for Pennsylvanians 
FIELD NOTES
March 2016
AgrAbility Celebrates 25th Anniversary!
Commemorating 25 years of providing assistance to people in agriculture with a disability

The National AgrAbility Project is celebrating its 25th anniversary this year in 2016. Special events will commemorate 25 years of helping people in agriculture overcome their disabilities or long-term health condition. The goal of the project is to assist farmer and agricultural workers so they can continue to work and remain in production agriculture.

First authorized in the 1990 Farm Bill (but with funding appropriations beginning in 1991), the National AgrAbility Project began with eight state projects. The number of projects has since grown to a total of 20 this year. AgrAbility consists of the National AgrAbility Project and state/regional AgrAbility projects, such as the AgrAbility for Pennsylvanians Project . Each project involves collaboration between a land-grant university and at least one non-profit disability services organization.

AgrAbility PAfor short,  is a statewide partnership between Penn State Extension, located at Pennsylvania State University in State College, and UCP Central PA, a non-profit organization that works with individuals of all ages with all types of disabilities throughout central Pennsylvania. AgrAbility PA has been providing information and direct services to farmers and family members affected by a disability or long-term health condition since 1995.
 
"This project has undoubtedly made a positive impact and has certainly improved the lives of farmers throughout Pennsylvania for more than 20 years," said Dr. Connie Baggett, project director for AgrAbility PA and associate professor of agricultural and extension education at Penn State University.

Learn more about the 25th Anniversary.
Assistive Technology Spotlight
Many farmers are busy preparing equipment for spring cultivating and planting.

Working on farm equipment can be difficult for even the most physically fit. Add a disability and it becomes a painfully tedious task. Due to the size and design of farm equipment, mechanics are often required to climb on, over, in, and under the machine. A 
convertible creeper seat can provide assistance for individuals with mobility and joint impairments. This can also be helpful for individuals with back injuries or arthritis.  

In the "down" position this creeper looks just like a normal padded creeper. A creeper can help a farmer work under the equipment without having to crawl around. It can also provide back support and assist with mobility. The design of this specific creeper allows it to be lifted up and snap into a chair position when needed. This provides a position to work on higher areas of the equipment, a place to rest, and the ability to roll around the piece of equipment.  

Learn more from Whiteside Quality Pro Tools.
Home Modification Spotlight

There are modifications and solutions that can increase the safety and convenience of any home.

EZ Acess Modular Ramp
EZ Access Modular Ramp
More people are choosing to stay in their homes as they age. Those with a disability or long-term health conditions are constantly challenged to function more independently, and caregivers are looking for better and safer means in which to care for their clients or family members.

Some of the most common problem areas in the home are entrances, bathrooms, steps, and accessibility of items. 

To begin assessing a home, ask some of these questions:

-       Are the entryways safe and accessible?
-       Where are the most used items located in the home?
-       Are there non-slip surfaces?
-       Is there enough clear floor space for aided mobility?
-       What bathroom modifications should be made?

Stair Lift
Stair Lift
By thinking about some of these challenges now, it will allow for more time to implement any needed changes or come up with a creative solution to maintain independence in the home with safety and confidence.

Accessible Home offers some great products and solutions to mobility and daily living challenges. Browse their product catalog and learn more about home solutions from Accessible Home.

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