Farmworkers and disability: results of a national survey

Abstract

This paper describes the findings of a national study of farmworkers with disabilities. BPA conducted an in-person survey with a purposive sample of 201 adult farmworkers with disabilities and 66 disabled children in farmworker families in six states. Results show that adult and child farmworkers experienced a wide range of disabilities. Adults most commonly experienced back problems and other musculoskeletal problems. Children most commonly experienced developmental delays. However, both groups experienced a wide range of physical, sensory and cognitive disabilities, including chronic health problems. The survey also asked about service recognition and use. While farmworkers recognized and utilized a wide range of farmworker-specific and mainstream services, they used very few disability-related services, such as vocational rehabilitation and special education. Understanding more about farmworkers' views of disability would help disability service agencies improve outreach to this population.