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September 2024
A monthly update for AgrAbility projects and friends of AgrAbility
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NTW Updates
- Staff from Goodwill have visited the Hotel Encanto and New Mexico Farm and Ranch Heritage Museum (where most sessions will be held) and are excited for the opportunity that this new format holds. More
- Rooms can be reserved now at the Hotel Encanto via this link: 2503AGRABI. The federal per diem rates will potentially be changing on October 1st, so if you make your reservations before then, you should be able to lock in the $107 rate. More
- There are only two accessible rooms at the Hotel Encanto. Staff are working on blocking more at nearby hotels. More
- Submit proposals for presentations and posters November 4. More
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Time is running out to register for the next regional workshop, which will be held in Guam, October 29-31. Rooms have been blocked at Hyatt Regency Guam at a rate of $159 per night plus taxes/fees. More
NAP would love to host a Regional Workshop with you. If you think that you might be interested, please contact Tess tmckeel@goodwillfingerlakes.org or JoBeth jbrath@goodwillfingerlakes.org, for more information.
NAP's Advisory Team has one rotating spot for a SRAP staff member and one for a farmer/rancher. For 2024-25, the SRAP staff member is Serap Gorucu from Florida AgrAbility, and the farmer/rancher couple is Mike and Sheila Koepke from Montana.
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Next AgrAbility NTW Encore Webinar: "Creating Reliable Plans for DIY Assistive Technology," Wednesday, September 25, 3:00 p.m. EDT. Presenters are Ned Stoller from Michigan AgrAbility and Jeff Kratochwill from AgrAbility of Wisconsin. More
Many thanks to AgrAbility in Georgia for representing NAP and AgrAbility at the 2024 Amputee Coalition Annual Conference in Atlanta. See more in the Georgia section.
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Steve Etheridge, NAP's vocational rehabilitation consultant, and Chuck Baldwin, underserved populations outreach coordinator, staffed an AgrAbility exhibit at the National Amish Amputee Gathering in Shipshewana, IN, August 31. It was held at an Amish home in a nice outbuilding made for gatherings, weddings, and various reunions. More
Newly archived virtual events:
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The LapStacker Retractable Wheelchair-Carry System is designed to allow the user to secure many types, shapes, and sizes of objects on his/her lap. Affixed to the chair's left and right front vertical frame, the system includes tensioned straps, retractors (that house the straps), brackets/clamps (that hold retractors to frame), and magnetic buckles (that fasten straps together). To operate, one pulls the straps from the retractors, brings them toward each other over the item(s), and joins the magnetized buckles together. When the buckles are unhooked, the straps retract back into their housings.
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The Colorado AgrAbility Project has had a busy summer! Ashley Buchanan, CAP's rural rehabilitation specialist, is back from maternity leave and has met with 20 clients and opened 9 new cases in the last three months. More
CAP's behavioral health specialists have been busy providing trainings and support for mental health across rural Colorado. Jim Kummerle, eastern region behavioral health specialist, received funding from the Boetcher Foundation to create an eastern Colorado strategic plan to address behavioral health workforce shortages; More
Colorado AgrAbility CSU campus-based faculty Melissa Fenton, Ph.D., and Paula Yuma, Ph.D., recently completed a comprehensive needs assessment with over 300 rural-serving behavioral health providers. This assessment included a survey and three focus groups aimed at understanding the specific needs and challenges faced by these professionals. More
Check out the 2023-24 AgrAbility Behavioral Health Impact Report to learn more about CAP's behavioral health work, funded by the CO State Legislature.
Finally, Colorado AgrAbility is still searching for a program supervisor. Please share the job posting with networks: AgrAbility Program Supervisor | Opportunities (ultipro.com).
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The Florida AgrAbility case coordinator co-presented “Accessible Beekeeping” at the 2024 UF/IFAS Summer Bee College in Panama City. Attendees learned about the AgrAbility program, modifications to make their apiaries more accessible, and new technologies available to them to improve their beekeeping operation.
Florida AgrAbility team members attended the 2024 Extension Professional Associations of Florida (EPAF) Conference in Daytona Beach to continue fostering the relationship between AgrAbility and state extension agents. More
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Georgia AgrAbility was able to represent National AgrAbility at the 2024 Amputee Coalition National Conference held in Atlanta, GA from August 7-9. It was a wonderful conference to let people know about AgrAbility services and connect with other organizations who were exhibiting at the conference. More
AgrAbility staff trained 20 professionals in Mental Health First Aid on August 7. The attendees were from a variety of agencies serving rural communities in northeast Georgia.
