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July 2025
A monthly update for AgrAbility projects and friends of AgrAbility
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The 2025 AgrAbility NTW Encore Webinar Series starts today, featuring six of the most requested sessions from the in-person NTW in Las Cruces. The first presentation is “Farming with Purpose: How the New Mexico AgrAbility Project Supports Individuals with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities through Adaptive Apprenticeship.” More
The 2026 NTW planning committee has held two planning meetings, and the committee voted on the proposals that had been submitted. However, at this point, no final decisions have been made about the location and date. More information to come.
NAP does not currently have any regional workshops planned. NAP would love to host one with your SRAP. If interested in hosting, please contact Tess tmckeel@goodwillfingerlakes.org or JoBeth jbrath@goodwillfingerlakes.org, for more information.
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National AgrAbility is willing, upon request, to provide each SRAP with up to 100 complimentary copies of AgrAbility: 30 Years of Impact if the SRAP agrees to pay for shipping. Contact jonesp@purdue.edu interested.
Next AgrAbility/North Central FRSAN webinar: "Farm Stress Peer Support Models," Wednesday, August 13 at 2:00 p.m. EDT. Look for email details coming soon.
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National AgrAbility received a Blue Ribbon Award in the 2025 ASABE Educational Aids Competition for the Plowshares Technical Report, "The Accessible Farm Shop: Usable and Efficient." Authored by Ned Stoller (NAP and Michigan AgrAbility), Shawn Ehlers (Purdue University), and Richard Brzozowski (formerly of Maine AgrAbility), other editors included Bill Field, Paul Jones, and Ed Sheldon of NAP plus Kyle Haney of Georgia AgrAbility.
Newly archived virtual events:
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With pressure sensors in its thumb, palm, and two middle fingers, the Carbonhand Grip-Strengthening Glove detects and amplifies the hand's gripping ability. As the user applies more force, the Carbonhand does likewise. Worn like a regular glove, it connects to a power unit strapped to the body. A control pad on the wrist lets one switch between three profiles (via an app) for different tasks, such as needing more support for leisure and less for household activities. Available are various glove sizes and object-carrying options to fit individual needs. In addition to commercial suppliers, U.S. veterans have been able to acquire the Carbonhand through VA medical centers.
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In May, ATLA staff attended the senior appreciation luncheon and 50+ health fair in Fairbanks, Alaska. During the health fair, staff showcased adaptive gardening for attendees and provided outreach to attendees with a booth.
Late in the month, staff presented to the Alaska State Vocational Rehabilitation Committee on AgrAbility program with lots of interest expressed.
On World Assistive Technology Day, June 4th, staff provided a virtual assistive technology expo and an open house to help raise awareness of assistive technology for agriculture/gardening.
Extension staff member Darren Snyder and forestry agent Glen Holt provided a presentation to 8-10 individuals at the southeast Alaska Master Gardener conference and provided additional outreach with a booth during the three-day event, May 16-18.
A multi-community tour entitled "Adaptive Design and Energy for Greenhouses and Produce Storage for Alaska Growers" with Scott Sanford, Professor Emeritus University of Wisconsin, was held June 22nd - 25th. The presentations for farmers/growers were offered in Fairbanks, Nenana, Healy and Talkeetna and AgrAbility was promoted.
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California AgrAbility staff are currently hosting a public health student for her practicum project. As part of her fieldwork, she has been actively engaging with agricultural communities through California AgrAbility's walking groups. More
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Florida AgrAbility provided outreach and educational activities during the 16th annual youth field day at the UF/IFAS Range Cattle Research & Education Center in Ona, Florida. This event reached over two hundred youth and adults from counties across the region and raised awareness of services for farmers with disabilities.
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Staff shared AgrAbility program information at the 27th annual The Family Cafe statewide disability conference in Orlando, Florida. Over the course of two days, the UF/IFAS exhibit reached an estimated 3,000 individuals from across the state and raised awareness of services and educational programs.
