July 2023
A monthly update for AgrAbility projects and friends of AgrAbility
|
|
The next NAP regional workshop, "Mālama the Farmer, Caring for Yourself and Each Other," is taking place at the Grand Naniloa Hotel in Hawai'i, October 17-18. This workshop is being planned in conjunction with and supported by the Western Regional Agricultural Stress Assistance Program and the University of Hawai'i, and will focus on behavioral health resources, assistive technology, preventing injury, and business planning. Reserve a hotel room by clicking on the hotel name above. Registration is open. More information and the registration link are available on the NAP website under Training and Events, or click here.
The 2024 NTW will be held in Georgia. The planning committee has reviewed the proposals from hotels and have narrowed the hotel list and are finalizing contract details. More information about the NTW will be out soon. Anyone interested in joining the NTW planning committee should send an email to Tess at [email protected]. |
|
Steve Swain and Lisa Becker presented on June 7th at the AgrAbility regional workshop focused on veterans in farming in Indianapolis. Topics included the assessment process, the Toolbox (online), and the loan library. Specific items were demonstrated, and specific examples of assessments were discussed. |
|
Paul Jones gave a presentation on accessible gardening and provided an exhibit at the 2023 International Master Gardeners Conference in Kansas City on June 19-21. Approximately 1,100 people participated in the conference, which included a wide variety of sessions and tours, including one of urban farms engaged in production agriculture. |
|
A Loader-Mounted Grab Handle helps one with limited leg strength more easily access the seats of certain John Deere or Kubota sub-compact tractors(See websites for listing of specific tractor and loader models). Made of steel, the product is coated with textured bed-liner material. It can be affixed on the left or right side (mounting hardware included), and requires no modifications to either tractor or loader.
|
|
Colorado AgrAbility Program Coordinator Ellis Vidmar attended an event, "Apps with AgWell," with Rocky Mountain Farmers Union's (RMFU) non-profit project, AgWell. The event was hosted at a local brewery, and RMFU purchased appetizers for anyone who worked in agriculture. More
Colorado AgrAbility's behavioral health specialist, Chad Reznicek, partnered with AgWell to host workshops at the state 4-H convention that took place at CSU campus June 20-22. Three workshops were offered on the topic "Stronger together. Learn how to better support your friends and family experiencing mental health challenges and hard times." More
|
|
During the month of June, the Florida AgrAbility staff conducted and participated in several different forms of outreach.
On June 8th, staff members of the Florida AgrAbility project held an educational webinar "Disability - It's Not What You Think." The webinar discussed terminology for and in support of the disability community. More
Following this webinar, on June 10th AgrAbility staff members presented at the 25th Family Café in Orlando. The Family Café exists to provide individuals with disabilities and their families with an opportunity for collaboration, advocacy, friendship, and empowerment... More
|
|
Florida AgrAbility attended the 14th Annual Youth Field Day in Ona, Florida (June 29). The event was attended by a total of 213 youth and their parents.
From June 19th to the 23rd, the Florida AgrAbility case coordinator staffed a booth at the 2023 Florida Cattlemen's Association in Marco Island. This event brings in several hundred farmers, ranchers, and those working in the agriculture field. Florida AgrAbility made key connections with people in the industry and contacted 75 people.