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Chuck Baldwin spoke and exhibited Saturday, August 17, at the Indiana Amish Handicap [sic] Gathering in Monroe, IN. At least 200 Amish, all of them impacted personally or through family members, came to share, encourage, and learn how to better cope with the effects of disability. More
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Indiana AgrAbility staffed a display in the Indiana FFA Pavilion for the entire 2024 Indiana State Fair, August 2-18. The booth featured assistive technology examples, including an accessible tractor supplied by LifeLyfts, and staff were also able to participate in Ability Awareness Day, which was sponsored by subcontracting partner Easterseals Crossroads on Sunday, August 4.
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Maine Project Coordinator Bella Russo and OT Brie Weisman offered an ergonomics training for logging students at Kennebec Valley Community College. Two groups of students attended and discussed the ergonomics of logging equipment, strategies for injury prevention, and learned about the LogAbility program.
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Potato Research Day was held in Fort Kent, ME, mid-August. The day was an opportunity for Extension staff to communicate with industry partners and farmers about their advancements in potato research. The AgrAbility program coordinator had the opportunity to address farmers at the event and share information.
ME Extension livestock and small business specialists partnered with AgrAbility for a seminar on livestock farming in Maine. AgrAbility staff presented information on the program with farmer attendees from the mid-coast area.
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The monthly Extension meetup scheduling poll was sent out recently to those who expressed interest. If you have not yet, but would like to be on the list, please reach out to Samantha at wolfesa4@msu.edu.
Michigan AgrAbility staff tabled at the AgroExpo in St. Johns, MI, in mid-August where they met several potential clients and attended grain bin and manure pit safety demonstrations with the National Education Center for Agricultural Safety (NECAS). More
On the other end of the scale of agriculture and agribusiness, Extension staff also contributed to the Northern Michigan Small Farm Conference (NMSFC). Different components of the conference took place at various farms across northwest lower Michigan,... More
Staff shared information about AgrAbility with the Michigan Beekeeper's Association office hours through MSU Extension.
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Michigan AgrAbility hosted a demonstration and vendor table at the first Farm Bureau Safety Summit on Friday, August 23. Farmers and first responders at the summit learned how to respond to emergencies on logging operations and farms and how AgrAbility can help in the long-term recovery of agricultural workers who have injuries and disabilities.
AgrAbility will sponsor a fall project with the mechanical engineering capstone course, and the team looks forward to working with the students on the design, which will be practical and replicable at a low cost to support farmers with back and lower extremity impairments so they can continue producing low-growing fruits and vegetables.
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Missouri AgrAbility partnered with Show-Me Farm Safety committee to showcase health, safety, and well-being interactive hands-on props at the annual state fair in Sedalia. 345,643 visitors attended the state fair, which was held August 8-18. More | |
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Emily Doosing with 4-H hosted a mock show in collaboration with TJ Swift's Honest Imagination Day Habilitation Center in Alton, MO, and Stock Show Stars out of Arkansas. This mock show provided 4-H members an opportunity to practice safe showmanship while sharing their knowledge with individuals with disabilities. More
Mackenzie Bevins with the University of Missouri occupational therapy program completed her doctoral capstone project with MO AgrAbility in August. Her time as an occupational therapy student has helped her recognize the importance of client-centered, evidence-based practice. More
Mary Keeter demonstrated the Jesup Wagon 2.0 at the Missouri Institute on Minority Aging conference August 26th-27th, sharing information on ergonomic tools and stress prevention.
Utilization of the Brain Injury Resource Kits with Missouri AgrAbility marketing is expanding. The Rehabilitation Institute of St. Louis's new rehab hospital in Charles County is providing the Brain Injury Resource Kits with a Living with Brain Injury book, caregivers guide, Brain Injury Recovery Step by Step brochure, and Missouri AgrAbility Diary for Hope free of charge for Missouri AgrAbility clients.
Future farmers and ranchers learned about the prevention of concussions and other brain injuries at the St. Louis Cardinals Redbird Rookies Health Fair at Busch Stadium on August 10.
Maureen Cunningham, BIA-MO executive director and Missouri AgrAbility co-PI, participated in the St. Louis VA Mental Health Summit on August 16.
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Nebraska AgrAbility had a strong presence during "Older Nebraskans Day" at the Nebraska State Fair. The booth was in the Raising Nebraska Building, and the team had many opportunities to engage with fairgoers. More
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Emily Jacobson attended Becknology Days in Goehner, Nebraska. Emily shares that she learned about Beck Hybrids and had the opportunity to visit with their organization to share information about AgrAbility and about getting program information to their customers.
