How to make an accessible farm shop

WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. — A new, free guide for creating accessible farm shops was published by the National AgrAbility Project.

“The Accessible Farm Shop: Usable and Efficient” is a 20-page resource on how to make farm shops accessible, safe and efficient - from design plans to how to organize the shop.

“Shops are often the hub of activity on farms and ranches, serving as spaces for storage, maintenance, office work and more,” said Paul Jones, manager of the National AgrAbility Project.

“To support farm operations effectively, all workers — including those with significant disabilities — must be able to access these buildings and their equipment. This publication provides practical solutions to help make that possible.”

The guide includes a list of questions to consider when planning construction.

• Will the shop be primarily used for doing repairs? Fabrication? Painting? Equipment storage? Office?

• Do workers have physical conditions that make it difficult to do jobs in the current farm shop?

• Are alternative farm enterprises or diversification opportunities considered that will need shop space?

• Is insulation needed for year-round use, or will it be used only in mild weather?

• Will heat or air conditioning be an asset?

• Is the shop accessible to the largest equipment currently owned and to equipment that is planned to be purchased?

• Is a second level needed for overflow storage?

• Will floor drains be needed for equipment to be washed inside and to trap pollutants?

• How much workbench space and stationary equipment is needed — welder, drill press and other similar things?

• Will ventilation fans be needed to expel fumes?

• Is a crane needed for heavy lifting?

View the report at agrability.org/plowshares-shops/.