Occupation Disrupted: Impacts, Challenges, and Coping Strategies For Farmers with Disabilities

Abstract

Agriculture has been recognized as one of the most dangerous industries in Canada and the United States. Yet, the impacts of injuries on Canadian farmers and farm families, from the perspective of those affected, have not been investigated. This article highlights findings from a study initiated by the Canadian Farmers with Disabilities Registry (CFDR). An occupational framework, in this case the Model of Human Occupation, is used to examine the impact of disability on the work, leisure, family, and social occupations that comprise farm life. Quantitative questions on a survey drew responses from 47 of 111 (42%) CFDR members. Qualitative questions on the survey were supplemented with in‐depth telephone interviews with eight farmers of various ages, length of time with disability, and farming experiences in all regions of Canada. The results of the study profile participants’ characteristics as well as the causes, forms and sources of occupational disruption, and their responses to it The occupational disruption experienced by farmers with disabilities is a story of unnecessary tragedy. There are major policy implications related to community, manufacturing, government, insurance, banking, and other financial supports for farmers with disabilities who risk losing the opportunity to choose farming as their occupation and lifestyle.