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Emily has been working with Nebraska AgrAbility advisory member Jay Ferris on the legislative bill to continue funding assistive technology for farmers and ranchers. Jay is a member of the Nebraska Farm Bureau. More
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The NMAP team continues to look forward to the 2025 NTW in beautiful Las Cruces, NM. Staff hope to incorporate the stories of NM farmers and ranchers as well as beautiful agricultural locations in New Mexico.
NMAP hopes to let the community know about its invaluable farm site evaluations at three events in the fall: September - NM Falls Coalition Event and NM OT Association Conference; October - Los Lunas Farm Fest: and November - Conference on Aging.
Seven farm apprentices continue to learn farm techniques at the NM AgrAbility Albuquerque farm sites and partner organic farms in the community. Summer monsoons are starting to reduce the hot summer temperatures at the farm sites.
Two level II occupational therapy students started their 12-week rotations September 9.
NM team members are diligently planning details for the "a day on the farm event" for NM DVR workers in the fall.
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North Carolina (affiliate) | |
The North Carolina Assistive Technology Program is sponsoring the 2024 NC AT Expo "Breaking Boundaries, Empowering Lives" on October 3. Registration is free and open to the public. More | |
The Ohio AgrAbility team had a productive August, participating in various outreach events. One highlight was their presence at Farm Days, hosted by the Center of Science and Industry (COSI) in Columbus from August 9th to 14th. More | |
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The OAP staff introduced a new educational resource: OAP Coloring Pages. These vibrant illustrations depict farm and garden scenes, providing children with a fun and engaging way to learn about farming while incorporating information about disability-inclusive practices. More
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The OAP team continues to actively engage with the community by attending inclusive livestock shows across the state. These events provide valuable opportunities to connect with county development disability staff and initiate discussions about potential partnerships in education and workforce development. More
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The PA team has been at many events these past weeks to educate attendees and fellow exhibitors about AgrAbility PA and services. Ag Progress Days was a great opportunity to meet with others in the community and discuss all that AgrAbility does and has to offer.
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While attending the Rodale Institute Field Day event, Marci Walborn was interviewed by the Pennsylvania Department of Labor and Industry about AgrAbility PA initiatives and how others can partner with us.
Abbie Spackman provided an AgrAbility PA presentation to Pennsylvania's Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRSC) staff during a statewide conference call. The presentation focused on how NRCS staff can make referrals to AgrAbility or share AgrAbility resources while doing fieldwork.
Suzanna Windon delivered the "Managing Stress on the Farm" program to urban youth in Harrisburg, PA, as part of their summer community stewardship project. In addition to learning how to lead a community gardening initiative, participants were introduced to the AgrAbility PA program and discussed stress factors in agriculture, including common work-related injuries.
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Greg Shaw and Abbie Spackman worked together to shoot and produce an "Assistive Technology How-To" video series. Each episode focuses on a different piece of AT equipment and how it can be used. Episodes have been being released weekly on AgrAbility PA social media sites.
While attending the Rodale Institute Field Day event, Marci Walborn was interviewed by the Pennsylvania Department of Labor and Industry about AgrAbility PA initiatives and how others can partner with us.
Abbie Spackman provided an AgrAbility PA presentation to Pennsylvania's Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRSC) staff during a statewide conference call. The presentation focused on how NRCS staff can make referrals to AgrAbility or share AgrAbility resources while doing fieldwork.
Suzanna Windon delivered the "Managing Stress on the Farm" program to urban youth in Harrisburg, PA, as part of their summer community stewardship project. In addition to learning how to lead a community gardening initiative, participants were introduced to the AgrAbility PA program and discussed stress factors in agriculture, including common work-related injuries.
Greg Shaw and Abbie Spackman worked together to shoot and produce an "Assistive Technology How-To" video series. Each episode focuses on a different piece of AT equipment and how it can be used. Episodes have been being released weekly on AgrAbility PA social media sites.
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Some TN AgrAbility farmers are beekeepers and build their apiaries for honey production as well as mental and physical well-being. The Heroes to Hives alumni map was established to assist with finding local honey bee needs: honey, bees, candles, skin care products and so much more: Heroes to Hives Alumni Business Map
TN AgrAbility exhibited at the annual UTIA Steak and Potatoes Field Day. TNAP staff interacted with producers and land managers at the Plateau AgResearch and Education Center in Crossville to get the latest research updates and best practices from UT AgResearch and UT Extension experts. More
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TN AgrAbility staff, partnering with Farmer Veteran Coalition TN, attended the Summer 2024 VetFest. The day was spent networking and learning about all the Veteran services available.
