Frank Beard
“I make an effort and God gives me the help. It’s not about me, it’s what God has done for me! I have been so blessed by this community.” Mr. Frank, an inspiring livestock producer in Rutherford County, TN was introduced to TN AgrAbility, TN Division of Rehabilitation Services/Vocational Rehabilitation (DVR) and JH Contracting in KY in 1998 and TN Farm Bureau Health Plan in 2020. His lifts were built and installed by JH Contracting in KY (no longer open) and funded by TN DVR. Mr. Frank continues to live by his motto, “I believe in working.”
Dameon Berry
Dameon Berry from Union County, TN is a man of many hats: loving husband and father, army veteran, cattle farmer, quadriplegic, dog trainer, and TN AgrAbility friend. See how TN AgrAbility and the Independence Fund helped him with assistive technology to be more independent around his farm.
Dennis Martin
“Thank you is not enough words.” Those were the first words TNAP staff member Joetta T. White heard as she exited her truck after TNAP customer Dennis Martin (livestock producer from Wayne County, TN) had used his new Polaris UTV for two weeks. Mr. Martin received his UTV in May 2021, not for recreational purposes but as a farm tool. He stated: “This is a necessary farm tool for me; not like the ones I see running up and down the road for recreational purposes.” With the assistance of TN AgrAbility, Tennessee Vocational Rehabilitation Program, and Disability Rights Tennessee, Mr. Martin now has his LARGE toolbox that travels with him everywhere on his farm. Megan Harris, UT Extension Wayne County ANR agent, has been a help to Mr. Martin as well. She helped Dennis gather dirt for his soil samples. Since he had trouble using the soil sample probe due to gripping issues, Megan came to the rescue.
“He had to show me all the compartments and everything he had in each one and the bed of the UTV had ALL his fencing tools,” stated Joetta White. Before receiving his UTV, Mr. Dennis would have to use his tractor and put all his equipment in the bucket, and driving over the terrain, if he hit a bump, some tool would fall out. After an accident in 1977 that left him with mobility issues, the UTV will be an essential farm tool. “What brought tears to my eyes,” Joetta said, “was when he said he mentioned to his wife that if anything ever happened to him, the UTV was to be given to a farmer that had physical challenges in order to help him or her on their farm.”.
Jason “Duck” Barber
Jason “Duck” Barber is the owner and operator of his family’s 100+ acre farm in Bedford County, Tennessee. The farm has been in his family since 1866. He created his YouTube channel to demonstrate just how a legally blind person can operate a 100+ acre farm, including approximately 35 head of cattle, while also being legally blind. In his videos, he demonstrates many of the assistive technologies he uses on the farm during a regular day.
Michael Norrod
Michael Norrod, an Overton County TN AgrAbility client, received a Life Essential Flatbed Pilot Lift and can independently farm again. Michael is a beef cattle farmer on 300 acres. An ATV accident in 2012 resulted a C-6 spinal cord injury. Michael could transfer to his truck from the wheelchair parked on a ramp outside his house but was unable to access the tractor or transfer anywhere else independently without the ramp. AgrAbility, UT Extension and TN Division of Rehabilitation Services/Vocational Rehabilitation Program worked together to develop a plan whereby VR funded a $43,000 truck lift to increase Michael’s independence and productivity.