occupational therapy for farmers; OT in agriculture; AgrAbility Virginia; farm injury prevention; aging farmers support; rehabilitation for farmers; assistive technology for agriculture; farmer mental health support; OT strategies for farm work; adapting farm tasks for disabilities; prosthesis use in farming; OT case study for farmers; injury recovery in agriculture; farm safety education; occupational therapy rural communities; OT health promotion for farmers; OT intervention planning; farmer wellness programs; Virginia agriculture health services; OT for agricultural workers; physical therapy for farmers; OT and farm equipment adaptation; OT and mental health in farming; OT support for small farms; Virginia Cooperative Extension occupational therapy

This publication serves as a guide for physical therapists and other health professionals to effectively support aging farmers, individuals with disabilities or injuries, farm families, and beginning farmers, health professionals must recognize the distinct physical, environmental, and cultural demands of agricultural life. By integrating wellness and rehabilitation strategies that align with farmers’ goals and work realities, physical therapists and other providers can help ensure continuity in agricultural livelihoods and enhance overall quality of life.

AgrAbility Virginia promotes safety, wellness, and accessibility on the farm through education, rehabilitative services, and assistive technology. AgrAbility Virginia is a partnership program between Virginia Tech, Virginia State University, Virginia Cooperative Extension, and Easterseals PORT Health. AgrAbility Virginia is funded by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) National Institute for Food and Agriculture (NIFA). As a statewide program, AgrAbility Virginia works closely with Virginia's rehabilitation and agricultural service delivery system to increase organizational capacity and provide the best quality education and services for farmers across Virginia. AgrAbility Virginia works in partnership with the Virginia Department of Aging and Rehabilitative Services (DARS) and others to make recommendations for farmers regarding assistive technologies and new farm procedures and protocols that will make farming more comfortable and safer.