Farm and ranch work is long, difficult and dangerous, especially when the person doing it is challenged with a disability. New Mexico AgrAbility, the New Mexico Farm & Ranch Heritage Museum (NMFRHM) new exhibit, sheds light on how people with disabilities in rural areas gain access to technology, specialists such as occupational therapists, and other programs to maintain their livelihood and agricultural production while improving the quality of their lives.
“AgrAbility is a national program that helps people with visible and invisible disabilities get the help they need to be able to continue farming and ranching,” Brittany Porter, NMFRHM curator said. “The exhibit features photos, stories, and explanations of AgrAbility New Mexico’s partner organizations, some of the clients of the program, and the business side of farming. This exhibit will help expose museum visitors to the program itself and how people with disabilities cope with everyday life.”
AgrAbility is a U.S. Department of Agriculture program to assist farmers, food growers, and farm families who are touched by a disability, chronic health problem, or just getting older, which affects their ability to take part in an agricultural lifestyle. Imagine having a leg prosthesis and trying to drive a farm tractor, or a bad back and trying to ride a horse to round up cattle. People have overcome those challenges with help from the AgrAbility program.
The AgrAbility exhibit opened to the public on Jan. 23 and is available for viewing during regular museum hours (Mon. – Sat., 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.) in the Legacy/Traditions galleries.
Visitors can engage with stories about farmers and ranchers who have overcome physical and mental challenges in their pursuit of their agricultural careers. The exhibit features a tractor simulator, which is an actual cab of a tractor designed for individuals with physical barriers, fiberglass cows, and a hoop house to immerse the visitors in what AgrAbility is all about.
“With diminishing numbers of individuals pursuing or continuing careers in agriculture, these programs provide an important resource for people’s involvement in food production,” Nathan Japel, NMFRHM curator, said. “We are happy to share the resilience and tenacity of these individuals in their pursuits of food, fiber and fuel production. We hope our visitors will be able to spread the word about the resources and possibilities available to everyone.”
The New Mexico AgrAbility Project is a partnership of New Mexico State University Cooperative Extension, New Mexico Technology Assistance Program, Mandy’s Farm, and the University of New Mexico Occupational Therapy Graduate Program.
For more on AgrAbility click here: From Disability to AgrAbility – El Palacio
The New Mexico Farm & Ranch Heritage Museum in Las Cruces is a division of the Department of Cultural Affairs. The 47-acre interactive museum brings to life the 4,000-year history of growing food and fiber in this region. Accredited by the American Alliance of Museums, it features livestock, indoor and outdoor exhibits, barns, greenhouse, gift shop, and demonstrations. The Museum is supported by the Friends of the New Mexico Farm & Ranch Heritage Museum.
