Helping Ohioans Farm Safely

Opportunities for Ohioans with Disabilities sent this bulletin at 08/07/2020 10:16 AM EDT

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Helping Ohioans Farm Safely

Photo of Doug Swaim in front of his flat bed truck

Doug Swaim using his deck step trailer ladder while working at his Hickory Dell Farm in Cedarville, Ohio.

Doug Swaim of Cedarville, Ohio, has been farming for more than 30 years. Doug’s son and a family friend work alongside him at Hickory Dell Farms, which includes 2,500 acres of corn, soybeans, and hay as well as two barns for hog contracts.

Doug came to Opportunities for Ohioans with Disabilities (OOD) in November 2019 after being diagnosed with hearing loss in his right ear and benign paroxysmal positional vertigo due to vestibular disorderollowing hospitalization for shingles. Because of these conditions, Doug is easily fatigued, experiences dizziness, and can lose his balance.

After months of balance therapy and medical appointments, a doctor at The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center suggested he contact Ohio AgrAbility.

OOD and Ohio AgrAbility assist OOD participants who want to continue to farm after acquiring a disability.

“We help by writing a farm assessment that helps OOD Vocational Rehabilitation Counselors understand what it is like to live and work on a farm,” said Rachel Jarman, Rural Rehabilitation Coordinator for Ohio AgrAbility-Easterseals Serving Greater Cincinnati. “We also offer suggestions for assistive technology and any other solutions for the farmer.”

Doug agreed to meet with Jessie Schumann, OOD Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor, and Rachel to discuss his situation.

“Being a farmer, I initially balked at the idea that I would need any help. I was determined to work through this health issue on my own and be just fine,” said Doug. “But, when the three of us met and discussed my situation as a farmer and how my balance impacted my daily work, I realized that they had my best interest at heart.”

OOD has provided Doug with a ClearMotion Active Suspension Seat for his semi-truck, which prevents him from moving up and down when in motion and driving over uneven terrain. Two deck step ladders help him access his flatbed trailers and assist when loading and unloading equipment. Doug also received a wireless Bluetooth headset that allows him to access hands-free calling while safely operating his semi-truck.

“Doug’s commitment to his work has been an inspiration to me, and it is rewarding to see how the adaptive equipment is already making a difference. This successful outcome was only possible from a true collaboration between Doug, OOD, and Ohio AgrAbility,” said Jessie.

“OOD and Ohio AgrAbility helped improve my working environment, making it safer so that I can continue farming with my son and friend, which is the work I love,” added Doug.

If you have a disability and would like to work, visit OODWorks.com.

OOD Continues to Assist Job Seekers

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If you have a disability and want to work, reach out to OOD today. Vocational Rehabilitation Counselors can help you explore your options. Visit OODWorks.com or call 800-282-4536 to get started.

All About Accessibility: Worksite Accessibility Services

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Your business is OOD’s priority. That’s why we’re pleased to offer Worksite Accessibility Services to help identify possible accommodations and accessibility solutions to create a productive work environment for all your employees. Watch a video to learn more about Worksite Accessibility Services.

OOD Annual Report for State Fiscal Year 2020

Now available: the OOD Annual Report for Federal Fiscal Year 2019 and State Fiscal Year 2020. Learn more about efforts over the last 12 months to assist Ohioans with disabilities in achieving quality employment, disability determinations, and independence.

Trusted Coronavirus Information

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For trusted information on coronavirus (COVID-19) in Ohio, visit coronavirus.ohio.gov or call 1-833-4-ASK-ODH (1-833-427-5634). Recent updates include Masks in Schools and Minority HealthTesting.

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Programs provided by Opportunities for Ohioans with Disabilities (OOD) are funded, in whole or in part, with federal grants awarded by the U.S. Department of Education (DOE) or the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). For purposes of the Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) Program, including Pre-Employment Transition Services (Pre-ETS), OOD received 78.7% of its funding through the DOE VR grant. In Federal fiscal year (FFY) 2019, OOD received $99,548,657 in federal funds. Funds appropriated by the State covered 21.3 % of the total costs, or $26,942,648. Of these federal funds, $14,932,299 is set aside for Pre-ETS. For purposes of the Supported Employment (SE) Program, the DOE SE grant funded 90% of the costs for the Supported Employment for Youth with a Disability Program up to the grant amount and 100% of the costs of regular Supported Employment program costs up to the grant amount. In FFY 2019, OOD received $297,857 for SE Youth with a Disability and State appropriated funds paid a small amount more than the remaining 10% or $33,192 of the total costs. In FFY 2019, OOD received $297,857 in regular SE grant funds. For purposes of the Independent Living Services for Older Individuals Who are Blind (OIB) Program, the federal grant received from DOE in FFY 2019 paid 90% of the total costs incurred under the program. In FFY 2019, OOD received $1,153,208 in federal grant funds. Funds appropriated by the State paid over the 10% required match or $130,000 of the total costs incurred under the OIB program.For purposes of the Independent Living (IL) Program, the federal grant received from HHS paid 90% of the total costs incurred in FFY 2019. In FFY 2019, OOD received funding of $640,571. Funds appropriated by the State paid 10% or $71,175 of the total costs incurred under the IL Program.