AgrAbility Quarterly. Traumatic Brain Injury

Client Story: True Collaborations

Russell Anderson was self-employed as a semi truck driver when he and Joanne, his wife of 29 years, picked up roots. They moved from Northern Indiana to the Southwest corner of Iowa in 1996 to 200 acres of land they had purchased in 1994. Life drastically changed for them in December 1999 when Russell sustained a head injury after slipping on ice and hitting his head on the running board of his semi. Both of his retinas were detached. His right eye was more severely damaged resulting in temporary total blindness. No longer able to drive, and with the loss of income and no health insurance, Russell and Joanne were forced to sell the semi quickly to pay their bills and purchase necessary medication. Russell needed three separate surgeries to re-attach the retina in his right eye but the left eye appeared to correct itself. Russell feels fortunate to have his vision successfully restored. The loss of vision, states Russell, “was very devastating to me and sent me spinning out of control. I am grateful beyond words for my recovery and for those who were there to help me through this. I now look at things differently”. In addition to the visual disability, Russell was not able to lift more than 10 pounds for over two years, but that too has improved. Today the injury to his brain causes only occasional and temporary confusion and dizziness.

A color photo of Russell Anderson standing in a pole shed.
Russell Anderson in his pole shed on his operation in Iowa.

Joanne had worked in local government and knew about the Iowa Extension’s work for people with disabilities. She was able to connect with Mary Yearns, Iowa AgrAbility Project Coordinator, who brought Chuck Larson, Rural Rehabilitation Specialist, with her to their first meeting. Chuck began working with Russell in the summer of 2001. Joanne says, “he was totally fantastic and it gave Russ such a mental boost to find a kindred spirit who truly cared.” Chuck was able to draw on Russell’s strengths and help them develop a plan of action. Chuck arranged for Russell to meet another AgrAbility client who had successfully returned to farming. This connection provided Russell with support from a peer as he worked toward his own goals.

Chuck introduced Russell to Dick Grose with Iowa Vocational Rehabilitation. It was helpful that Dick was very familiar with agricultural operations having been raised on a farm. Dick suggested Russell apply for a grant with the Iowa Entrepreneurs with Disabilities Program. The Entrepreneurs program is administered through the Iowa Department of Economic Development and the Department of Education, Division of Vocational Rehabilitation. The program provides both technical and financial assistance for program participants interested in self-employment. Russell applied for and received a grant and began working with Jay Torrey, Business Specialist. Between the grant and the support from VR, the Andersons were able to move forward with the plan that they had developed with AgrAbility.

A color photo of Russell Anderson, Chuck Larson, Jay Torrey, and Dick Grose.
From left: Russell Anderson; Chuck Larson, Iowa Rural Solutions; Jay Torrey, Iowa Entrepreneurs with Disabilities; Dick Grose, Iowa Vocational Rehabilitation

Russell’s plan was to have a beef cow/calf herd and bottle-calf operation in which he could safely and efficiently work. Iowa AgrAbility, VR and the Entrepreneurs Program assisted Russell with planning and designing the pens and nursery, farm management and accounting software for keeping business records, and a portable cattle handling equipment system. The For-Most cattle handling equipment includes a crowding tub with a walkway around the outside perimeter, squeeze chute with access door, head gates, squeeze chute, and a tilt table on the calf crate. The equipment provides Russell protection from injuries from the animals and ease and efficiency in handling the animals during various procedures such as castration, vaccination, or working on hooves.

Today the Andersons have 57 cows and calves and a grazing management plan for them. Russell handles the farm operation and Joanne keeps the farm records in addition to her off-the-farm job. They hope to eventually increase the size of the herd as well as their acreage so they can run more livestock and hay. “I feel that a real bond has been formed with Chuck, Dick and myself,” states Russell. “If anything was said to be gained through this, it would have to be the new friendships I have made. We still have a long way to go to further stabilize our farming operation but with their help we are well on our way.”

NEXT: Focus – Traumatic Brain Injury

In This Issue
Section 1: Client Story – True Collaborations Section 2: Focus & Assistive Technology Notes – Traumatic Brain Injury	Section 3: State Project Feature – Overview of Iowa AgrAbility Project Section 4: References and Resources Section 5: Contacts