|
|
FL AgrAbility Evaluation Director David Diehl presented a poster presentation during the International Society for Agricultural Safety and Health Conference in Tampa, FL (June 18-21, 2023). The poster was on "AgrAbility State Project Interviews: What Have We Learned?". |
|
Veteran outreach continues to be a focus for the GA AgrAbility team. Two "Mental Health First Aid for Military, Veterans, and their Families" courses were conducted resulting in 10 new Mental Health First Aiders. More
|
|
Staff attended the International Farm Transition Network Conference on June 22nd. The International Farm Transition Network is a network of service providers from different professional backgrounds working to assist farm businesses with their successful transition to an identified successor(s). More
|
|
Linda Tarr and Lisa Becker staffed a booth with INDATA (Indiana's AT Act Program) at the Indiana Rural Health Association Annual Conference at French Lick Resort and Conference Center June 13-14. Over 600 individuals involved in rural health services attended the conference. |
|
Several Indiana AgrAbility staff, advisors, and consultants staffed a booth at Horse Progress Days at the Michiana Events Center in Shipshewana on June 30 & July 1. There were over 30,000 attendees and there was a lot of interest in AgrAbility services. |
|
Michigan AgrAbility staff are continuing to work with their farmers throughout the irrigation and summer season. |
|
Missouri AgrAbility marketing, networking, and assisting client farmers and their families' activities during June 2023 included:
Liz Harrison and Tina Edholm, both of health and human sciences educators at the University of Missouri Extension, attended the Columbia Center for Urban Agriculture (CCUA) Field Day on Sunday, June 25th. More
|
|
What's the buzz? Missouri AgrAbility and its stakeholders provided two in-person hands-on accessible beekeeping programs for rural and urban farmers with disabilities and their dependents. Veteran volunteer Eric Work was on-hand to assist John Fuller, Travis Harper, Joni Harper, Amy Patillo, and Patrick Byers, all from the University of Missouri Extension. |
|
MU Extension field and campus faculty attended the 3rd Annual Veterans Resource Fair hosted by the CCUA with sponsorship from the Wounded Warrior Project. This FREE event featured local employers looking to recruit, community resources, social organizations, Extension programs, and activity groups for veterans and their families. More
Jenna Korff is wrapping up her internship with Missouri AgrAbility at the University of Missouri Extension. A student at the University of Missouri in Columbia, Jenna is working toward a degree in health sciences with an emphasis in rehabilitation science, and minoring in human development and family science. More
Susan Jaster, Missouri AgrAbility outreach coordinator with Lincoln University Cooperative Extension Innovative Small Farmers' Outreach Program, had an article, "Jesup Wagon 2.0 Strengthens Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion for Missouri Farmers and Ranchers," published in the July 2023 Association of Extension Administrators (AEA) Extension Today.
Missouri AgrAbility marketing and networking activities during June 2023 included: More
- Sponsorship recognition at the BIA-MO Survivor and Family Seminar
- An exhibit during the Missouri Rehabilitation Association Conference
- Being a featured sponsor at the Brain Injury Association of Missouri One-Day Regional Camps
- Missouri AgrAbility being discussed during the BIA-MO Networking Coffee for Professionals on June 20
- The sharing of Missouri AgrAbility information with 14 individuals receiving BIA-MO community resource services for the first time.
|
|
Due to a lack of available funding support, the Nebraska AgrAbility team advocated for legislative funding for assistive technology for farmers and ranchers with disabilities. With the support of the Nebraska Farm Bureau, a bill was drafted and presented to the state legislature. More
|
|
NMAP partners NMTAP and UNM have been collaborating to create a curriculum to allow NM rehab professionals to 3D print assistive technology. NMTAP beta-tested the instructional materials and made a smartphone magnification stand: Smartphone Magnification Stand - Makers Making Change
To improve community awareness of NM AgrAbility, the farm site evaluator and UNM faculty will speak at the New Mexico Occupational Therapy Association conference in August and the Conference on Aging in September. If possible, a NM farmer with a success story will co-present.
NMAP project partner Mandy's Farm is proceeding with training for seven farm apprentices that includes farm visits and providing mentorship and education on transplanting, germinating, mulching, and more to over 40 children with Nature Niños, an outdoor education group based in Albuquerque.
Mandy's Farm has installed improved accessible surfaces in farm/garden spaces from April 2023 - June 2023. They have installed over 850 square feet of accessible farm/garden surface, with a total of 1,500 square feet planned to be installed this year.
|
|
On June 1, 2023, NC AgrAbility volunteered at the Boots on the Ground training for veterans in agriculture organized by Veterans Employment Base Camp and Organic Garden together with the University of Mt. Olive! Twenty-five veterans attended the event. |
|
On June 15 at the NC A&T SU Small Farm Field Day, NC AgrAbility participated as a poster presenter, exhibitor, and attendee. The poster presentation was titled "Behavioral Change as a Key to Reducing Injuries in The Ag Workplace." More
NC AgrAbility attended the Western Central NC Association of County Agricultural Agents State Conference on June 21 to present AgrAbility to participants at the different sessions to increase networking and promote referrals.
|
|
Ohio AgrAbility Disability Services Coordinator Laura Akgerman exhibited at the National Amish Handicap Gathering in Berlin, Ohio, June 2 - 3. The event was attended by over 300 people from across the Midwest and South. More
Ohio AgrAbility materials and resources were displayed at "Spinal Cord Injury Research, Care and Community at OSU: Tradition, Community and Outlook," a symposium featuring research, advocacy, and information about spinal cord injury, held at OSU June 30. The event was a great opportunity for networking and sharing information about Ohio AgrAbility services.