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Florida AgrAbility participated in the 97th annual Florida FFA State Convention and Expo in Orlando, Florida. An interactive spin-the-wheel quiz game attracted hundreds of youths and adult participants and created engaging opportunities for sharing agricultural safety information and education. More
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Dr. Serap Gorucu, project director of Florida AgrAbility, presented at the International Society for Agricultural Safety and Health ISASH Annual Conference, in Portland, Maine. The poster, "Understanding Disability to Promote Belonging in Youth Programming" by Dr. Vanessa Spero, highlighted professional trainings and intentional programming to involve youths and young adults with disabilities in agricultural opportunities.
| | The Georgia AgrAbility veteran liaison was able to attend the Georgia Department of Veteran Service's "Let's Connect Summit" in Savannah as part of the Governor's Suicide Prevention Task Force. The summit united military service members, veterans, their families (SMVF), and mental health professionals, to raise awareness about suicide prevention and connect to community. | | In the 2024-25 Bridging Horizons Community Service Contest, Indiana AgrAbility awarded 1st place to East Central FFA and 2nd place to Indiana Agriculture & Technology FFA for their entries. East Central FFA constructed 20 wheelchair/disabled/elderly accessible raised garden beds that were donated to area community gardens. More | | The quarterly advisory council meeting was held in mid-June. Council members heard updates from staff presentations at the National Training Workshop. | | |
Maine AgrAbility staff hosted the ISASH 2025 Conference pre-conference sessions in conjunction with AlphaOne and MaineCITE staff. The pre-conference sessions included a presentation on ME AgrAbility services, a discussion panel of four ME AgrAbility clients, and an assistive technology demonstration. More
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ME AgrAbility program staff member Brie Weisman presented to the Professional Logging Contractors of ME during their "Spring Safety" training series across the state on preventing slips, trips, and falls on the worksite and how to fall safely. Close to 600 loggers across the state learned about ME LogAbility services.
Program staff have begun work on a ME AgrAbility client-focused documentary that highlights their shift to solo lobstering from working with a crew. This client is designing a new ergonomic lobstering boat to fit his needs working on the water. More
Program Coordinator Bella Russo presented at the Maine Christmas Tree Growers Association Field Day in Cornville about AgrAbility services to 15 commercial growers during the program.
Staff member Toni Small participated in the Aquaculture Pioneers internship for ME aquaculturists, providing information about program services as well as ergonomic training.
Bella Russo presented on school garden site accessibility to school garden coordinators and educators. Information about the ME AgrAbility program was included.
Staff member Toni Small provided information on ME FishAbility services to nine attendees at the NAMI first aid mental health training sponsored by Maine Coast Fisherman's Association.
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The Michigan AgrAbility Project had a big month - all in one week! Staff worked with a long-time client to host a farm field day demonstrating AT and equipment that he has used to successfully farm 90 acres of corn and soy while using a wheelchair. More
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On June 28, staff attended a 5k fundraiser for AgrAbility in Michigan's "thumb", hosted at a local politician's farm. About 100 runners participated - and so did the weather.
Meanwhile, other staff attended a resource fair event for seasonal workers organized by the Southwest Michigan Migrant Resource Council.
The leadership team had their quarterly meeting and began strategizing for upcoming events throughout the rest of the year.
| | Missouri AgrAbility successfully obtained two contractual agreements for fee-based services to conduct onsite farmstead assessments in FY 2026. | |
On Saturday, June 14, the Versailles Rural Fire Protection District and MU Extension organized a Mennonite Safety and Health Day at the Show-Me Auction Center in Versailles, MO. Participants had the opportunity to interact with hands-on displays such as "Poison Look A-Likes," "Human vs Machine: Reaction Timer," "Grain Bin Rescue Pull," and "Grain Bin Rescue Tub" to boost their awareness and learn about prevention methods while working with grain. More
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On Monday, June 16, beginner farmers, veteran farmers, and farmers with disabilities took part in an interactive and educational workshop on low tunnels conducted by Mary Keeter from LUCE ISFOP. Attendees discovered how to use low tunnels to extend their growing season and enhance the productivity of their small-acre farms. More
MU Extension, Lincoln University Cooperative Extension (LUCE), Innovative Small Farmers' Outreach Program (ISFOP), and Show-Me Farm Safety are preparing to showcase interactive health and safety displays at the 2025 Missouri State Fair, which will take place from August 7 to 17 in Sedalia, MO.
