About
For over 25 years, the Colorado AgrAbility Project has supported farm and ranch families facing physical and behavioral health challenges, limitations, and disabilities. AgrAbility Rehabilitation and Behavioral Health Specialists are trained in providing farm-specific assessments, recommendations, and resources for people living and working in Colorado’s agricultural communities.
Program Details
The Colorado AgrAbility Project is a unique collaboration between Colorado State University Engagement and Extension and Goodwill of Colorado. The project is made possible by a grant provided by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA), and Senate Bill 21-137.
Our mission is to promote independence and enhance the quality of life of farmers, ranchers, agricultural workers, their families, and their communities who face challenges or limitations. The Colorado AgrAbility Project works to provide the support this population needs to begin or continue their agricultural vocation.
While specific to Colorado, the program is also part of a national effort to help farmers, ranchers, agricultural workers, their families, and adjacent agricultural industries that have been affected by injuries, long-term illnesses, disabilities, behavioral health concerns, or other barriers inhibiting their ability to work.
AgrAbility's goal is to provide information and resources to the target demographic about assistive technology and farm/ranch site modifications that enable individuals with disabilities or physical limitations to remain involved in agriculture. Additionally, our behavioral health specialists provide stress management support, suicide prevention trainings, resource navigation, and direct service referrals. Ultimately, AgrAbility seeks to support the physical and mental health and well-being of farmers, ranchers, agricultural workers, and their rural communities.
AgrAbility Impact
Watch: Ron Kroll's Testimonial
Contact Rebecca Hill, AgrAbility Co-Director rebec.hill@colostate.edu (970) 491-6570 Colorado AgrAbility Project
Populations Served
We provide support to Colorado residents who have a disability or limitation and work in agriculture or plan to do so. This includes:
- Farm and/or Ranch Operators
- Farm and/or Ranch Employees
- Seasonal/Migrant Workers
- Family Members of Workers
- Farm/Ranch supporting industries
Services Offered
By expanding clinical support trainings, the Colorado AgrAbility Project strives to promote independence for farmers and ranchers with disabilities through physical health assessments and behavioral health support in rural Colorado. More specifically, the rural rehabilitation team provides on-site farm or ranch visits, recommendations for adaptive equipment, and workshops including relevant education for agricultural workers.
Cost to Participate
This program is funded by the USDA NIFA grant; there is no cost to the participant to receive services.
Staff Composition
Currently, our staff is composed of:
- 2 Rural Rehabilitation Specialists
- 4 Behavioral Health Specialists