|
|
It's sum, sum, summertime! The corn is more than knee high across the state and farmers have settled into the season. The AgrAbility PA team has focused on behind-the-scenes client services - working with a wide range of new clients, farm types, and disabilities. More
|
|
AgrAbility PA staff members have been out and about across the state:
- Linda Fetzer presented ag safety strategies for farm visits
- Kendra Martin presented to farmers, who were mostly veterans, at Rodale Institute's annual summer training program for veterans in agriculture. More
AgrAbility PA pulled together a new handout to use for outreach and education with farmers - A Guide to High-Tech AT on the Farm. Take a look at the PDF here.
|
|
The PA team also created new banners to use when exhibiting at outreach events. The farmer silhouettes stand about 5ft. tall and feature a male and female with an open-ended question. More
|
|
STAR Center's statewide assistive technology (AT) team is dedicated experts who revolutionize accessibility and empowerment through cutting-edge assistive technology. From innovative devices to personalized solutions, they are there to empower individuals with disabilities and unlock new possibilities. More
|
|
Memphis Botanical Gardens welcomed 21 service providers, therapists, teachers, and others involved in therapeutic programming to the Horticultural Therapy Workshop: Healing through Horticultural Therapy, June 8-9. More
Staff are constantly amazed at the servant hearts of Stephanie and Michael Trost, TN AgrAbility farmers with Frontline Gardens, who keep spreading hope and purpose with one raised garden bed at a time. (Read more about them HERE.) More
|
|
STAR Center and TN AgrAbility teamed up to introduce assistive technology tools to 31 Tennessee State University occupational therapy students. Only one out of 31 students had any agriculture background. More
|
|
Congratulations to Charley Jordan, TN AgrAbility farmer veteran. He was elected in June as the new director at large for the American Horticulture Therapy Association (AHTA). Charley continues to keep expanding his therapeutic horticulture activities through his flower workshops... More
Supporting farmers and rural communities is a true passion of those who have a sincere interest in a vibrant agriculture economy. Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) and Question Persuade Refer (QPR) courses are specifically designed for rural community members. More
|
|
Makenzie Thomas presented at the first Texas Technology Access Program's assistive technology conference, "Viva La Vida with AT!" The presentation, "Farming with Assistive Technology," included a demonstration of assistive hand tools and assistive technology options for farmers with disabilities. Vocational Rehabilitation counselors and individuals with disabilities throughout the state were in attendance.
Texas AgrAbility attended the Discover Extension Share Fair and promoted Texas AgrAbility services and programs to 25 new Extension agents and specialists.
Cheryl Grenwelge and Ellie Gandara Castillo provided 41 occupational therapy students with training on assistive technology in the agricultural workplace. Students were able to learn about AgrAbility services, explore assistive technology for farming occupations, and examine client case stories and examples.
Texas AgrAbility Total Farmer Health Coach Cene Cleaton delivered "QPR for Agriculture Communities" training to six agriculture agency personnel and veteran farmers and ranchers.
|
|
Program Coordinator Randall Bagley attended the NAP regional workshop in Indianapolis on June 6-8 and learned how to better serve the veterans in Utah. Thanks to NAP and Indiana AgrAbility staff for arranging such a wonderful and informative workshop.
AgrAbility of Utah staff attended the 17th Annual Governor's Native American Summit in Orem, UT, on June 23 and networked with others to better serve the Native Americans in the state. Utah is home to eight distinct tribal nations and has over 33,000 Native Americans.
On June 26, AgrAbility staff was able to present to 21 members of the Cache Interagency Council in Logan, UT.
AgrAbility of Utah staff set up a booth and display at the Urban and Small Farms Field Day in Kaysville, Utah, on June 28 and visited with many of the 120 attendees. The event was sponsored by Utah State University Extension and Western SARE. Tours focused on fruit, vegetable, and cut flower research along with weed management and irrigation techniques.
|
|
AgrAbility Virginia is currently working with 29 open farmer client cases at various levels of engagement and need, including an amputee farmer in Floyd County with whom staff is looking into securing adaptive technology clutches for his vehicles in collaboration with the Virginia Department for Aging and Rehabilitation Services and Easterseals UCP.
