Date: Thursday, July 8, 2021 12:00 PM- Thursday, July 8, 2021 1:00 PM
Location: Online
Lead/Instructor: Bill Field, Ed.D., Professor, Director, National AgrAbility Project
Session Author: Bill Field, Ed.D., Professor, Director, National AgrAbility Project (Purdue University); Ned Stoller, B.S., A.T.P., Michigan AgrAbility Project; Bill Begley, Representative (Life Essentials)
Agricultural production has been historically recognized as one of the most hazardous of all occupations. Environmental and technology-related hazards, and the nature of the manual tasks involved, contribute to a disproportionate number of disabling diseases and injuries. Approximately 15-20% of those engaged in agricultural production have experienced permanent disabling injuries or diseases, such as arthritis, that prevent them from completing essential work-related tasks.
In this session, a panel of professionals engaged in enhancing the accessibility of agricultural worksites and tasks will address strategies that incorporate the use of appropriate assistive technology to enhance the independence and productivity of agricultural workers. Special consideration will be given to solutions suitable for applications in settings that rely predominately on manual labor. New and updated resources available through the AgrAbility Project will be summarized. The presentation will include a demonstration of assistive technology designed for use in agricultural workplaces.