ATLA has been partnering with the UAF Cooperative Extension since 2019 to help Alaskans in agriculture stay safe and independent. This work is part of a USDA-funded program called AgrAbility. Agriculture includes many types of work, such as farming, fishing, raising animals, cutting timber, gardening, and more.

Through AgrAbility, Alaskans can learn about tools and equipment that make work easier. We also help connect people with resources, and in some cases, we can visit the worksite to give personalized tips and suggestions. If you know someone who could use easier tools, safer equipment, or ideas to do their job better, please tell them about AgrAbility.

Many Alaskans work in commercial fishing or aquaculture. These jobs often involve long hours, cold weather, and heavy lifting. That can lead to injuries or make old ones worse. AgrAbility can help people with permanent disabilities, but also those recovering from surgery or dealing with short-term pain or movement problems.



Many kinds of assistive tools and devices can help make agricultural or aquacultural work easier, safer, and more comfortable. Whether it is a simple handle grip or a larger piece of equipment, the right tool can make a big difference. Here are some examples of assistive technology that can support workers in agriculture, fishing, and other outdoor jobs.

WayAround Tag and Scan System

The WayAround system helps individuals who are blind or have low vision know what items they are using. Users attach special labels (called WayTags) to items such as tools, containers, or clothing. Then, using a smartphone and a free app, the user can scan the tags and hear information read out loud to help stay organized and know exactly what each item is.

Garden Perimeter Marking System

The perimeter marking system is a simple way to mark garden areas, so it is easier to find crops and stay organized. Boards are placed around the edge of the garden, and tall stakes with silicone bumps help identify corners by touch. Users can also use small pieces of wood and twine to mark rows. Rubber bands on the row-end stakes help identify which crops are planted where—like one band for lettuce, two for onions, and so on. This system is helpful for people with low vision or memory challenges.

Radius Ergonomic 5-Piece Garden Set

The radius ergonomic set includes five garden tools: a trowel, transplanter, weeder, cultivator, and scooper. The tools have a special handle design that gives the user's hands more power while using less effort. The handle design helps reduce pain or stress in the hands and wrists, which is especially useful for individuals with arthritis or limited grip strength.

Bee My Hive Inspector

The Bee My Hive tool helps beekeepers who are blind or have low vision. It uses artificial intelligence (AI) and a smartphone camera to look at bee hives and identify possible problems. The app gives information that helps beekeepers keep their hives healthy, even if they can’t see well.

Bindapt+

The Bindapt+ is smart technology that helps farmers monitor and control the environment inside grain bins. It uses sensors to track critical information such as temperature and moisture. Farmers can check the data and make changes using a computer or smartphone. By incorporating this smart technology, farmers can reduce physical strain and improve safety for people who are not able to climb bins easily or do manual checks.

Crop Scanner

The Crop Scanner is a small device that connects to a smartphone and analyzes the health of crops throughout the growing season. Users scan the plant leaves, and the device provides quick, clear information. It is easy to carry in the field and works without damaging the plants. The scanner is a helpful tool for farmers who want fast results without a lot of walking or bending.

PTO Link Quick-Connect System

The PTO Quick-Connect device connects farm equipment attachments to a tractor more easily and safely than the traditional methods. Typically, connecting a PTO (power take-off) shaft can be hard to reach and heavy to handle. The PTO Link system uses two parts that snap together quickly, so users do not have to twist or lift as much, which is helpful for individuals with back problems, joint pain, or limited mobility.

Garden Kneeler and Seat

The garden kneeler can be used as a seat or flipped over to kneel on. It helps individuals who have trouble bending or kneeling for long periods. It also folds up for easy storage and has side pouches for holding tools. It is a simple way to make gardening more comfortable and less painful for people with joint or mobility issues.

Power Straps (Lifting Hooks)

These straps help users lift heavy items, like buckets or bags, with less strain on their hands and fingers. They wrap around the user’s wrists and provide a better grip and support. Power straps are helpful for people with limited hand strength, arthritis, or joint pain.

Learn more about AgrAbility at https://www.agrability.org/about/program/

Visit the iPad Resource site and find tips, tricks, training videos, website resources, and some of our staff's favorite applications (apps) on this site. If you're not sure what apps are, there's a video for that! The resources are organized by the iPad user's level of beginner, intermediate, and advanced.

We have recently added a support page for troubleshooting common problems iPad users may face.

Donate gently used AT devices, and ATLA will provide them to other Alaskans in need at no cost. The donation is 100% tax-deductible and is a great way to give back to the community. Check here monthly for items that may benefit you or someone you know!

Faucet Grips

Faucet Grip, which comes in a pack of two, is a simple solution that gives users a good grip and extra leverage to turn and loosen even the tightest outdoor faucet easily. 

Back EZ

BackEZ is an ergonomically designed auxiliary handle that is "added on" to any stick tool and can be adjusted to fit the user’s height and arm length.

Midland Weather Alert Radio with Silent Call Light

The Midland Weather Alert Radio is a good budget desktop radio that offers S.A.M.E. technology for local emergency message reception with seven NOAA channels.

Chore Chart

The My Chore Board can be used to list things that need to be done in a day and provide a visual reminder of what still needs to be done. Once a task is completed, move the button from the X to the check mark.

Assorted iPad Cases

Need an iPad case? ATLA has a wide variety of iPad cases in reuse that may fit your iPad! Complete the form below and include your iPad model so we can check for a case that will fit. Find out what iPad model you have here.

Please expect contact within 14 business days of the ReUse Request submission. Individuals will be contacted in order of form submission. Please do not call or email staff with item requests. If items are to be shipped to an individual, ATLA will cover the shipping cost up to $20.00. *This form is only a request; equipment is not guaranteed.*