Mary Keeter and Julia Thompson, both from LUCE ISFOP in partnership with Missouri AgrAbility at MU Extension, will conduct Urban Farming 101 workshops on the 3rd Thursday of every month starting June 19 and continuing until November 20 from 4:30 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. Attendees at the June 19th workshop discovered ergonomic practices, ergonomic tools, such as ergonomic chainsaws, and information about Missouri AgrAbility.
Farm Outreach Worker Lesa Queen attended the Brain Injury Association Quarterly Professional Coffee gathering on June 10 in Springfield. This event was an opportunity to share information about AgrAbility and ISFOP with people from Mercy Rehab, Vocational Rehabilitation, FireFly, Missouri Brain Injury Association of Missouri and Empowerability. There were 12 in attendance.
The Brain Injury Association of Missouri (BIA MO) showcases Missouri AgrAbility activities, which include a networking coffee for professionals where 45 individuals gained insight into Missouri AgrAbility. Additionally, three networking meetings were organized by the BIA-MO. More
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Angie Howell, vice president of Nebraska Easterseals, and Emily Jacobson, program manager for Nebraska AgrAbility, attended the Nebraska Farm Bureau's Making Connections Conference. The event focused on enhancing agricultural education across the state. More
The Nebraska AgrAbility team has been completing their SRAP data for National AgrAbility. They appreciate Chuck Baldwin working on this process throughout the year.
Nebraska AgrAbility recently received confirmation from the state legislature that funding for assistive technology for farmers and ranchers has been approved again. Staff are grateful to Nebraska Farm Bureau for its support, to Senator Murman for championing this bill, and to Governor Pillen for including it in his budget.
The Nebraska AgrAbility team continues to work with clients across the state, while also supporting Burton Pflueger's training in worksite assessments. Burton is a rural rehabilitation specialist. More
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NMAP is continuing to focus planning its Day on the Farm event with New Mexico DVR counselors for fall 2025.
Staff are proud that two New Mexican presenters have been invited to present for National AgrAbility webinars: the first on July 17 and the second on December 17. More
Six agricultural apprentices working with non-profit partner Mandy's Farm continue to care for a flock of ducks and rows of planted farmland and are harvesting eggs, garlic scapes, collard greens, and carrots for sale at a farmers' market that serves a rural area of Bernalillo county and a Native American reservation - Isleta Pueblo. More
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Ohio AgrAbility staff were busy in June assisting Ohio farmers and presenting at conferences about Ohio AgrAbility services.
Disability Services Coordinator Laura Akgerman joined a panel and spoke about "Independence through Agriculture" at the Innovation Series hosted by Ohio Center for Autism and Low Incidence (OCALI). She also presented Ohio AgrAbility at the Ohio Christmas Tree Growers Association's summer conference. Both were new audiences for OAP.
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County Fair season has officially kicked off in Ohio! AgrAbility staff were excited to attend the Ag-Stravaganza, a sensory-friendly agricultural show held in Pickaway County. Highlights included a Communication Board (pictured), a (toy) animal washing and grooming station, and a variety of feed and bedding samples. More
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Em Kase and Marci Walborn presented at Central Penn College to its OTA students, informing them about AgrAbility and how its services overlap with occupational therapy.
Linda Fetzer represented AgrAbility PA and the NAP at the National Amish Handicap Gathering in Reedsville, PA, on June 13 and 14. She had low-tech AT items for attendees to try and educational handouts.
Linda Fetzer chaired the ISASH Rural and Occupational Health Interest Group at its conference in Portland, ME, on June 25.
Suzanna Windon and Carolyn Henzi presented their research on "Goat and Sheep Farmers' Stress Amidst the COVID-19" at the ISASH (International Association for Agricultural Safety and Health) 2025 Conference, Portland, ME, June 23rd-25th.
