minute video presentation, a Practical Solutions Resource Manual and brochure. It provides practical information in an easy-to-use format that is designed to help Extension improve the accessibility of its programs, services, materials, extension offices and fairgrounds. It provides sources for assistive devices, technical and legal information, and copy-ready handouts for training in the community.
Available for loan from West Virginia AgrAbility.
Enterprising Ideas, 1993
Cost: $10.00
This manual contains 31 case histories of rural residents with disabilities who have developed alternative, farm-based enterprises, income-producing ventures. Each case discusses the enterprise, the resources and skills required for the venture and the assistive technology used by the farmer. "Enterprising Ideas" is appropriate for rural rehabilitation professionals as well as farmers considering a change in enterprise.
Identifying, Selecting and Implementing Assistive Technology in the Agricultural Workplace, 1992
Cost: $30.00
This guide provides assistance to rural rehabilitation professionals and other service providers in identifying, selecting and using assistive technology for the agricultural workplace.
Chapters address several topics, including what is assistive technology, how to select the appropriate level of accommodation, developing creative solutions to agricultural workplace barriers and strategies for financing assistive technology.
Improving Farmstead Accessibility, 1994
Cost: $30.00
This guide provides help to rehabilitation service providers in identifying accessibility concerns around the home and the farmstead. The resource can help in developing solutions for farmstead layout, home accessibility, accessibility for gardens and orchards, farm shop accessibility and accessibility and safety.
Improving Your Rural Business with the ADA, 1993
Cost: $50.00
This resource is designed to assist business owners in understanding the American with Disabilities Act (ADA). The resource packet includes a 13-minute videotape on making businesses more accessible, handouts, transparency masters and a leader's guide to help in organizing and conducting a training session.
Available for loan from West Virginia AgrAbility.
Making Career Decisions Following a Disability - A Guide for Farmers & Ranchers, 1992
Cost: $30.00
This resource provides rural professionals with practical materials (over 20 handouts, worksheets, sample cover letters and resumes) for helping farmers and ranchers make career decisions. Chapters address the agricultural lifestyle, prevalence of disabilities, the role of the professional, identifying resources, self-assessment, tools for the job search, the ADA and assistive technology for employers and employees.
Modified Agricultural Equipment: Manlifts for Farmers & Ranchers with Physical Handicaps, 1987
Cost: $25.00
This 322-page manual contains descriptions and evaluations of 27 modified, self-propelled agricultural machines. Modifications include chair, platform, wheelchair platform and sling lifts. Each summary gives information on adaptability and compatibility of the lift, maintenance requirements, description of operation and cost estimates.
A Perfect Fit: 4-H Involvement for Youth with Disabilities
Cost: $25.00
This kit, including printed guides and an 11-minute video, provides insight into the lives of young people with disabilities who are involved in 4-H and their parents. Explore success stories, discover parents' perceptions and hear from a volunteer leader with disabilities. Also included in the kit is a leader's guide and two brochures that describe the benefits of involving youth with disabilities in 4-H. Video available on VHS or DVD.
Available for loan from West Virginia AgrAbility.
"Plowshares" Technical Articles
"Plowshares" are technical articles discussing rural assistive technology concepts. These articles are published periodically by the Breaking New Ground Resource Center and are $2.50 per copy. See the list online at: http://pasture.ecn.purdue.edu/ABE/extension/BNG/plowsharelist.html
The Toolbox, 2000
Cost: $80.00
This is the expanded and revised version of BNG's most popular resource, Agricultural Tools, Equipment, Machinery and Buildings for Farmers and Ranchers with Disabilities. More than 500 new ideas are included. Each idea contains a description, method of operation, a contact and photo. It also includes a revised worksite assessment tool, case studies and resource lists. The Toolbox is available in a large binder or in a CD format.
To Everything There is a Season - A Guide for Caregivers of Farmers and Ranchers with Disabilities & Leader's Guide
Cost: $60.00 (complete package with video); $30 (video only); $12.00 (written guide only)
This resource package features a 45-minute videotape with advice from caregivers, an assistive technology specialist and experts. A written resource, brochure, and leader's guide are included to provide advice, encouragement, resources and assistive technology ideas for caregivers.
Available for loan from West Virginia AgrAbility.
Other Publications
Accessible Gardening: Tips and Techniques for Seniors and the Disabled, 1997
Author: Joann Woy
Publisher: Stackpole Books
This book discusses the many facets of designing and redesigning gardens for accessibility. Includes information on raised beds, easier watering and assistive technology tools for the garden.
