Providing Culturally Competent Disability Services to Persons Born in other Countries May 6 - 8, 2002

Developing a rehabilitation service delivery model for minority farmers with disabilities: The research phase

Mwachofi, A.
University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff
Pine Bluff, Arkansas USA
mwachofi_a@vx4500.uapb.edu

Abstract

This is a presentation of the findings of a NIDRR-funded research project, Developing a Rehabilitation Service Delivery Model for Minority Farmers with Disabilities. The aim of the project is to build a model of service delivery, based on research findings in the Lower Mississippi Delta states: Arkansas, Louisiana and Mississippi. The project is justified by cultural and communication difficulties encountered serving minority farmers with disabilities. The following points will be discu ssed:

• Historical background of minority farmers, showing their fast decline
• The research process, including sampling, the challenges of locating and interviewing minority farmers, and survey methods used with farmers and service providers
• Preliminary results from the surveys of farmers and service providers on the population's needs, perceptions and the most effective methods of communicating with them
• The perceptions and experiences of current service providers, obstacles to service delivery and suggestions for more effective service delivery

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