Beekeeping is for everyone
Michigan State University Extension provides free training and community development around beekeeping to US veterans, active-duty personnel, National Guard, and reservists across the globe. Check out more here.
Collin College student and 2013 American Honey Queen Caroline Adams used ASL to teach beekeeping to deaf people. Read all about it here.
Bees for Development is a global charity that promotes sustainable beekeeping to combat poverty, build resilient livelihoods, and benefit biodiversity. Read all about it here.
Hives for Heroes is a national military veteran non-profit that works on honey bee conservation, suicide prevention, and a healthy transition from service. Check them out here.
Bees4Vets trains military veterans and first responders living with PTSD or TBI in beekeeping for its therapeutic benefits. Beekeeping can be helpful for those suffering from PTSD and/or TBI because it teaches “mindfulness” or “staying in the moment.”
Bees4Vets is currently having a fundraiser – learn more about this and their mission here.
The mission of HIVE Uganda is to enhance livelihood and independence of blind and partially sighted people in East Africa through training on beekeeping and marketing of honey products. Read all about it here.
Check out this beekeeper with disabilities catching her first swarm!
Idaho beekeeper Randy Geile has created his own modification of Langstroth hives that allows him to practice beekeeping from his wheelchair. View his video above!
From the University of Minnesota website: “[the] Bee Veterans program provides free beekeeping education for Minnesota Veterans… Bee Veterans was founded in honor of Veteran and beekeeper Michael Roche. His strong belief in the therapeutic benefits of beekeeping for returning Veterans inspires us to provide the materials and training necessary to make beekeeping an integral part of Veterans’ lives.”
Check out the program here.