Available for loan from West Virginia AgrAbility.
Accessible Gardening for People with Physical Disabilities: A Guide to Methods, Tools and Plants, 1994.
Author: Janeen Adil
Publisher: Woodbine House
This Guide offers tips for growing specific crops in containers and do-it-yourself modifications to tools, as well as an entire chapter devoted to gardening for children with disabilities.
Available for loan from West Virginia AgrAbility.
AgrAbility Quarterly
Publisher: National AgrAbility Project
Phone: 202-347-3066
TTY: 202-347-7385
www.agrabilityproject.org/newsletter/index.cfm
This publication features profiles of AgrAbility clients around the country as well as up-to-date product review information and equipment and operation modification tips for the farm.
Available on-line or by calling the National AgrAbility Project.
Arthritis and Agriculture
Publisher: Arthritis Foundation, Indiana Chapter
Toll Free: 800-783-2342
Cost: $.50
This brochure focused on agricultural workers discusses such topics as: common types of arthritis, assistive technology, work simplification and managing stress.
Limited quantities available from West Virginia AgrAbility.
Building Better Rural Places, 2004
Publisher: USDA
Cost: free
ATTRA - National Sustainable Agriculture Information Service
P.O. Box 3657
Fayetteville, AR 72702
Toll Free: 800-346-9140
attra.ncat.org/guide/index.html
A comprehensive guide to federal programs for sustainable agriculture, forestry, entrepreneurship, conservation and community development. This 142-page book is available in print, on-line or on CD.
This guide is written for anyone seeking help from federal programs to foster innovative enterprises in agriculture and forestry in the United States.
Easy Ergonomics: A Guide to Selecting Non-Powered Hand Tools, 2004
National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health
Toll Free: 800-356-4674
E-mail: pubstaft@cdc.gov
www.cdc.gov/niosh
Cost: free
This booklet, complete with helpful photographs, provides detailed but easy-to-read information on ergonomics as it applies to hand tools. A great resource for anyone who wants to know what to look for before investing in hammers, pliers, wrenches and other tools.
Farm and Home Modifications Designed and Used by Saskatchewan Farmers with Physical Disabilities, 1989
Author: The Handicapped Farmers Program
Publisher: Saskatchewan Abilities Council
2310 Louise Avenue
Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada S7J 2C7
Phone: 306-374-4448
Cost: $120.00
An extensive collection of ideas being used by farmers in Saskatchewan to continue farming and expand independent living skills. Sections on farming with an arm or leg amputation, spinal cord injury, polio and decreased strength are included. The primary focus is on worksite modification.
Farm Family Rehabilitation Management (FaRM) Newsletter
Contact: FaRM Program The Easter Seal
Society of Iowa
PO Box 4002
Des Moines, IA 50333
Cost: Free
Provides information on activities of the FaRM Program for farmers in Iowa and nationwide
Funding for Assistive Technology and Related Services: An Annotated Bibliography, 1993
Author: Rural Institute on Disabilities
Publisher: Rural Institute on Disabilities
Cost: $4.50
This bibliography is oriented toward finding funding for an individual's assistive technology. It contains useful information on available funding from assistive technology service delivery programs including those that have evolved outside the traditional realms of health care reimbursement.
Garden for Life, 1994
Author: Lynn Dennis
362A Christopher Avenue
Gaithersburg, MD 20879
Toll Free: 800-634-1603
www.ahta.org
Cost: $16.00
This easy-to-read and attractively illustrated manual discusses horticulture as a therapy with adults who have disabilities or chronic health conditions. The manual includes information on safety, adapting tools for clients and budgeting a horticultural therapy startup.
The American Horticultural Therapy Association (AHTA) publishes a regular newsletter that promotes the field of horticultural therapy. Each issue focuses on upcoming professional events, successful case histories and new resources. Both rural and urban rehabilitation professionals will find it useful.
A Guide to Accessible Recreation in West Virginia
Publisher: Center for Excellence in Disabilities
Toll Free: 800-841-8436
www.cedwvu.org/programs/wvats/recreation
Cost: Free
This 155-page guide provides a detailed accessibility profile of outdoor recreational areas in the state, with information for follow-up questions. Includes information on entrances, ramps, restrooms, telephones, stairs, elevator lifts, camp sites, pools, playgrounds and more.
