Jack's Story

Triumph Over Disability

Jack called Nebraska AgrAbility for information and assistance regarding modifications to the worksite and a number of farm tasks. He was having difficulty with artificially inseminating the cows, attaching milking machines, using hand tools like a hammer and wrench, driving, carrying bottles to the calves and hauling straw bales. The first AgrAbility site visit identified hauling and carrying as Jack's priority need. Jack's family had already installed a Germania automatic take off system in the milking parlor, had heated and insulated the shop to reduce problems with cold sensitivity, and Jack's brother took over operation of the skid loader and artificial insemination.

AgrAbility staff were aware of a used Kawasaki Mule that was no longer needed by another AgrAbility client and worked with the Nebraska's Vocational Rehabilitation to secure funding for the utility vehicle. Jack uses the Mule to haul bottles to the calf huts, haul small square bales, check and service irrigation systems, haul mineral blocks, and check and repair electric fence.

After another site visit by the Nebraska AgrAbility staff, it was determined that Jack needed additional assistance. Because of his injury, Jack's decreased grasp limits his ability to perform other tasks necessary to his dairy operation including using a hay hook and pitchfork, shoveling, and carrying buckets short distances. The typical solution for Jack's situation is a rigid plastic splint or prefabricated holding mitt.

However, such options are uncomfortable, difficult to fit, expensive, and lack durability required for farm use. Working with a local leather fabricator, Nebraska AgrAbility developed a heavy duty, durable leather splint custom made for Jack. This splint offered many benefits including low cost, comfort, natural appearance, user friendly, functional, interchangeable for a number of tasks, and convenient local repair and replacement options. Several months later, Jack informed AgrAbility that mitt was working out well and he was quite pleased with it and the assistance he received.