Colorado AgrAbility Project

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.

Categories Program Adults Educational / Vocational Mental Health Therapeutic

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

A man on a specialized vehicle inspects the rows of plants that are beginning to sprout. These rows stretch far into the background, leading to white farm buildings that line the horizon.

A young program participant, bundled in warm clothing, holds a baby goat on her lap. As the goat calmly sits still, the girl wears a pleasantly surprised expression.

A woman smiles as she looks down; surrounding her are brown horses and a clear blue sky.

A group photo of twelve individuals standing in front of a building.

Legacy Documentary - Mental Health in Colorado's Modern Day Agriculture

Recent Case Studies

A large sculpture of an animal head made from plants, with one side of the head resembling a child’s rocking horse, and the other side a dinosaur.

Place

Glenstone

A contemporary art museum in Potomac, Maryland, Glenstone has transformed former disparate residential properties into a contemplative, integrated experience with unique architecture, rolling topography, native meadows, and outdoor art.

Two children play on modern-styled exercise equipment with an adult standing near one of them. There are trees, shrubs, and perennials planted on either side and a street with parked cars in the background.

Place

Ricardo Lara Linear Park

Once a flood-prone dumping ground along Interstate 105 in Lynwood, California, Ricardo Lara Linear Park is now a community-focused park that includes a one-mile walking trail, two playgrounds, a community garden, and exercise stations.

Program

Groundwork USA's National Experiential Learning Program

Groundwork USA’s National Experiential Learning Program is a summer program that brings youth and young adults from communities across the Groundwork Network to some of our nation’s most iconic National Parks where they connect to the land through experiential learning, workforce development, stewardship, and recreation.