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Colorado farm family gets help from AgrAbility
Farmers and ranchers work in one of the noblest professions there is. They produce food for their communities and, today, the world. They preserve open space and, thus, resist urban sprawl and they keep a valuable American tradition alive. People in agriculture are strong and self sufficient, and have to be looking at the roller coaster rides they take because of the markets, but like their urban cousins they still have health problems, which can sometimes make it hard to work. While it can be hard for farmers and ranchers to ask for help, there is help out there in the form of a partnership that specializes in helping Colorado's farm and ranch families with disabilities to stay in the lifestyle that they love. It's called AgrAbility. The Hunt family of Woodrow, Colo., is one of a number of families in agriculture who have faced a health challenge. Tim and Vicky Hunt run 350 head of heifers and have a farm that they work. Things for the Hunt family changed on Easter of 2006 when Tim suffered a serious stroke, which impaired the use of his right side. Like other people from all walks of life who face a health issue, the Hunts had to face a transition and had to question the future of their farm. When he was able, Tim started rehabilitation, but as many people have found, medical bills can quickly get overwhelming. A therapist recommended that the Hunts call Colorado AgrAbility, a unique group that helps promote independence in agriculture by helping farmers, ranchers and their family members who are facing challenges due to disability. Colorado AgrAbility is a joint venture between Colorado State University Cooperative Extension and Easter Seals Colorado, which provides education, workshops, on-site evaluations and assistance to help ranch and farm families stay in agriculture if they want to do so. The Hunts contacted AgrAbility initially to help find funding to allow Tim to stay in rehabilitation, which the organization was able to help with, as well as much more. "It's nice to know that there are places and people out there who can help," said Vicky. Representatives from Colorado AgrAbility came to the Hunt's farm to visit with Vicky and Tim to find out how they could help him continue in agriculture. "The goal was to get him back to work. Often, that's the whole income, and to have it in question, it's terrifying to hear about. I can't imagine experiencing it," says Marsha Hunt (no relation), a rural rehabilitation specialist with Colorado AgrAbility who was working with the Hunts. Hunt added that a representative from the Division of Vocational Rehabilitation (DVR) also sat in on the home visit and was very instrumental in providing funding for many of the improvements. "Thank goodness for DVR," said Hunt. "They are a tremendous help to farmers and ranchers with disabilities." According to Vicky, Tim was determined to walk and gain back functions that he had lost, and through hard work and rehabilitation he was successful. AgrAbility was further able to help Tim gain progress. "When we talked with them, we would tell them what he had difficulties with and they would come up with suggestions to help Tim," said Vicky. Some of those suggestions included a step kit for Tim's tractor, as previously he had to have someone help him onto the equipment. AgrAbility also recommended installing cattle guards so Tim wouldn't have to get in and out of vehicles to close gates. According to Vicky, she and Tim had worked to adapt a four-wheeler for Tim's use, but they felt that it was unstable. So, AgrAbility is working with DVR to get them a UTV (utility vehicle), which Vicky said will allow Tim to do chores around the farm without having to use a pickup. According to Vicky these modifications have given Tim more independence to continue in the occupation he loves. "He needs that time," she said, adding what AgrAbility has helped provide has also given her more peace of mind. "When we first got him home from the hospital, I didn't leave his side. Now, after a year, I am able to relax a little bit more when he goes out," she said. "The safety of what we have been given, that is important, and the encouragement that Colorado AgrAbility gave him--they have been wonderful." Marsha Hunt strongly encourages other farm and ranch families with disabilities to contact AgrAbility about any challenge--whether it be a hearing loss, back injuries, cancer, muscular sclerosis or brain/spinal cord injuries, to name just a few of the disabilities AgrAbility can assist with. "This is our niche, assistive technology and equipment modifications for ag products. I really respect and admire farmers and ranchers. It's a very noble profession and we want to help them." To assist other ranch and farm families, this year the Colorado AgrAbility Project will offer 20 free workshops in 10 communities throughout the state. On most days there will be a workshop in the morning and a workshop in the afternoon. The morning workshop for ranch and ranch families is titled "Got Knee/Hip/Joint Problems on the Ranch/Farm?" They will run from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m., with a free lunch served from 12 p.m. to 1 p.m. for those who pre-register a week ahead of time. If you are planning on attending a workshop, please call Dr. Bob Fetsch 970-491-5648 or e-mail fetsch@cahs.colostate.edu for more information and to register so that a lunch can be provided for you. The afternoon workshops are for professionals who work with ranch and ranch families with disabilities. The workshop will focus on "AgrAbility & Utilizing Knee, Hip, and Joint Problem Resources with Farmers and Ranchers with Disabilities." Times vary for these workshops, so please call or e-mail Bob Fetsch at 970-491-5648 about the workshop you are interested in. Workshops to be held in northeastern Colorado include the following: Sterling: Feb. 5, Logan County Extension Office at 508 South 10th Ave., Suite 1 with Bruce Bosley 970-522-3200, ext. 285. Yuma: Feb. 7, First Presbyterian Church at 110 W. 4th Ave. with Dennis Kaan 970-345-2287. Aurora: Feb. 8, Arapahoe County Fairgrounds at 25690 East Quincy Avenue with Dale Edwards 303-738-7907. The USDA's Cooperative State Research, Education and Extension Service funds the Colorado AgrAbility Project, a Colorado State University Extension Program, which aims to keep farmers and ranchers healthy and able to continue their agricultural operations. Date: 12/27/07
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