By: Rosemarie Punzalan; CFILC Technology Coordinator
BORROW EQUIPMENT FROM A DEVICE LENDING LIBRARY
How can I borrow ergonomic tools?
In collaboration with CalAgrAbility, Ability Tools provides services to gardeners, farmers, farm workers and farm families. Borrow a device from one of our Device Lending Libraries (DLLs) throughout California and try before you buy, compare similar equipment or use for a short-term need. Visit abilitytools.org/exchange to view the wide variety of equipment you can borrow for free.
What kinds of ergonomic tools do DLLs lend?
Available tools include bionic gloves, garden grabbers, magnifiers, pruners, steering wheel spinner, battery operated cart sprayer, lift, potted plant mover, telescoping garden hand tools, and much more. The inventory at each DLL varies, and most tools can be shipped throughout the state.
ABOUT OUR PROGRAMS
About Ability Tools
Ability Tools connects Californians with disabilities to assistive technology devices, tools and services to make life easier.
Ability Tools provides a variety of services: short-term device loans; an online marketplace to find free or low-cost used devices and medical equipment; a financial loan program; a toll-free information and referral line; online and in-person trainings; an informational website with resources and search tools; Ability Tools membership options; and connections via social media.
Ability Tools is a project of the California Department of Rehabilitation and the California Foundation for Independent Living Centers, with funds allocated by the Assistive Technology Act of 2004.
About California AgrAbility
UC Davis-California AgrAbility provides bilingual (English & Spanish) education, assistance and support to farmers, ranchers, workers and their families who have an injury, disability, or illness that limits their ability to perform farm tasks. Even though funds cannot be given directly to agricultural families, they help find solutions to challenges. For more information about CalAgrAbility, please visit http://calagrability.ucdavis.edu/.
What does CalAgrAbility do?
CalAgrAbility conducts case management to connect its clients to resources, information and assistive devices so that they can get the services they need to continue to support themselves and their families.
EXAMPLES OF FARMING AND GARDENING EQUIPMENT AVAILABLE FOR LOAN:
The Anti-Vibration Gloves reduce the vibrations when using power tools and driving equipment. Available in sizes medium and large.
With an Automatic Chicken Waterer, a worker with mobility, arm or back impairments can supply water to chicks, chickens and other poultry without carrying buckets, opening waterers or dragging hoses.
The ErgoMates Strapping Cushion for Shoes is a strapping cushion for shoes, helps with long periods of standing. It provides padding to stand on while doing maintenance and making repairs on tools and equipment. Available in size medium and large. Available in sizes medium and large.
The Potted Plant Mover with 2 Wheels is transportation for potted plants for 8 inches to 30 inches tall.
The Spine Saver Ergonomic Seat Cushion prevents and alleviates back pain associated with vibration.Reduces spine shock vibration up to 80%.
The Telescoping Garden Hand Tools – Set of 4 allows people to extend their reach to the ground from a sitting position. Set includes: Mini ‘D’ handle shovel, telescoping fan rake, telescoping trowel, and telescoping culti-hoe.
In collaboration with CalAgrAbility and Easter Seals Michigan AgrAbility, the Ability Tools Southern California will have an in-person training on Assistive Technology for Farming & Gardening on Thursday, October 20th in San Bernardino, CA. For registration details, please visit Ability Tools’ Training Registration Web Page at http://abilitytools.org/training/training-registration.php