Handi-Farmer
Contact: Handi-Farmer, Saskatchewan
Abilities Council
2310 Louise Avenue
Saskatoon, Saskatchewan Canada
S7J 2C7
Phone: 306-374-4448
Canada Cost: Free
A newsletter for Canadian farmers with physical disabilities. Contains case histories and ideas for farming more effectively with a disability.
Physically Challenged Farmers Program
Easter Seal Ability Council
#216, 11010-101 Street
Edmonton, Alberta T5H 4B9
Canada
Cost: Free
This newsletter regularly features farmers who have returned to farming following a disability, as well as information on equipment and building modifications.
Rural Health Services Funding: A Resource Guide, 2002
Author: Louise Murphy Simmons
Publisher: National Agricultural Library
Baltimore Blvd. Rm #304, 10301
Beltsville, MD 20705
Phone: 301-504-5547 or 800-633-7701
E-mail: ric@nal.usda.gov
www.nal.usda.gov/ric/ricpubs/healthguide.htm
Cost: One copy is free
This publication was developed as a tool to assist health providers and grant seekers in financing rural health programs. It highlights selected resources most useful in conducting a successful funding search. Information about federal, state and private funding sources is presented, along with useful tips for beginning a funding search. Information sources outlined in this publication include directories, indexes, subject guides, databases and governmental offices.
Rural Independent Living Centers, 1989
Publisher: Rural Institute on Disabilities
University of Montana
52 Corbin Hall
Missoula, MT 59812
Cost: $4.75
This report describes and lists 98 Independent Living Centers (ILCs) serving rural areas in the U.S. The programs operate in 32 states, representing 700 of the nation's 3,098 counties. The institute provides free fact sheets including the following:
The Demography of Rural Disability - describes rural America by answering questions about the definition of disability and the definition of what it means to live in a rural place.
How Do People Make Their Living in Rural Areas - discusses the employment picture for people with disabilities who live in rural America.
Where Can I Find Information On...? - is a guide to rural disability service resources that include the areas of aging, disabilities, mental health, social services and transportation.
Rural Rehabilitation Issues from the Consumer's Perspective, 1991
Publisher: Rural Institute on Disabilities
Cost: $5.50
This is the first national survey to focus on the concerns of rural adults with disabilities. Questions were generated by consumer panels and selected from the results of national surveys of rural Independent Living Centers and rehabilitation hospitals serving rural areas. This 38-page summary offers 20 recommendations for addressing consumers' issues.
RuraLink
Editor: Barbara Ludlow
Contact: barbara.ludlow@mail.wvu.edu
This quarterly newsletter of the American Council on Rural Special Education, reviews practices, publications, conference announcements and scholarships information.
Rural Special Education Quarterly
Barabra Ludlow, RSEQ Editor
West Virginia University
P.O. Box 6122
Morgantown, WV 26505-6122
Phone: 304-293-3450 x1127
E-mail: barbara.ludlow@mail.wvu.edu
www.acres-sped.org
A national scholarly publication which disseminates information on rural education, federal events, progressive service delivery systems, and more.
The Rural Exchange
Rural Institute on Disabilities
University of Montana
52 Corbin Hall
Missoula, MT 59812
Cost: Free
Provides information on activities of the Rural Institute on Disabilities and new resources in the field of rural rehabilitation.
Simple Solutions: Ergonomics for Farm Workers, 2001
National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health
Toll Free: 800-356-4674
E-mail: pubstaft@cdc.gov
www.cdc.gov/niosh
Cost: free
This 45 page guide provides helpful tips on reducing work-related musculoskeletal disorders through practical applications of ergonomic principles for the farm setting. Also available in Spanish.
Small Farmer's Journal
PO Box 1627
Sisters, OR 97759
Toll Free: 800-876-2893
E-mail: agrarian@smallfarmersjournal.com
This quarterly Journal is not only useful with its handy do-it-yourself articles on everything from draft animals to heritage chickens to barn-building, but also for its sheer beauty. With poems, antique illustrations, and a diverse spectrum of writers and contributors, it is something to look forward to receiving once each season. It also features a comprehensive listing of old farm equipment manuals and books on every farmsteading topic under the sun.
Utility Vehicle Product Comparison Sheet
Author: National AgrAbility Project
Cost: Free
www.agrabilityproject.org/assistivetech/comparison/utilityvehicles/index.cfm
Available on-line or in print by calling West Virginia AgrAbility, this is an indispensable tool for anyone even considering purchcasing a new or used farm utility vehicle. By comparing 10 models in more than 30 specific measurements, this publication can help you find the perfect vehicle for your size, your abilities and your needs.
