INDATA Project to Assist Disabled Ag Workers

The INDATA Project at Easterseals Crossroads in Indianapolis is partnering with Indiana AgrAbility. The nonprofit says the partnership will help increase access to assistive technology information and services for disabled agricultural workers in Indiana.

Indiana AgrAbility is a U.S. Department of Agriculture-sponsored program that helps farmers and agricultural workers with disabilities. The Breaking New Ground Resource Center established the Breaking New Ground Outreach Program to serve rural Hoosiers affected by disabilities.

Easterseals Crossroads Director of Assistive Technology Brian Norton says the partnership allows the organization to reach agricultural workers with disabilities throughout Indiana, as well as provide solutions and resources that offer safety and longevity.

“We’re all about independence and excited to be able to make Hoosiers more aware of and provide them access to assistive technology tools,” said Norton.

The nonprofit says the BNG Outreach Program is now a model for the USDA AgrAbility Program that supports similar projects in more than 20 states.

“The Indiana AgrAbility Project serves farmers and other rural residents through a collaborative effort between many organizations, including the INDATA Project at Easterseals Crossroads,” said Indiana AgrAbility Project Manager Charles Baldwin. “Through education, assistance and direct services, we work together to help eliminate, or at least minimize, obstacles that inhibit success in production agriculture or agriculture-related occupations.”

Earlier this year, Easterseals Crossroads was awarded a $100,000 grant from Comcast NBCUniversal to help build a digital skills and employment training program for youth with disabilities.