Staff attended and tabled at the Virginia Dairy Expo on July 14th.
AgrAbility Virginia is updating its display in the (VSU) Mobile Agriculture Education Unit to increase engagement and visibility of their program.
|
|
Summer is here and the Washington AgrAbility team is gearing up to reach thousands of people through Washington State’s beautiful warm-weather events!
Alyssa Wade, Washington AgrAbility co-coordinator, attended a crop tour in Ritzville on June 2nd, where she displayed a table with AgrAbility and farm stress information to a crowd of dryland wheat farmers.
Alyssa Wade also attended field days at the WSU (Washington State University) Lind Dryland Research Station in Lind, WA, on June 15th and at the Wilke Research and Extension Farm in Davenport, WA, on June 29th. More
Emily Whittier, Washington AgrAbility co-coordinator, tabled at the White Salmon Farmers Market on June 27th. It was a fantastic opportunity, and staff look forward to tabling at more farmers markets.
Emily Whittier also presented on June 29th at the 2023 WSU Variety Trials in Bickleton, WA. The presentation expanded on the AgrAbility overview and showed attendees how to navigate the National AgrAbility Toolbox. More
Emily Whittier met with Underwood Conservation District on June 22 to discuss the district’s farm tool library and a potential partnership with the assistive technology lending library maintained by WSU and Washington AgrAbility.
Don McMoran, Washington AgrAbility program director, has been busy helping plan the Western Region AgrAbility meeting in Hilo, Hawaii, in October. He is excited to help arrange such a fabulous conference and tour, and hopes there will be a large attendance.
Debbie Fredricks, Washington AgrAbility co-coordinator, has also had a busy month. She met with the Pacific County Extension office to share more about AgrAbility with them and set up plans to table together at their fair. More
Debbie also watched a presentation titled Queer Farming: A Lived Experience, through the AgriSafe Learning Lab in an effort to be informed and prepared for all farmers that may contact the Washington team for assistance.
Debbie went on a farm visit in Port Angeles and is continuing to help her clients.
Deb Eidsness, Washington AgrAbility co-coordinator, is industrious as ever with six current home visits and more pending. She is preparing for fairs and is heavily involved with the 4-H and FFA youth in her area.
Washington AgrAbility team is looking forward to the upcoming fair season and the staff have been working on engagement strategies for all the upcoming outreach opportunities.
|
|
Thanks to all who attended the AgrAbility for Africa training workshop in Entebbe, Uganda. Staff hope that everyone had an enjoyable and educational time. AgrAbility for Africa looks forward to continued participation in the 2024 event. Staff continue to welcome thoughts and suggestions that will help improve the 2024 workshop. More
|
|
The Colorado AgrAbility Project is excited to welcome Ashley Buchanan, M. A. Ed/SPE, M. Ext. Ed.! Ashley serves as a Rural Rehabilitation Specialist with our non-profit partner, Goodwill of Colorado! Prior to joining the project, Ashley worked with the Division of Vocational Rehabilitation as both a VR counselor and business outreach specialist. More
|
|
TN AgrAbility Says Farewell to Tara Janssen, assistive technology specialist with The STAR Center, TN AgrAbility's non-profit partner, who took a position with Ohio Veterans Administration in June. Her passion lies with serving veterans, working with those with physical impairments, and integrating technology into the lives of farmers with disabilities through STAR's partnership with the TN AgrAbility Project. Tennessee's loss is Ohio's gain! |
|
Megan (Azopardi) Peveto graduated from Texas A&M in 2018 with a Bachelor of Science degree in agricultural leadership and development. Being the spouse of an army veteran has driven her passion for working with military populations. She started working for AgriLife Extension in 2021 and has worked in several educational and training capacities. Megan has supported individuals with disabilities through post-secondary education and training programs as a mentor. Megan will be assisting Texas AgrAbility and BattleGround to Breaking Ground by coordinating educational events and programs, assisting with client case management, and providing support for program development. |
|
Click titles below for news stories featuring AgrAbility projects.
|
|
Click titles below for other news of interest to AgrAbility staff members.
..... .....Rural Telehealth - Part 1 of 2
...... ....Episode 22 • 1st July 2023 • AgriSafe Talking Total Farmer Health • AgriSafe
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
