1. Evaluation of Wisconsin AgrAbility and Vocational Rehabilitation Relationship R. T. Schuler, R. J. Straub, P. Leverenz and R. H. Meyer 2010 AgrAbility National Training Workshop Charleston, WV October 11-14, 2010 AgrAbility of Wisconsin

2. AgrAbility Program Initiated USDA funding in 1991 Provides education and assistance to farmers and ranchers with disabilities. Provides assistance through worksite assessment on the farm or ranch Recommends assistive technology equipment for the farmers and ranchers AgrAbility of Wisconsin is a collaboration of University of Wisconsin-Extension and Easter Seals Wisconsin

3. Wisconsin AgrAbility Program Agriculture in Wisconsin is very diverse with respect to focus and size. It has a strong dairy/livestock component. Since 1991, nearly 2000 clients have been served by AAW. We have worked closely with Wisconsin DVR to provide their counselors training and to acquaint them with agricultural issues.

4. Common Pieces of AT Equipment Steps for tractors-most common

5. Common Pieces of AT Equipment Utility Vehicles

6. Common Pieces of AT Equipment Seat and suspensionManual feed cart

7. Common Pieces of AT Equipment Feed bin and augerMilking systems Powered feed cart

8. AgrAbility – Vocational Rehabilitation Study Goals: To determine the success of AgrAbility of Wisconsin (AAW) staff’s understanding of the farmer’s disability- related concerns and ability to listen to the farmers To evaluate how well the AAW and Division of Vocational Rehabilitation (DVR) staffs function as a team To evaluate the involvement of the farmer in developing their worksite plan To record how farmers viewed the success of their plan

9. Methods A survey instrument was developed in 2005 Surveys were mailed to farmers who received a on-site assessment three months after the site visit from April, 2005 through April 2010. Easter Seals staff mailed the surveys with stamped return envelop Completed surveys were sent to UW-Extension Since August, 2007, client ID and State DVR region were footnoted on each survey No mail or phone follow-up was done

10. Results 394 surveys were mailed 240 (60.9%) responses 152 responses with client ID and State VR region

11. Farmer’s view: AAW staff understands my needs (n-239) ResponsePercent Strongly Agree 66.5 Agree29.3 Neither Agree or Disagree 4.2 Disagree 0.0 Strongly Disagree 0.0

12. Farmer’s view: AAW staff listened to my needs and desires (n-239) ResponsePercent Strongly Agree 64.4 Agree29.7 Neither Agree or Disagree 4.2 Disagree 1.7 Strongly Disagree 0.0

13. Farmer’s view: I was satisfied with my involvement in the worksite process (n-231) ResponsePercent Strongly Agree 55.0 Agree32.0 Neither Agree or Disagree 7.7 Disagree 2.6 Strongly Disagree 1.7

14. Farmer’s view: AAW and DVR staffs worked as a team (n-233) ResponsePercent Strongly Agree 54.9 Agree33.6 Neither Agree or Disagree 7.3 Disagree 3.4 Strongly Disagree 0.9

15. Farmer’s view: DVR counselor left room for change or additions to my plan (n-223) ResponsePercent Complete control 46.6 Some control35.0 Not much control 9.4 No control 1.8 No opinion 7.2

16. Farmer’s view: DVR counselor left room for making purchases (n-228) ResponsePercent Complete control 35.5 Some control43.4 Not much control12.7 No control 4.8 No opinion 3.5

17. Farmer’s view: How do you think your plan is working on your farm (n-230) ResponsePercent A very good match 56.1 A work in progress26.1 Plan is not really working 3.0 Not enough time to tell12.2 No opinion 2.6

18. Farmer’s view: Is equipment provided working as you had hoped (n-225) ResponsePercent Working very well 63.1 It is working okay12.4 It is not working well 1.3 It does not work at all 0.4 I have not been able to use20.4 No opinion 2.2

19. Farmer’s view: It is easier to complete my chores and tasks around the farm (n-213) ResponsePercent Strongly Agree 63.8 Agree19.2 Neither Agree or Disagree 4.2 Disagree 0.5 Strongly Disagree 4.2 No opinion 8.0

20. Farmer’s view: AAW and DVR staff working as a team for three DVR regions (Percent) Region Response 6 (n-42) 8 (n-26) 9(n-34) All(233) Strongly Agree 69.0 65.455.9 54.9 Agree 21.4 23.126.5 33.6 Neither 2.4 7.711.8 7.3 Disagree 7.1 3.8 2.9 3.4 Strongly Disagree 0.0 0.0 2.9 0.9

21. Farmer’s view: Farmer’s view: I was satisfied with my involvement in the worksite process for three DVR regions (Percent) Region Response 6 (n-41) 8 (n-25) 9(n-33) All(231) Strongly Agree 58.5 60.057.6 55.0 Agree 29.3 28.027.3 32.0 Neither 4.9 8.0 9.1 7.4 Disagree 7.3 4.0 0.0 2.6 Strongly Disagree 0.0 0.0 6.1 1.7

22. Conclusions AAW understands farmer’s needs and listens well AAW and DVR staffs work as a team Farmers provide input into the plans and purchases The worksite plan and equipment are working on the farm Chores and other work tasks are easier to complete Mailing of surveys continues

23. Copies of paper including survey instrument provided by request. Please provide name/email on signup sheet.

24. Questions