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March 2026
A monthly update for AgrAbility projects and friends of AgrAbility
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The NTW is next week!!
- Put together your state raffle basket. These have been a hit. Put together a basket with items from your state or any theme that you would like and let's see whose basket gets the most tickets.
- Bring auction items. Don't forget to bring those auction items. Let Tess know if you are bringing an auction item, so we have an idea of how much room we need to set up. If you need to ship an item, the information is below. Also, please fill out the auction form and bring it with your item.
- Bring a snack to share in the Hospitality Suite. We love to have items specific to your state to snack on in the hospitality suite. If you are bringing something to share, let us know so that we know what to plan for.
- Tours. If you are going on a tour, please remember to dress for the weather, as some stops will be outside.
- Shipping. Please click here for details on when and where to ship items.
- GET READY TO GROW PROFESSIONALLY AND HAVE SOME FUN!!
- If you have any questions about the NTW, contact Tess at tmckeel@goodwillfingerlakes.org.
The AgrAbility Marketing & Media Community of Interest is scheduled to meet at the NTW on Tuesday, March 17 in the Crystal room (lower level) after the last breakout ends at 5:00 p.m. Feel free to join the discussion whether or not you've participated in this group before.
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A beta version for an upgrade of The Toolbox Assistive Technology Database has been developed. Look for an invitation to become a beta tester after the NTW.
NAP requested that SRAP staff members complete a short, anonymous web survey on their perception and use of AI (artificial intelligence). The deadline is Wednesday, March 11; contact jonesp@purdue.edu if you have any questions.
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NAP is printing several client story handouts and is reprinting the postcard for The Toolbox and its veteran services rack card. If interested in ordering any, contact jonesp@purdue.edu by this Thursday, March 12.
Newly archived virtual events:
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A Strap-on Kneeler Seat (equipped with high-density cushions) is designed to support one's back, shoulders, and neck as well as relieves knee pressure when engaged in work or activity that requires prolonged kneeling. The device will reportedly bear the weight of an adult, is designed to be simple to affix and remove, allows one to move about without removing and re-attaching, and is foldable for storage and portability.
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Florida AgrAbility's webinar "Removing Barriers, Building Hives: Accessible Beekeeping" featured nonprofit founder and accessibility advocate Justin Ruger who shared how adaptive strategies and emerging technology are expanding independence in the apiary. More
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Georgia Farm Again staff exhibited at the Georgia Wildlife Federation's spring Hunting and Fishing Expo in Perry, Georgia. Along with promoting AgrAbility, they also promoted the UTV road safety program. The event was attended by 8,500 people.
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Georgia AgrAbility attended the AgrAbility regional workshop in Arkansas. They have a new team member from the Shepherd Center on their project, so it was wonderful for her to learn how AgrAbility worksite assessments are conducted from the expert, Ned Stoller!
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Georgia AgrAbility joined Georgia Vocational Rehabilitation Agency to exhibit an accessible tractor and off-road mobility chair at the state capitol during GVRA's Day at the Capital. A Georgia AgrAbility client allowed staff to take his tractor that was fitted with a lift, hand controls, automatic hitch, and a camera system to the capitol... More
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Illinois AgrAbility hosted an exhibition booth at the Illinois Farm Bureau Annual Meeting in Chicago, connecting with approximately 400 attendees. Staff shared information on program services, assistive technology, and farm safety resources, strengthening outreach and partnerships within the agricultural community. More
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On February 6, Indiana AgrAbility headed back to Shipshewana, Indiana, for the Northern Indiana Grazing Conference at the Michiana Event Center. This annual event celebrates sustainable agriculture, bringing together farmers and experts to explore topics such as management-intensive rotational grazing, the certified organic movement, grass-only dairying, and innovative livestock management. More
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On February 17, the Vincennes University ABT Club and Collegiate Farm Bureau welcomed Indiana AgrAbility and the Easterseals Crossroads INDATA Project for an exciting assistive technology (AT) Expo. Nearly 100 students, farmers, and professionals participated in hands-on demonstrations and interactive experiences that highlighted how AgrAbility empowers farmers and those who support them. More
| | ME FishAbility staff member Toni Small hosted the Strong Bodies workshop (2/26) at Bowdoin Schiller Center for Coastal Studies sponsored by Maine SeaGrant and Maine Aquaculture Innovation Center. Attendees learned how to remain physically strong in fishing and aquaculture work environments. Attendees left with copies of the ME FishAbility program's "Yoga for Fishermen" poster. | | |
The team tabled at the Great Lakes Regional Dairy Conference and the Michigan Pork Producers Association annual symposium.
