The Colorado AgrAbility Project is gearing up for its winter workshops, with the first meeting set for the end of October. The workshops are for Colorado farm and ranch families who are dealing with barriers created by illnesses, conditions, injuries or limitations.

Locally, a meeting will convene in Mancos on Thursday, Nov. 5 at Southwest Colorado Community College, ITC Building, 33057 Highway 160. The extension agent is Tom Hooten, (970) 565-3123.

In partnership with Goodwill Industries of Denver and Colorado State University Extension, the Colorado AgrAbility Project (CAP) is part of a national program that promotes independence for farmers and ranchers, their families and the professionals who work with them to continue their careers in agriculture.

Don Taylor is able to continue his passion of working his land thanks to the help and support of CAP. A veteran who was rendered unemployable by a series of accidents and surgeries, the U.S. Air Force discharged Don due to his injuries. He did not have the stamina to endure the long days and often nights that a farm operation requires. Don’s injuries require him to adjust his position from sitting to standing very frequently. He is restricted to lifting no more than 10 pounds. He cannot walk or be on his feet for more than 15 to 20 minutes at a time.

CAP was able to provide the Division of Vocational Rehabilitation an on-site farm assessment that explained the modifications, assistive technology and adaptations Don would need to operate a small family farm concentrating on pasture-raised chickens for eggs, adaptive bee hives for honey and fresh local vegetables. Now Don has the assistance he needs to keep doing what he loves while maintaining his independence.

The theme of the winter workshops is “AgrAbility, and Estate Planning: Linking Elder Couples with Returning Veterans and Beginning Farmers/Ranchers.” Each session will be presented by Candiss Leathers and James Craig from Goodwill Industries of Denver and Dr. Norman L. Dalsted from CSU’s Ag Extension. The classes will take place from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. and will include lunch for those who pre-register at least a week in advance.

For more information about the Colorado AgrAbility Project, visit: http://agrability.agsci.colostate.edu/

To pre-register, call Norm Dalsted at 970-222-5657, Candiss Leathers at 720 539-4435 or Tom Hooten at 970-565-3123.