| | The South Carolina AgrAbility team took essential steps to expand support for farmers with disabilities across the state. By meeting with prospective clients, the team gathered valuable insights that supported technology transfer and sparked new ideas and practical solutions to help individuals remain actively involved in agriculture. More | | |
TN AgrAbility partnered with University of TN Extension, The STAR Center, and TN Vocational Rehabilitation Services TN to work together to provide the delivery of assistive technology (AT) equipment: portable grain feeder, water tank, and an outdoor mobility device for a Loudon County veteran farming with back injuries. The AT will assist him to move chicken tractors, haul feed, and do daily chores in hilly East TN. More
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TN AgrAbility farmer and agvocate Jason Barber shared his story on two fantastic podcasts: More
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TN AgrAbility's nonprofit partner, The STAR Center's Assistive Technology team, explored the new MirrorPad Pro, thanks to Nathan Day (TN low vision). This 3-in-1 wireless desktop magnifier combines a 4K touchscreen, high-powered camera, and device connectivity, offering clarity for reading, note-taking, and presentations. More
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June 5th, Cindy and Ramzey exhibited at a booth to raise awareness on inclusion and the use of ergonomic tools to reduce injuries. City of College Station, Bryan, and Brazos County employees attended; many were in the landscaping and city parks departments.
The AgrAbility exhibits at the Brazos County Health Fair served 1,085 participants.
At the Texas A&M Fair Share held June 10th, 30 new AgriLife Extension agents across Texas were introduced to AgrAbility to educate new agents on services provided.
A QPR suicide prevention training was conducted on June 30th.
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AgrAbility of Utah held its annual advisory board meeting on June 12th in Logan, Utah, and was excited to have 15 people attend and share advice on how to make the program even more successful. Farm safety, exoskeletons, case studies, program updates, and an assistive technology demonstration were some of the sessions that were presented.
On June 19th, AgrAbility staff presented at the Utah State University Extension Sustainable Grazing Workshop in Spanish Fork, Utah. The interactive two-day conference helps farmers and ranchers learn more about sustainable grazing techniques.
AgrAbility staff presented to members of the Cache Interagency Council in Logan, UT on June 23rd.
On June 27th, AgrAbility staff set up a booth at the Roads to Independence Vendor Fair in Ogden, Utah, and was able to explain AgrAbility to many of the attendees. Roads To Independence is one of six independent living centers in Utah and is AgrAbility of Utah's non-profit partner.
| | AgrAbility Virginia continues its work supporting 46 active farmer clients, each with unique needs and goals. One of these clients is establishing a farm, and they're receiving assistance with resource navigation and farm accessibility planning through partnerships with Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education Program (SARE) and Virginia State University's Small Farm Outreach Program. | |
In June, team members Jeremy Daubert & Roberto Franco attended the Virginia Dairy Expo at the Shenandoah Valley Produce Auction in Dayton. There, they engaged with over 350 dairy professionals, farmers, and their families-raising awareness of AgrAbility Virginia's services and fostering valuable connections.
In June Director Kim Niewolny participated in a roundtable session at the 2025 Agriculture, Food, and Human Values Society annual conference in Corvallis, Oregon, highlighting AgrAbility Virginia's role, focusing on its Extension partnership, in supporting farmers and farm laborers to advance health and wellness in agriculture.
| | AgrAbility of Wisconsin distributed its quarterly digital newsletter in June. The newsletter was shared via email, posted on the AgrAbility website, and linked through the program's Facebook page to reach a broad audience. More | | |
Outreach Program Coordinator Michelle Bachand exhibited at the Wisconsin FFA Convention Expo on June 11th. The Expo is a one-day educational and recreational trade show held during the Wisconsin FFA Convention, drawing approximately 4,000 youth attendees. More
Michelle Bachand participated in the quarterly VA FARMS Advisory Council meeting in June. The council brings together stakeholders from across the state to support veterans in agriculture through collaboration and resource development. More
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As part of the Wisconsin Association of Agriculture Educators (WAAE) professional development conference, Michelle Bachand participated in the expo on June 23rd. She hosted two tables, one focused on tractor safety programs and curriculum and another featuring AgrAbility resources with an emphasis on supporting students with disabilities in supervised agricultural experiences (SAEs). More
| | On June 11, AgrAbility for Africa staff participated in the international forum "A Look Ahead: AI and Innovative Inclusive Communication" to explore the potential of Signverse's inclusive communication technology. The event focused on the use of artificial intelligence (AI) in assistive technologies and strategies for integrating these advancements into AgrAbility for Africa's client services, particularly for the deaf community across Africa. More | | |
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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