Agriculture is one of the most hazardous industries in this country. Physically demanding tasks, utilization of machinery, and proximity to animals make farming an inherently dangerous occupation. Every day, about 243 agricultural workers suffer lost-work-time injuries, and about 5% of these result in permanent impairment. For many individuals a disability jeopardizes their rural and agricultural futures. Barriers faced by farmers and ranchers with disabilities include lack of information on effective worksite accommodation and the lack of financial resources to pay for these accommodations. Other barriers faced include isolation from needed services, and the lack of professionals trained on how to help people accommodate their disabilities in an agricultural occupation. Surprisingly, another barrier is the negative attitudes among professionals in the medical, rehabilitation, and agriculture-related industries about the ability of agricultural workers with disabilities to continue in a high-risk physically demanding occupation. In an effort to assist ADAPTS, with identifying the different types of disabilities associated with Alabama's Agricultural Industries, we ask that you please take the time to fill out and return the Disabled Farmers Questionnaire. If you know of someone who would be interested but does not have accessibility to the internet please print a copy of the questionnaire or have that person call (334) 240-7172.
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