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Evaluation of Wisconsin AgrAbility and Vocational Rehabilitation Relationship. R. T. Schuler, R. J. Straub, P. Leverenz and R. H. Meyer 2010 AgrAbility National Training Workshop Charleston, WV October 11-14, 2010. AgrAbility of Wisconsin. AgrAbility Program.
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Evaluation of Wisconsin AgrAbility and Vocational Rehabilitation Relationship R. T. Schuler, R. J. Straub, P. Leverenz and R. H. Meyer 2010 AgrAbility National Training Workshop Charleston, WV October 11-14, 2010 AgrAbility of Wisconsin
AgrAbility Program Initiated USDA funding in 1991 Provides education and assistance to farmers and ranchers with disabilities. Provides assistance through worksite assessment on the farm or ranch Recommends assistive technology equipment for the farmers and ranchers AgrAbility of Wisconsin is a collaboration of University of Wisconsin-Extension and Easter Seals Wisconsin
Wisconsin AgrAbility Program Agriculture in Wisconsin is very diverse with respect to focus and size. It has a strong dairy/livestock component . Since 1991, nearly 2000 clients have been served by AAW. We have worked closely with Wisconsin DVR to provide their counselors training and to acquaint them with agricultural issues.
Common Pieces of AT Equipment Seat and suspension Manual feed cart
Common Pieces of AT Equipment Feed bin and auger Milking systems Powered feed cart
AgrAbility – Vocational Rehabilitation Study Goals: • To determine the success of AgrAbility of Wisconsin (AAW) staff’s understanding of the farmer’s disability-related concerns and ability to listen to the farmers • To evaluate how well the AAW and Division of Vocational Rehabilitation (DVR) staffs function as a team • To evaluate the involvement of the farmer in developing their worksite plan • To record how farmers viewed the success of their plan
Methods A survey instrument was developed in 2005 Surveys were mailed to farmers who received a on-site assessment three months after the site visit from April, 2005 through April 2010. Easter Seals staff mailed the surveys with stamped return envelop Completed surveys were sent to UW-Extension Since August, 2007, client ID and State DVR region were footnoted on each survey No mail or phone follow-up was done
Results • 394 surveys were mailed • 240 (60.9%) responses • 152 responses with client ID and State VR region
Farmer’s view: AAW staff understands my needs(n-239) Response Percent Strongly Agree 66.5 Agree 29.3 Neither Agree or Disagree 4.2 Disagree 0.0 Strongly Disagree 0.0
Farmer’s view: AAW staff listened to my needs and desires(n-239) Response Percent Strongly Agree 64.4 Agree 29.7 Neither Agree or Disagree 4.2 Disagree 1.7 Strongly Disagree 0.0
Farmer’s view: I was satisfied with my involvement in the worksite process(n-231) Response Percent Strongly Agree 55.0 Agree 32.0 Neither Agree or Disagree 7.7 Disagree 2.6 Strongly Disagree 1.7
Farmer’s view: AAW and DVR staffs worked as a team(n-233) Response Percent Strongly Agree 54.9 Agree 33.6 Neither Agree or Disagree 7.3 Disagree 3.4 Strongly Disagree 0.9
Farmer’s view: DVR counselor left room for change or additions to my plan(n-223) Response Percent Complete control 46.6 Some control 35.0 Not much control 9.4 No control 1.8 No opinion 7.2
Farmer’s view: DVR counselor left room for making purchases(n-228) Response Percent Complete control 35.5 Some control 43.4 Not much control 12.7 No control 4.8 No opinion 3.5
Farmer’s view: How do you think your plan is working on your farm(n-230) Response Percent A very good match 56.1 A work in progress 26.1 Plan is not really working 3.0 Not enough time to tell 12.2 No opinion 2.6
Farmer’s view: Is equipment provided working as you had hoped(n-225) Response Percent Working very well 63.1 It is working okay 12.4 It is not working well 1.3 It does not work at all 0.4 I have not been able to use 20.4 No opinion 2.2
Farmer’s view: It is easier to complete my chores and tasks around the farm(n-213) Response Percent Strongly Agree 63.8 Agree 19.2 Neither Agree or Disagree 4.2 Disagree 0.5 Strongly Disagree 4.2 No opinion 8.0
Farmer’s view: AAW and DVR staff working as a team for three DVR regions(Percent) Region Response 6 (n-42) 8 (n-26) 9(n-34) All(233) Strongly Agree 69.0 65.4 55.9 54.9 Agree 21.4 23.1 26.5 33.6 Neither 2.4 7.7 11.8 7.3 Disagree 7.1 3.8 2.9 3.4 Strongly Disagree 0.0 0.0 2.9 0.9
Farmer’s view: Farmer’s view: I was satisfied with my involvement in the worksite process for three DVR regions(Percent) Region Response 6 (n-41) 8 (n-25) 9(n-33) All(231) Strongly Agree 58.5 60.0 57.6 55.0 Agree 29.3 28.0 27.3 32.0 Neither 4.9 8.0 9.1 7.4 Disagree 7.3 4.0 0.0 2.6 Strongly Disagree 0.0 0.0 6.1 1.7
Conclusions AAW understands farmer’s needs and listens well AAW and DVR staffs work as a team Farmers provide input into the plans and purchases The worksite plan and equipment are working on the farm Chores and other work tasks are easier to complete Mailing of surveys continues
Copies of paper including survey instrument provided by request. Please provide name/email on signup sheet.