By Samantha Wolfe
Doug VerHoeven, a corn and soybean farmer in Allegan County, has been farming from a wheelchair for more than 45 years. Through innovation, determination and support from the Michigan AgrAbility project he has adapted his operation with a wide range of assistive technologies to continue doing the work he loves. In 2019, Doug transformed a portion of his farm into a demonstration site, showcasing the tools and modifications that make it possible for individuals with mobility challenges to remain active and successful in agriculture.
The site features a variety of adaptive equipment, including vehicle lifts, ramps, outdoor mobility vehicles, hitching systems and other practical tools designed to simplify day-to-day farming tasks. These solutions offer powerful examples of how farms can be made more accessible for people with disabilities, arthritis, aging-related changes or other physical limitations.