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Section 4: State Project Feature

Partnership is Key to Missouri AgrAbility Project

The Missouri AgrAbility Project (MAP) is a partnership between Agricultural Engineering Extension at the University of Missouri-Columbia, the Small Farm Family Program at Lincoln University Cooperative Extension, and Services for Independent Living in Columbia, Missouri. The MAP offers comprehensive assistance to individuals and their families engaged in farming or a farm-related activity who have been affected by a disability. Building on the strength of nationwide informational resources, along with a statewide network of rural health, safety, rehabilitation, and social service agencies, the Missouri AgrAbility Project offers individualized services aimed at increasing self-sufficiency and independence.

The Master Link

With the Missouri AgrAbility Project in the role of a “master link,” the program is directly connected to a network of service providers, product suppliers, and product manufacturers in order to provide education, information, or support to the extent desired by the individual or the family. Types of assistance include on-site assessments to determine adaptive requirements, equipment and work site modification consultation, job task analysis, agricultural occupation alternatives, farmer-to-farmer networking, educational and awareness training, and safety and prevention of secondary injury awareness.

The Arthritis and AgrAbility: Dissemination and Technology Transfer to Rural Communities at the University of Missouri-Columbia works to meet the needs of persons with arthritis-related disabilities in rural and agricultural communities. Missouri farmers are eligible if they have been clinically diagnosed with some form of arthritis. Farmers are provided an on-the-farm assessment, worksite evaluation, and suggested interventions. The program staff suggests home and equipment modifications or adaptations, techniques for proper body mechanics, and specific types of tool usage to prevent pain and further injury as a result of this disease.

A Client’s Story

William Wetherell assists part time on the family livestock and grain operation. He contacted the Missouri Arthritis Rehabilitation Research and Training Center (MARRTC) to request help through the Arthritis and AgrAbility: Dissemination and Technology Transfer to Rural Communities Program because he was having p

roblems with pain and fatigue due to his osteoarthritis.

Wetherell experienced pain in his back, shoulders, and neck when twisting and reaching to shut off the PTO and in his knees when mounting his old tractor. He also experienced pain and fatigue in his knee and back as a result of his improper positioning in the seat of his newer tractor.

The MARRTC staff suggested ways he could mount his tractor that would cause him less pain; installed a metal grate on the steps and platform of the tractor to provide better traction; fabricated a longer handle for the PTO lever so it would reach the right side of the tractor seat; and showed him how to use proper body mechanics when shoveling. They also suggested starting an exercise routine to help reduce his pain and fatigue.

As a result of assistance from MARRTC, Wetherell has been able to significantly reduce the level of discomfort he experiences when using his Farmall 300 and IHC 766 tractors.

Meet the Missouri AgrAbility Project Team

Willard Downs, Ph.D., is a Professor and Program Leader for Agricultural Engineering Extension and Agricultural Systems Management at the University of Missouri-Columbia. As the MAP Principal Investigator, he has directed the project since its inception in 1994.
Karen Funkenbusch, MA, Research Associate for Agricultural Engineering Extension and the Department of Physical Therapy at the University of Missouri-Columbia serves as the campus-based Missouri AgrAbility Project Director. Funkenbusch has worked for seven years with the Missouri AgrAbility Project. Her work with the Gardens for Every Body program as well as ergonomic, enabling, and adapted garden tools and equipment for accessible gardening is well known and respected throughout the state. Her background in Guidance and Counseling with an emphasis in Personnel Administration and Mental Health Counseling has benefited Missouri farmers and ranchers.
Sandra Zaring serves as the MAP Administrative Assistant and provides support to Dr. Downs, Dr. Paul, and Mark Stone on finalizing reports, approving budget expenditures, and preparing financial reports. She also facilitates the toll-free information line, disseminates requested information, and arranges presentations at organizations, conferences, and agencies that have an interest in serving farmers and ranchers with disabilities. Zaring has worked with the Missouri AgrAbility Project for seven years.
Brad Marsh, ATP, Services for Independent Living, is the Missouri AgrAbility Coordinator. As the case manager for many of the MAP clients, he completes tasks that include conducting work site assessments, searches out potential resources to supply needed equipment and assistive technology, and recommends solutions to problems of accessibility on the farmstead. He annually participates in training on adaptive technologies, home modification, advocacy, and community services. Marsh has been with the Missouri AgrAbility Project since its inception in 1994. During 2000, Marsh attained Rehabilitation Engineering and Assistive Technology Society of North America (RESNA) certification as an Assistive Technology Practitioner (ATP).
K.B. Paul, Ph.D., Lincoln University, Professor of Agriculture & Natural Resources, State Extension Specialist, and Leader of the Missouri Small Farm Family Program, serves as the lead administrator for the LU campus AgrAbility Project.