FarmAbility is an outdoor, farm-based programme of animal husbandry, horticulture, and seasonal tasks for adults (’co-farmers’) with autism and learning disabilities, based at FAI Farms near Wytham, Oxford. Earlier this year I was invited to photograph the activities of co-farmers, volunteers, and staff in order to illustrate the organisation’s mission of providing meaningful occupation.
The result is these photographs, which formed part of an exhibition that ran during Oxfordshire Artweeks, 20-28 May 2017. The launch event for the exhibition on 16 May was an important fund-raiser for FarmAbility, and this photobook was offered as part of the silent auction that ran that night.
FarmAbility is a fantastic project and does excellent work: working in small groups, supported by enthusiastic staff and volunteers, helps co-farmers gain a real sense of purpose and achievement, while building the practical and vocational skills they need to move forward in their lives.