May 2023
A monthly update for AgrAbility projects and friends of AgrAbility
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Don't miss out on the next NAP regional workshop. It will be held at the Hilton Garden Inn Indianapolis Airport, June 6-8. This workshop will focus on veterans in farming and programs to support them. NAP staff were able to extend the deadline for the hotel block to May 19th, so room reservations need to be made now. Reserve a room by clicking here. More information and the link to register for the Regional can be found on the NAP website under Training & Events.
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AgrAbility was represented again this year at the Midwest Migrant Stream Health Forum in Austin, TX. The event was sponsored by the National Center for Farm Worker Health during the last week of April. More
Kimber Nicoletti-Martinez also presented at the East Coast Migrant Stream Forum in Orlando, FL, during the first week of April. Kimber hosted the AgrAbility display and conducted a breakout session titled, "Strategies to increase access to mental health services in farm worker communities in post-COVID era."
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NAP sponsored an exhibit at the 2023 American Occupational Therapy Association Conference. Many thanks to Marty Cotterman for providing the Life Essentials accessible tractor and to him, Karen Funkenbusch of Missouri AgrAbility, and Ellis Vidmar of Colorado AgrAbility for staffing the display. |
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Supporting the full body from beneath, the Zeen Sit-Stand Walker is designed to allow one to stand and walk at his/her natural pace or to sit but still using legs/feet for locomotion. It also has a leverage mechanism that can raise the user from seated to standing position. Other features of this mobility device include: coasting/parking brake, foam swiveling seat, retractable seatbelt, adjustable lift-assist, armrests with seat-height adjustment, footrests, rear caster-wheel locks, rear storage rack, and rear push handles.
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The Alaska AgrAbility team, like many state projects, is gearing up to visit clients and perform on-site assessments throughout the state through the summer months. In addition to that, a robust calendar of outreach events is being scheduled for the next four months, ranging from cultural festivals to farmers markets and fairs around the state.
Project non-profit partner Assistive Technology of Alaska (ATLA), personnel attended the Anchorage Home Show during April in Anchorage and provided information regarding their programs and AKAgrAbility resources.
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Jim Craig, Colorado AgrAbility rural rehabilitation specialist, presented at the VA Health Administration National Conference in February. This year's conference was titled "Health Services Research & Development ADAPT" (Accelerate Discovery and Practice Transformation). More
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Ellis Vidmar, program coordinator, represented the National AgrAbility Project in partnership with Life Lyfts at the 2023 American Occupational Therapy Association Annual Conference and Expo. "It was a great networking opportunity for me personally, and for the National Project," Vidmar said. |
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Candiss Leathers, program manager, visited The Coffee Break Project in Rocky Ford, CO. She met Hannah Bates, agricultural outreach coordinator, and several individuals attending the project. More
The Colorado AgrAbility project is hiring a rural rehabilitation specialist! The rural rehabilitation specialist coordinates AgrAbility program activities for farmers and ranchers located in rural Colorado ... More
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Florida AgrAbility attended Florida 4-H Day at the Capitol on April 19 where there were over 1,000 attendees.
This year, CILNCF (Center for Independent Living North Central Florida) chose Florida AgrAbility to be the recipient of the generous donations received from The Amazing Give event, a community-based giving day hosted by the Community Foundation of North Central Florida (CFNCF). More
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The FL AgrAbility case coordinator conducted initial key informant interviews with five other states having active AgrAbility programs. A poster was presented by AgrAbility student interns on preliminary results at the University of Florida. |
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Six of Georgia's AgrAbility staff members attended an American Heart Association Heartsaver First Aid Course on April 20th. The course prepares participants to provide first aid in medical emergencies, injury emergencies, and environmental emergencies. More
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Georgia AgrAbility had a board meeting on April 25th. The board meeting was very exciting because staff were able to share with them the news of NTW! The board had some great ideas for farm tours and other things that make conferences special in Georgia |
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The Meet at the Shed Program is continuing to offer workshops for men to come and fellowship with each other. On April 22nd, another wood carving class was held in which the participants made a Lil' Abner boot and learned new carving techniques. More
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GA AgrAbility has many clients and farmers around the state struggling to find workers for their farming operations. agrileadHER (a Southern Region FRSAN/SAgE project) hosted a webinar about the H2A program and what farmers need to know who are considering using it. More
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Indiana AgrAbility and Easterseals Crossroads held an Agricultural Assistive Technology Expo in mid-April. It was a beautiful day at Purdue's Beck Center where vocational rehabilitation professionals, occupational and physical therapists, extension educators, and college students majoring in occupational therapy, as well as representatives from AgrAbility projects from surrounding states (Wisconsin, Illinois, Michigan, Ohio, and Kentucky) immersed themselves in learning about farming with disabilities. More
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Indiana AgrAbility in partnership with the LIFE Project presented and exhibited at the Gary, IN, Black Loam Workshop April 15, 2023. Approximately 70 people, the vast majority being BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, People of Color), attended the in-person event. More
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The job description for the Maine AgrAbility coordinator has been posted! Please contact anne.martin1@maine.edu if you know of anyone that might be interested in the position.
Staff continued outreach to vocational rehabilitation offices throughout Maine and, as part of a $5k grant, are putting together an assistive technology wish list.
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Staff provided ergonomic and work safety training to employees at Wyman's Blueberry farm facility.
Additionally, Maine AgrAbility continued promoting ergonomics for loggers and presented to over 600 loggers throughout Maine during April in an effort to reduce back pain and improve efficiency during work.
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Staff and a University of Southern Maine PhD OT student conducted 36 interviews to collect data about the utility of the "Managing Pain on the Farm: A tool for farmers" developed by Maine AgrAbility staff for agricultural workers. Maine AgrAbility's OT student also participated in the National Seaweed Symposium, talking to 23 folks about working on the water safely and sustainably. |
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Six Michigan State University students partnered with Michigan AgrAbility for their mechanical engineering design senior capstone project titled "Tractor Manlift Analysis." Pictured (L to R) are Kevin Upcott, Jacob Huskin, Nick Lauinger, Alexandra Iorga, Connor Anderson, and Wade Varney.
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Emily Doosing and Karen Funkenbusch co-authored "Save your Brain: Equipping Agriculture Teachers with Resources to Promote Brain Injury Prevention" featured in (2023, March/April), The Agricultural Education Magazine, Volume 95 (Issue 5), pages 12-14. The article can be read HERE. |
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April 10 - 14, Missouri AgrAbility co-hosted a successful Armed to Farm Sustainable Agriculture Training for military veterans in partnership with the Center for Appropriate Technology (NCAT) and Veterans Urban Farm in Columbia, Missouri. The week-long training featured daily farm tours and hands-on activities at a variety of successful farms. More
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During the month of April, staff members from Missouri AgrAbility, the Farm and Ranch Stress Assistance Network, and statewide partners worked together to develop the "2023 Mental Health Awareness Month Promotional Toolkit". The Mental Health Toolkit can be accessed HERE. |
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Karen Funkenbusch, Missouri AgrAbility, had a great time demonstrating and discussing the Life Essentials accessible tractor lift with Ellis Vidmar of Colorado AgrAbility and Marty Cotterman of LifeLyfts by Life Essentials, at the National AgrAbility display during AOTA Inspire 2023 in Kansas City, Missouri. More
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Three members of the Lincoln University Missouri ISFOP accompanied the University of Missouri Extension team assisting with the NCAT ATTRA Armed to Farm program in Columbia, MO, April 10th-14th. Veterans training to transition from the military to farming toured farms and saw presentations, including a demonstration on soil health and the Jessup Wagon.
Missouri AgrAbility was featured on the Brain Injury Association of Missouri exhibit at the Missouri Assistive Technology Power Up Conference on April 3 and 4. Approximately 450 professionals from across Missouri participated in this conference that features services and assistance for individuals with various disabilities. More
Missouri AgrAbility was also featured at the KeeleyLife Health Fair on April 19. This company-sponsored event educated construction related professionals who live throughout Eastern and Central Missouri about Missouri AgrAbility.
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Nebraska AgrAbility staff and team members have been featured at conferences and training events focused on agricultural safety. |
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Emily Jacobson presented ATV safety during Youth Safety Days in Boone and Nance counties. She reports that students were engaged in the subject and had excellent questions. More
Emily Jacobson and John Davis have been busy working on client visits. John continues to provide support as Nebraska continues the search for a candidate to fill the open rural rehabilitation specialist position.
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Aaron (photo left) presented at the 2023 Center for Great Plains Studies Conference on April 19. He also provided education at several training events in March focused on grain handling safety.
Nebraska AgrAbility hosted the annual Nebraska AgrAbility Advisory Council meeting on April 5 in Kearney. More
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AgrAbility team members met with leadership at the NM Farm & Ranch Heritage Museum in Las Cruces to explore options for the creation of an AgrAbility-focused exhibit at the museum, telling the personal stories of how the AgrAbility project has affected the lives of people in New Mexico, the work the partners in this project do in this space, and the opportunities the project provides for the farming community in general and farmers affected by limitations in specific. |
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AgrAbility posters were presented at the American Occupational Therapy Association National Conference related to work that fieldwork students Barrett Harding and Celia Gianella completed in their summer 2022 rotations. The posters were presented by another team member as the OT students have transplanted to their next fieldwork sites and jobs. |
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Training opportunities: NC AgrAbility provided training in "Preventing Injuries and the Use of Ergonomic Tools" to Benevolence Farm on April 12 and to the NC Apprenticeship Program on April 24. More
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NC AgrAbility is in the process of recording some marketing and educational videos with our North Carolinian farmers. On April 18 and 19 two farmers from the west and two from the east were filmed at their farms. |
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NC AgrAbility participated at the 2023 NC Farmworker Institute on April 20. The event is a gathering of agencies, organizations, and activists dedicated to advancing the lives of farmworkers and their families. More
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Iredell Garden Fair April 29. NC AgrAbility participated as an exhibitor reaching out to gardeners, master gardeners, and farmers. Approximately 150 participants attended the event, and a self-referral for direct services came out of the educational efforts.
At the Annual Union County Transition Fair on April 20, NC AgrAbility participated as an exhibitor for the morning COMMUNITY RESOURCES SESSION and the EC PARENT AWARENESS NIGHT SESSION "Embracing Transition: Preparing for Your Child's Future." More
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Ohio AgrAbility staff made new contacts, flew a drone, and picked up great ideas for a lending library and an AT wish list when they attended the Indiana AgrAbility AT Expo. Rural Rehabilitation Coordinator Rachel Jarman demonstrated her drone flying prowess and speculated on how drones could benefit Ohio farmers with disabilities. More
Allyson Whitaker, OTD candidate/graduate from Kettering College, completed her capstone project with Ohio AgrAbility - "Continuing Education for Healthcare Professionals: Addressing the Needs of Workers in the Commercial Agriculture Industry". OAP staff are reviewing this project and will work with Allyson to create resources from it to share with AgrAbility colleagues, and health care personnel.
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Spring has sprung in Pennsylvania, which equated to temperature swings, periods of rain, and lots of activity across the commonwealth for farmers as planting season began.
The AgrAbility PA staff held a spring meeting with its advisory board. Staff reported project updates that included responses and results from farmer/customer surveys, educational and networking activities, and outreach and marketing happenings. This meeting offered an opportunity for both reflection and fruitful follow-ups for staff to carry forward.
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Abbie Spackman attended the Pennsylvania Rehabilitation Association's Professional Development Institute. She spoke about, and exhibited information on, AgrAbility services and agricultural assistive technology. More
Project Director Dr. Suzanna Windon and Project Graduate Assistant Carolyn Henzi delivered a presentation, "Farmers' Stress During the COVID-19 Pandemic," which included information on and for farmers and agricultural workers connected to AgrAbility PA. The research was presented at the 2023 Association of International Agricultural and Extension Education, April 26-29 in Guelph, Canada.
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Funding is often a topic on the table when talking with farmers that have a disability or long-term health condition - but paying for or acquiring assistive technology can present some challenges. More
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This month, the South Carolina AgrAbility team will hold an advisory meeting to bring together those who want to see the South Carolina AgrAbility team succeed in bringing services to the state.
The SC team will host a workshop in July with some participants from the National AgrAbility office and some from the LIFE Project. SC staff hope to describe AgrAbility and how they can offer services to the participating farmers in the area. More
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The Emergency Management Association of Tennessee (EMAT) welcomed over 500 first responders and healthcare professionals to Knoxville, TN, for their 37th annual conference in April. TN AgrAbility partnered with TN Farm Bureau and the TN Association of Rescue Squads... More
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Over 150 attended the 2023 TN Farm Bureau Women's Leadership Conference held at the TN Farm Bureau Expo Center in Lebanon, TN, recently. TN AgrAbility's educational exhibit on small tools was geared toward those with back and chronic diseases... More
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The first session of the West TN New Farmer Academy began in April with 60 participants. The first session serves as an overview of the partners who serve the agriculture industry in Tennessee. More
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TN AgrAbility staff had the honor of being introduced to the Stewart Creek FFA's Ag Issues Forum Team at the FFA State Convention. The team placed 2nd in the nation in 2022 on the topic of "ADA in the Ag Industry." More
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Texas AgrAbility's online course for occupational therapists was part of a presentation at the AOTA conference in Kansas City. Two OT doctoral students worked with Texas AgrAbility to develop a course for OTs working with farmers and ranchers. Read more about their experience and the work they have done HERE. |
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Texas AgrAbility launched a new online course for migrant and seasonal farmworkers. The course is designed to educate service providers of farmworkers on how to identify challenges and improve services for farmworkers with disabilities and chronic health conditions. View the FREE course HERE.
Texas AgrAbility, in partnership with AgriSafe Network, hosted a "QPR Suicide Prevention for Farm Families" training on May 4th. The virtual training was taught by Cene Cleaton, Texas AgrAbility's Total Farmer Health coach, and Tara Haskins with AgriSafe Network.
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AgrAbility of Utah staff set up a display booth and were excited to meet with and explain AgrAbility to many of the 1,200 FFA students who attended the Next Step Expo in Logan, UT, on April 25. The Expo focused on education and career options and was held in conjunction with the State Career Development Events Contest on the campus of Utah State University.
On April 24, AgrAbility staff presented to members of the Cache Interagency Council in Logan, UT.
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During the month of April, the Virginia AgrAbility team presented on AgrAbility for two undergraduate classes of about 20 students at Virginia Tech, providing information about the program and farming with a disability, illness, or injury, and answering students' questions.
Staff also partnered with a group home for people with developmental and physical disabilities to assist a house member in designing and planning a raised bed garden.
Staff participated in the Virginia State University Small Farm Outreach Program staff retreat and made plans to attend upcoming meetings of the Southern Region Farm and Ranch Stress Assistance Network (FRSAN).
Staff also took on three new farmer cases, including one farmer who lost his arm in a motor vehicle accident.
AgrAbility Virginia also hosted its bi-annual advisory group meeting, with 17 attendees including 9 members from the team, 7 of 8 advisory group members, and 1 invited guest. Staff provided programmatic updates and advisory group members engaged in discussions about how to grow the program. Advisory group members include VR professionals, healthcare and rural health professionals, farmers, educators, and others.
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Spring has arrived in Washington, and April was spent preparing for more events to attend and visiting with new clients.
The Washington team met with several DVR vocational rehabilitation counselors this month and discussed how to serve and support each other. Staff hope to continue and grow this relationship in the future.
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Emily Whittier tabled at the 12th Annual Columbia Gorge Invasive Species and Exotic Pest Workshop in Stevenson, WA, and displayed several AT items for attendees to try out.
Emily Whittier also tabled at the first annual Goldendale Spring Mini-Fair and Agriculture Awareness Day in Goldendale, WA.
Debbie Fredricks attended an open house at The Guardian Ranch, whose owners attended the NTW (National Training Workshop), and had a wonderful time.
Debbie also attended a Veterans Relief Fund meeting and met with Thurston County Extension office and the Lewis County Farm Bureau to discuss AgrAbility partnerships.
The co-coordinator team is working on developing stretching posters that represent Washington's agricultural communities. Thank you to Maine AgrAbility for the inspiration and advice at the NTW!
Alyssa Wade is continuing to work with her client in SE Washington. Debbie Fredricks met with a rancher recently who is looking to become a client. And Deb Eidsness and Debbie Fredricks are continuing to work with existing clients as well.
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AgrAbility of Wisconsin wrapped up a busy event season by hosting its 2023 AgrAbility of Wisconsin Summit this past April 6 in Tomah, WI. Over 45 attendees learned about veteran farmer resources, soil health testing, and strategic farm business planning at this day-long networking event. More
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In order to enhance inclusion in agriculture, access to rehabilitation-care, and assistive technologies across Africa, the staff of AgrAbility for Africa will be holding an inaugural annual AgrAbility for Africa training workshop June 5th and 6th, 2023. More
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Dr. Mark Riley, former PI and current advisor for Nebraska AgrAbility, was inducted as a fellow of the Institute of Biological Engineering – University of Nebraska-Lincoln during the IBE Annual Conference on April 15. Congratulations! |
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Texas AgrAbility welcomes Cene Cleaton to the team. Cene is a mental health nurse that will assist Texas AgrAbility with training on mental health and wellness for farmers and ranchers. She has been trained as a Total Farmer Health coach and is QPR certified. She is a military veteran spouse, and her family owns and operates a market garden and nursery in Kempner, Texas. She brings a wealth of knowledge to our project, and we are excited to have Cene join our team! |
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Click titles below for news stories featuring AgrAbility projects.
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Click titles below for other news of interest to AgrAbility staff members.
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