Agriculture is deeply rooted in the community — yet many families and people with a disability, particularly in rural and regional areas, remain excluded or isolated in accessing support. This presentation shares the story behind Ability Agriculture Foundation, grounded in lived experience of disability and mental health, and shaped by the realities of regional life.
Drawing on Josie’s family experience and her work across agriculture, this session explores how inclusion begins with connection. It highlights the role of community — particularly online platforms — in creating accessible, supportive spaces where individuals, families, and industry can come together to share experiences, build confidence, and open pathways into agriculture.
The presentation will reflect on the power of storytelling and lived experience in shifting perceptions, reducing stigma, and creating more welcoming environments across the sector. It will also examine the practical role of community engagement in bridging gaps between individuals, employers, and support systems, particularly where traditional services may be limited in rural areas.
Through a combination of personal story and sector insight, this presentation will demonstrate that inclusion in agriculture is not a distant goal, but something already happening through community, connection, and shared purpose. It invites attendees to consider their role in supporting a more inclusive and sustainable future for agriculture and persons in rural communities.