Andrea Garza visited nearly 30 H-2A workers to discuss arthritis, ergonomics, and health and safety during farm work in the greenhouse.
Bev Berens attended the Michigan Farm Bureau Young Farmers Conference.
Samantha Wolfe completed Self-Management Resource Center leader training and was certified to teach the Chronic Disease Self-Management Program.
Apart from this outreach, the Michigan team has been working on host committee logistics for the NTW and is looking forward to seeing everyone soon.
MSU Extension created a short video with Ned Stoller during last year's field day with Doug VerHoeven, now available on YouTube. https://youtu.be/4lY7vOA_J34?si=tgvee482IlTH0ekK
| | In February, the AgrAbility programs within 4-H included 3 active initiatives conducted over 8 sessions, totaling 17.5 direct contact hours and 102 direct participant contacts. More | | |
MU Extension's state and field specialists delivered two interactive, hands-on educational programs tailored to production agriculture. The learning goals of these programs were to improve competencies for assisting individuals with disabilities and preventing secondary injuries among AgrAbility customers. More
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Networking opportunities were expanded by involving the MO AgrAbility Ambassador Advisory Committee, which presented at workshops and worked with MU Extension to develop educational materials and short videos on specific AgrAbility-related topics. More
Karen Funkenbusch, the MO AgrAbility project director, along with David Middleton, MO AgrAbility level II onsite farmstead assessor, and volunteer consultant Kirk Funkenbusch, all part of Missouri AgrAbility, conducted direct onsite farmstead contractual service agreements with eligible AgrAbility Customers.
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Missouri AgrAbility continues its partnership with the Heroes to Hives program in Missouri to offer an accessible beekeeping initiative for veteran beekeepers and their dependents. This beekeeping program addresses the challenges faced by veteran producers with disabilities... More
Missouri AgrAbility was highlighted as a resource for rural Missouri families at the following educational programs: More
Maureen Cunningham, executive director with the Brain Injury Association of Missouri (BIA-MO), attended online marketing activities of the Ozark Area Crisis in Training Teams (OACIT), Missouri Coalition for Activity and Nutrition (MOCAN), and Laclede County Resource Coalition to share information about Missouri AgrAbility and BIA-MO.
Extension agent Mary Keeter shared AgrAbility details at the Annual Jefferson County Agriculture Conference in Hillsboro, MO, on February 21, with around 200 farmers present.
Extension agents Mary Keeter and Susan Jaster provided AgrAbility information at the George Washington Carver Day celebration conference on February 24, where about 100 participants attended the session.
Extension agents Mary Keeter, Job Green, and Bryan De Valdivia showcased a variety of equipment from the Jesup Wagon to attendees at the George Washington Carver Days dinner event on the evening of February 24.
Extension agent Lesa Queen presented AgrAbility materials at the Greenfield City Garden Spring Gardening Classes on February 19.
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NMAP's non-profit partner, Mandy's Farm, welcomed back six farm apprentices for their second year of sewing, cultivating and harvesting knowledge on how to raise plants and livestock (goats and ducks). The apprentices have been planting crops based on sales requests from local grocery stores, food processors, and restaurants.
Two population health capstone students started a rotation with NMAP's non-profit partner, Mandy's Farm, under the academic supervision of UNM professor Mary Thelander to learn about the population health needs of farmers, ranchers, and those with I/DD, interested in agriculture and to experience the rigorous profession through work at the farm site.
NMAP is actively recruiting advisory council members so that it has an active and engaged advisory board.
Team member Mary Thelander spoke to 20 middle school students from Taos, NM, about the benefits of adaptive equipment for farmers and ranchers on February 27.
NMAP team members are excited to attend the 2025 National Training Workshop - see you there!
NMAP Program Manager Julie LaJeunesse will speak at the DVR county agency training at the Corona Range and Livestock Research Training with NMSU Extension animal sciences & natural resources department on March 23-24.
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Ohio AgrAbility was featured in a news story and article from WOSU. Farmer Len Vonderhaar, AgrAbility staff member Rachel Jarman, