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AKAgrAbility
Newsletter
Director's Message
Greetings,

Welcome to the first edition of the Alaska AgrAbility (AKAgrAbility) newsletter. The AKAgrAbility program is managed by the University of Alaska Fairbanks Cooperative Extension Service and is funded nationally through the U.S. Department of Agriculture. The purpose of the program is to help bring awareness, education, technical on-site assessments and resources to help Alaskans working in an agricultural industry such as farming, fishing, or timber who may have a barrier that limits their independence. This could be due to a disability, injury or through the aging process. Extension partners with Assistive Technology of Alaska (ATLA) to help determine assistive technology that may be needed to carry out day-to-day activities necessary for employment or quality of life. No matter what the reason for the impairment, the program works to connect clients in a holistic approach. 

While it has been a difficult year due to restrictions on in-person contact, the program is working to find ways to innovate and bring resources to you. This newsletter is one such resource that we intend to provide quarterly. We will be spotlighting partner agencies, adaptive technologies, funding resources and other information to provide support to our agricultural clients. Feel free to contact me if you have questions or would like more information about becoming an AKAgrAbility client at ddyork@alaska.edu or 907-786-6330. On behalf of our team, we look forward to working with you.

Stay well,

DeShana York, Director
Bethel Garden
Ariel view of Bethel AK
Despite the difficulty of delivering direct services to clients due to COVID-19 rules, the AKAgrAbility program has been able to set up demonstration projects as outreach and marketing tools. Earlier in the summer, a couple of wheelchair-accessible growing boxes were constructed in Bethel, Alaska. Signs will soon describe the specifications and include contact information for AKAgrAbility. The placement is open to the public, so the project will hopefully not only provide information about the structure, but by the next growing season it can also be tended by someone from the community with ambulation difficulties. 

A similar project was approved recently with funding through AARP, which focuses on issues affecting those over age 50. It will include a larger display and use accessible planters and modified gardening tools. Palmer, Alaska is the venue for this AARP Community Challenge project. For more information on specifications or the building of accessible growing boxes that can be used in your program, contact the AKAgrAbility principal Investigator, Art Nash, at alnashjr@alaska.edu
Virtual State Fair
Every AgrAbility Project is a partnership between a land grant university and at least one nonprofit disability service organization
During the month of October, AgrAbility projects from 19 states will join together to participate in an AgrAbility Virtual State Fair online to provide resources and information for farmers, ranchers, and other agricultural workers who are working in production agriculture with a disability, functional limitation or health condition.

Beginning Oct. 1, “Cultivating Accessible Agriculture” will be the recurring theme as each day a different state will highlight how it supports and serves this critically important population within that state’s agricultural employment landscape. 

Connect, share, converse, and collaborate on social media to learn the latest about assistive technologies, resources, safety tips, information, and more.

Support AKAgrAbility today, Thursday, October 8th!
Managing Mental Health
Farming and ranching rank in the top 10 most stressful occupations in the U.S. based on a survey from the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health. This could be due to a plethora of reasons, but the main overarching theme is due to a lack of control. Ag workers can’t control many of the expenses, the weather, machines and more. In Alaska, it can be even more challenging, especially in the winter months when there’s limiting sunlight. This can cause ag workers to experience physical, emotional, cognitive and behavioral changes. What can ag workers do to mitigate those changes and reduce their stress?

There’s no quick-fix solution to improving your mental health. It may take some time. One or more of these tips may help you, so try a few to see what works for you. 
  • Eat right and drink plenty of water every day. 
  • Get some exercise or do some light stretching exercises.
  • Get plenty of rest. 
  • Avoid unhealthy de-stress methods such as alcohol or drugs. 
  • Take breaks from watching, reading or listening to news stories. 
  • Make time for yourself. Do activities that you enjoy and that bring you joy.
  • Connect with people. Sharing your concerns and feelings with a trusted individual can be greatly beneficial.
  • Help and listen to others. 

Reach out to a professional if you or someone you care about are feeling overwhelmed with emotions like sadness, depression, or anxiety, or feel like you want to harm yourself or others:
  • Call 911.
  • Visit the disaster Distress Helpline, call 1-800-985-5590, or text TalkWithUs to 66746.

Explore other resources for Ag Workers Managing Mental Health here: https://tinyurl.com/yxhc6u25
Partner Updates
Assistive Technology of Alaska Logo
AKAgrAbility partner Assistive Technology of Alaska (ATLA) has received a grant from the Department of Health and Social Services for a new program, TechAbility. This program provides free lifetime loans to Alaskans who are Mental Health Trust Beneficiaries. Starting in March 2020, the delivery service of the TechAbility program had to be reimagined in a very short time. In the last four months, ATLA has qualified 152 Alaskans and provided distance delivery service and equipment to 68 of those. 

To qualify for TechAbility, an Alaskan would experience and be able to self disclose they can be identified as a Mental Health beneficiary in at least one of the following populations:
  • Chronic alcoholism
  • Alzheimer’s Disease or related dementias
  • Developmental disabilities
  • Mental Illness
  • Traumatic head injury resulting in permanent brain injury


The qualified applicant would receive a call from an assistive technology specialist who would conduct a consultation to determine the assistive technology (AT) that would best meet their individual needs and can be provided through the program. Once the AT has been determined, the selected equipment is sent to the applicant. Follow-up services will also be provided to ensure best use of the AT equipment.

During the time of COVID, ATLA is meeting with individuals over distance on platforms such as Zoom. They have also partnered with local disability support agencies to provide a demonstration kit. This allows for individuals to explore a device while on a Zoom call with an ATLA specialist.
TechAbility Equipment Options
TechAbility grant funding was supported by the Alaska Mental Health Trust and provided by the Alaska Department of Health & Social Services (Grant No. C12-038-20001).
Technology Corner
set of 5 ergonomic gardening tools
The Radius Garden tools feature ergonomic handles that provide extra leverage for more power while reducing hand, arm and wrist stress. Tools made these handles include a modern trowel, transplanter, weeder, cultivator, and scooper.
Have you heard?
Our National Conference is going
Virtual this Year!
 
Now you can join our sessions, speakers, and conference activity from the comfort of your own home.
 
SAVE THE DATE
| November 18-19 |

Stay Up-to-Date with AKAgrAbility!
UAF Cooperative Extension Service (UAF-CES) and Assistive Technology of Alaska (ATLA) offices are currently closed to the public until further notice due to COVID-19 restrictions. UAF-CES offices are taking inquiries by phone or email.
Contact DeShana York, AKAgrAbilty Director ddyork@alaska.edu or 907-786-6330

UAF is an AA/EO employer and educational institution and prohibits illegal
discrimination against any individual: www.alaska.edu/nondiscrimination/.