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A Giles County, TN, AgrAbility farmer with mobility issues received his new mobility device, UTV cake box, and feed bin to assist in finishing out fall/winter calves. Assistive technology equipment was purchased through TN Vocational Rehabilitation Services with farm assessment by TN AgrAbility and STAR Center staff.
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Texas AgrAbility began August with a dynamic presence at the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension State Conference. This event offered the team valuable continuing education and a chance to connect with fellow Extension programs and agents.
Later in the month, staff also participated in the Texas A&M Beef Cattle Short Course. This annual event is a key opportunity for staff to stay updated on the latest developments in the cattle industry and enhance knowledge to better serve clients. Staff eagerly anticipate these events each year for the insights and connections they provide.
In July, Texas AgrAbility was delighted to welcome OT intern Kara Smallegan to the team. Kara quickly immersed herself in her work, participating in a variety of events throughout her time in Texas. More
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AgrAbility of Utah staff set up a table at the Stockmanship and Stewardship Conference in Richfield, Utah, on Aug. 23-24th and visited with many ranchers from central Utah. Classes included "Beef Quality Assurance," "Nutrient Cycling in Grazing Systems," "Animal Health and Technology," and live cattle handling demonstrations.
On Aug. 24th, AgrAbility staff set up a table at the Utah Assistive Technology Program's 35th Anniversary Fair in Logan, Utah, and were able to interact with many of the attendees. Events included a wheelchair obstacle course, art activities, assistive gaming and more. UATP's mission is to put assistive technology into the hands of people who need it.
AgrAbility staff presented to members of the Cache Interagency Council in Logan, UT, on August 26th.
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August was a whirlwind of activity and engagement for AgrAbility Virginia! The team took center stage at several high-profile events, starting with the National Urban Agriculture Conference in Detroit, where more than 700 people participated via in-person and online.
Staff also made a big splash at the MEU Rockingham County Fair in Harrisburg, VA, an event drawing in over 700 people, and at the VSU College of Agriculture Field Day at Randolph Farm, where staff were in front of more than 600 attendees. More
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The Washington State AgrAbility grant terms on September 30th, 2024. Washington State would like to thank everyone for allowing the team to administer the AgrAbility program in Washington for the past five years. More
Staff look forward to the Western Region AgrAbility meeting in Guam.
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AgrAbility of Wisconsin (AAW) staff exhibited at Farm Technology Days from August 13-15. Farm Technology Days is an annual event that showcases the latest advancements in farming technology and practices with nearly 50,000 people attending over the three days this year. More
AgrAbility of Wisconsin Outreach Program Coordinator Michelle Bachand created a video titled "AgrAbility of Wisconsin: Cultivating Accessible Agriculture" that is geared towards beginning farmers for the Extension Farm Management video series "Getting Started with your Food or Farm Business". More
AgrAbility of Wisconsin Intern Julianne Renner has created a series of Facebook posts that introduce and highlight each of the AAW staff. Check out #GetToKnowAgrAbilityWI!
AgrAbility of Wisconsin is thrilled to announce the launch of its newly redesigned website! The goal with this new design is to create a user-friendly and accessible browsing experience for all. More
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AgrAbility for Africa staff have been working with plastics recycling organizations to design and produce the first set of assistive technologies from recycled plastic waste from Lake Victoria. Production of assistive technologies started with walking sticks and outdoor pit-latrine sanitation stools made from plastic - all low-tech assistive technologies - and the results were great. More
On the 28th of August, the AgrAbility staff joined the Global Ghost Gear Initiative webinar series "Let's Talk Ghost Gear" to promote inclusion in programs and activities by sharing Africa regional experiences and initiatives to inspire and enhance connections and collaborations. It is hoped that these actions will increase accessibility and wellbeing for persons with disabilities in isolated islands and rural Africa.
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Texas AgrAbility extends its warmest congratulations to our program manager, Makenzie Thomas, on the arrival of her baby boy. Our entire team is thrilled for Makenzie and her family and sends heartfelt best wishes during this joyous time. We eagerly anticipate her return and look forward to celebrating this wonderful new addition together. | |
A special thanks to Washington State AgrAbility Co-Coordinators Deb Eidsness, Debbie Fredricks and Cheryl Reese, Grant Coordinator Beth Meenaghan, Spanish Translator Gracia Puerto, and Marketing Specialist Allen Bush. | |
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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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