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Cultivating Independence for Farmers with Disabilities
Handicapable is proud to partner with Purdue University with this ground breaking outreach program. It is our hope to connect individuals and caretakers with disabilities with local and relevant resources.
What is the Breaking New Ground Outreach Program?
In 1979, a farmer with severe disabilities contacted Purdue's Department of Agriculture and Biological Engineering and requested assistance on how to modify his tractor to enable him to continue farming. This initial contact eventually led to the establishment of the Breaking New Ground (BNG) Resource Center, which has become internationally recognized as the primary source of information on rehabilitation technology relating to agricultural worksites.
As a means to serve rural Indiana residents impacted by disability, the Resource Center established the Breaking New Ground Outreach Program. The program operates as part of Purdue's Cooperative Extension Service and has become a part of the USDA AgrAbility program that supports similar projects in more than 20 other states.
Why is the program needed?
Agricultural production is ranked as one of the most hazardous occupations in Indiana and the nation. This position is reflected by the following:
Farming has one of the highest disabling injury rates of any industry.
Farm-related injuries are experienced by 1 out of 9 Indiana farm families.
19% of active farm operators are no longer able to perform essential tasks due to a disability.
In addition, farm and rural families experience the same types of non-work related injuries and disabling conditions as the rest of the population.
Who is served?
The BNG Outreach Program serves farmers and rural families in Indiana who have been impacted by disabilities such as:
| spinal cord injury |
arthritis |
| back injury |
hearing impairment |
| visual impairment |
stroke |
| amputation |
head injury |
What services are provided?
The Outreach Program provides a variety of services that are available to any resident of Indiana. These include the following:
Access to the BNG Resource Center - The center has a wide variety of resource materials covering topics such as:
worksite modifications
improving access to FFA and 4-H programs
rural business accessibility
rural assistive technology
alternative enterprises
Communication Services - In addition, the Outreach Program provides access to information and services through a regularly published newsletter, a toll-free helpline (800.825.4264), and a Website www.breakingnewground.info that contains resources and links to related sites.
On-Site Visits - To assist in making the farm worksite, home, or rural business more accessible, a BNG staff member can provide:
agricultural worksite assessments
recommendations for modifications
relevant resource material
contacts for other sources of information
Public Awareness - The staff is available to provide, as schedules permit, exhibits at rural events such as:
health fairs
field days
county fairs
machinery shows
Caregiver Assistance - BNG serves rural caregivers through several means, including the Caregiving in the Heartland workshop series and the www.ruralcare.info website.
Self-Employment - BNG helps farmers and other rural residents explore self-employment through consultations and business plans.
Training - Staff members are available to provide training on a variety of topics including:
farming with a disability
assistive technology for agriculture workers
community accessibility issues
involving youth with disabilities
How is the program funded?
The BNG Resource Center program was initially funded through gifts and contributions, which are still an important source of support. The program is now also funded by grants from the USDA AgrAbility Project. In addition, the program collaborates with other disability groups to carry out service delivery projects.
Collaborative Relationships
The Outreach Program is conducted through a coalition of partnerships. Here are some of the key organizations working together to provide services:
Breaking New Ground 1.800.825.4264
Arthritis Foundation Indiana Chapter 1.800.783.2342
The League for the Blind and Disabled 1.800.889.3443
Transition Resources Corporation 1.317.547.1924
Indiana State Office of Rural Health 1.800.809.8460
Indiana Vocational Rehabilitation Services, 27 area offices
