Published: October 23, 2009 07:27 pm      

Check it out: The Oklahoma Equipment Connection

Stillwater — STILLWATER — Do you have good quality farm equipment collecting dust in your barn or on your farm? Are you looking for a specialized piece of equipment for your farming operation?

If so, you are encouraged to contact the Agricultural Equipment Exchange. This new program is being offered by Oklahoma ABLE Tech’s Oklahoma Equipment Connection.

The OEC is a free “want-ad” posting of pre-owned assistive technology items and adapted equipment that are available for sale at a reduced price or have been donated and are available free of charge. Buyers contact and arrange the purchase, transfer and delivery of the item directly from the owner.

In 2008, the OEC saved Oklahomans more than $500,000 by reutilizing assistive technology.

“The OEC has been very successful in connecting people with disabilities with gently used assistive technology and we are fortunate to be able to provide this service to farmers and ranchers working in the agriculture arena,” said Sandra Stevenson, Oklahoma AgrAbility Project program manager. “We anticipate the Agricultural Equipment Exchange to become one of the first places people will look for modified tools and farm equipment.”

The type of assistive technology available will vary. Examples of the most commonly available equipment and devices include, but are not limited to, wheelchairs, seating aids and adapted vehicles. With the recent expansion of the program, agricultural items are available for exchange. Agricultural examples include tractors, feeders, tillers or tools.

To post an item on the Agricultural Equipment Exchange or to check if there is an item that could benefit you or a family member, visit the Web site at oec.okstate.edu and set up your account, or call 888-885-5588 for more information.