Some feel that if they have a SPINAL CORD INJURY they can no longer continue farming. The good news is that there are modifications available to help you to continue farming.
HERE ARE SOME HELPFUL TIPS AND DEVICES:
- MANLIFT can be used to get you on and off a tractor. SEATBELT should be used to prevent falling.
- SUSPENSION SEAT could be installed on your tractors or a SEAT CUSHION with lumbar support and ADJUSTABLE ARM RESTS added.
- ADDITIONAL MIRRORS could be added to the inside and outside of the tractor cab. You can see what is happening behind you without twisting your back.
- COMMUNICATION TOOLS, such as a cellular phone or two-way radio, can help save unnecessary trips and can be used in the event of an emergency.
- HAND CONTROLS can be installed on your tractor, skid steer, vehicle or other farm machinery.
- FENCE LINE FEEDERS, AUTOMATED FEED SYSTEMS, AUTOMATIC GATE OPENERS, RAISED DECKS, and LIVESTOCK HOLDING EQUIPMENT can be used to limit direct access with livestock.
- AUTOMATIC HITCHES are used to avoid getting off and on the tractor.
- UTILITY VEHICLE can be used to get around the farm.
- CONCRETE WALKWAYS and WORK AREAS in addition to RAMPS can be installed to provide easier access into and around the farm and home.
- MECHANICAL DOOR OPENERS can be used for easier access into and out of buildings.
- LOWER WORKBENCHES for wheelchair access and have a PORTABLE TOOL HOLDER or TOOL BOX to save on trips back and forth to the workbench.
A portion of the information is shared from: Breaking New Ground Plowshares #6, “Farming following a spinal cord injury.”
For further information please contact the NY AgrAbility Project, Cornell Agricultural Health and Safety Program, 777 Warren Road, Ithaca New York 14850 or by phone 1-877-257-9777. The New York AgrAbility Project can not guarantee the effectiveness of any suggestions, solutions or recommendations. The New York AgrAbility Project is administered by Cornell University through funding provided under the United States Department of Agriculture CSREES project number 2002-41590-01372. http://calagrability.ucdavis.edu/
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