Purdue University is an Equal Opportunity/Equal Access institution. Gardening for People with Disabilities or Those Who Are Getting Older Stephen J. Swain,

Purdue University is an Equal Opportunity/Equal Access institution.

Gardening for People with Disabilities

or Those Who Are Getting Older

Stephen J. Swain, ATP

National AgrAbility Project/Indiana AgrAbility Project

Breaking New Ground Resource Center, Purdue University

Acknowledgments

Missouri AgrAbility Project

Gardens for Every Body

Breaking New Ground Resource Center

Breaking New Ground Outreach Program

BNG Clients

Purdue University is an Equal Opportunity/Equal Access institution.

Purdue University is an Equal Opportunity/Equal Access institution.

Overview

• Pathways

• Raised Beds

• Equipment

• Case Study

Purdue University is an Equal Opportunity/Equal Access institution.

Pathways

• Firm, smooth, level

• At least 4 feet wide (similar to ramp)

• Not over a 8.33% grade (1:12 slope)

• Use contrasting colors and texture

• Well drained

• Possible seating along the way

Purdue University is an Equal Opportunity/Equal Access institution.

Pathways• Hard Pathway Surfaces

– Aggregate– Stone– Asphalt– Brick– Flagstone– Wood

Purdue University is an Equal Opportunity/Equal Access institution.

Pathways• Soft Pathway Surfaces

– Grass– Mulch– Compacted soil– Crushed limestone– Gravel

Purdue University is an Equal Opportunity/Equal Access institution.

Purdue University is an Equal Opportunity/Equal Access institution.

Raised Beds

• Types of Raised Beds– Raised ground beds– Deep raised beds– Elevated beds– Terracing and retaining walls

Purdue University is an Equal Opportunity/Equal Access institution.

Raised Ground Beds

• Height – ½ to 1 foot

• Width (one side) – 2 feet

• Width (two sides) – 4 feet

• Diameter (circular) – 4 feet

Purdue University is an Equal Opportunity/Equal Access institution.

Raised Ground Beds

Purdue University is an Equal Opportunity/Equal Access institution.

Deep Raised Beds

• Height – 2 to 2 ½ feet

• Width (one side) – 2 feet

• Width (two sides) – 3 to 4 feet

• Diameter (circular) – 3 to 4 feet

Purdue University is an Equal Opportunity/Equal Access institution.

Purdue University is an Equal Opportunity/Equal Access institution.

Deep Raised Beds

Purdue University is an Equal Opportunity/Equal Access institution.

Elevated Beds

• Height – 2 ½ to 3 feet• Width (one side) – 2 feet• Width (two sides) – 4 feet• Diameter (circular) – 4 feet

Elevated Beds

Purdue University is an Equal Opportunity/Equal Access institution.

Terracing and Retaining Walls

Purdue University is an Equal Opportunity/Equal Access institution.

Purdue University is an Equal Opportunity/Equal Access institution.

Container Gardening

• Mobile• Flexible• Protected

Container Gardening

Types of Containers– Miniature gardens– Window Boxes– Planting bags– Hanging baskets– Containers

Purdue University is an Equal Opportunity/Equal Access institution.

Purdue University is an Equal Opportunity/Equal Access institution.

Container Gardening

Other Considerations

•Visually Impaired•Contrast colors and textures•Wind chimes•Clear paths on pathway and overhead•Layout of garden – straight edges and right angles•Use Dibble boards

Purdue University is an Equal Opportunity/Equal Access institution.

Visual Impairment

Purdue University is an Equal Opportunity/Equal Access institution.

Purdue University is an Equal Opportunity/Equal Access institution.

Purdue University is an Equal Opportunity/Equal Access institution.

Purdue University is an Equal Opportunity/Equal Access institution.

Warning Label

Warning

This vehicle is designed for slow speed and must not be used for free downhill riding on slopes or streets

Purdue University is an Equal Opportunity/Equal Access institution.

Purdue University is an Equal Opportunity/Equal Access institution.

Purdue University is an Equal Opportunity/Equal Access institution.

Purdue University is an Equal Opportunity/Equal Access institution.

Purdue University is an Equal Opportunity/Equal Access institution.

Purdue University is an Equal Opportunity/Equal Access institution.

Case Study

• 45 year-old man with left arm amputation at the shoulder

• Two one-acre garden plots five miles apart• Wants to expand operation to increase

income to support family• Vocational Rehabilitation Services

assessment

Purdue University is an Equal Opportunity/Equal Access institution.

Case Study• Current equipment

– Pickup truck– Trailer to haul roto-tiller– Troy-Bilt roto-tiller– Hoes and shovels– Greenhouse yet to be built– Crates to transport produce

Purdue University is an Equal Opportunity/Equal Access institution.

Purdue University is an Equal Opportunity/Equal Access institution.

Purdue University is an Equal Opportunity/Equal Access institution.

Purdue University is an Equal Opportunity/Equal Access institution.

Purdue University is an Equal Opportunity/Equal Access institution.

Purdue University is an Equal Opportunity/Equal Access institution.

Case Study

• He is using a hoe to make his raised beds – Ground tends to be very wet

• He has taped the controls on the roto-tiller to make it easier to operate

• Must use roto-tiller to level ground after harvest

• Difficult to use hoes and shovelsPurdue University is an Equal Opportunity/Equal Access institution.

Case Study

• What equipment would you recommend?

• What procedures would you change?

Purdue University is an Equal Opportunity/Equal Access institution.

Equipment Recommended• Hilling attachment for Troy-Bilt roto-tiller

• A heavy duty utility vehicle

• A reversible disc harrow

• A hoist to go in the back of the utility vehicle

• A precision garden seeder

• A power planterPurdue University is an Equal Opportunity/Equal Access institution.

Equipment Recomended

• Add-on Fist Grip handles and arm supports for hoes and shovels

• Short-handled Fist Grip hand tools

• Garden seat

Purdue University is an Equal Opportunity/Equal Access institution.

Purdue University is an Equal Opportunity/Equal Access institution.

Purdue University is an Equal Opportunity/Equal Access institution.

Purdue University is an Equal Opportunity/Equal Access institution.

Results• Add-on Fist Grip handle and arm

supports did not hold up under his use

• The hilling attachment for the Troy-Bilt roto-tiller did not make a high enough hill. Looking for a one bottom plow to pull behind Bobcat utility vehicle

• Production has increased but not yet where he wants to be

Purdue University is an Equal Opportunity/Equal Access institution.

Questions?

Purdue University is an Equal Opportunity/Equal Access institution.