Position Overview
As part of MSU Extension (MSUE) and the Agriculture and Agribusiness Institute (AABI), this position provides leadership regarding assistive technologies and strategies to allow farm employees with disabilities to continue working. This position will have statewide responsibilities and will collaborate across work teams and community groups, working with faculty, specialists, and educators for overall advancement of clientele needs.

In this position, you will identify, design, implement and evaluate programs that meet outreach needs related to helping the farming community with disabilities adopt assistive technologies and alter work habits to improve their work environment. You will provide support for the Michigan AgrAbility program and promote education to assist farmers living with chronic and acute health conditions. You will develop strategies to reduce symptoms associated with chronic conditions that can interfere with farm-related work (e.g., arthritis). This will include completing on-farm assessments in collaboration with Easterseals Michigan to determine appropriate assistive technologies, working with appropriate agencies to alert farmers regarding assistance of MSUE and community health programs, helping farmers learn chronic disease management strategies and, accessing mental health resources from MSUE and Easterseals programs. Additionally, you will make presentations and host educational displays at public events such as industry trade shows, and via virtual outreach with a registration process to collect client contact information and to gain referrals to Michigan AgrAbility.

Through collaboration in research, engagement with the community, and dissemination of research through various methods, including in-person and multimedia programming and written communications, you will implement programs that lead to public knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors that increase the awareness of assistance for farmers with chronic health conditions and acute disabilities. You will also develop, produce, and deliver outreach materials with messaging and content that is accessible and inclusive and is consistent with AABI messaging.

Your work will include collaboration with MSU colleagues, as well as a diverse network of partner groups that include Easterseals Michigan, College of Human Medicine, Michigan Farm Bureau, and non-profit and state agencies.



Application Deadline: October 19, 2022

MSU is an affirmative-action, equal-opportunity employer, committed to achieving excellence through a diverse workforce and inclusive culture that encourages all people to reach their full potential. Michigan State University Extension employment opportunities are open to eligible/qualified persons without regard to race, color, national origin, gender, gender identity, religion, age, height, weight, disability, political beliefs, sexual orientation, marital status, family status or veteran status. MSU is committed to achieving excellence through cultural diversity. Persons with disabilities have the right to request and receive reasonable accommodations.
The university actively encourages applications and/or nominations of women, persons of color, veterans and persons with disabilities.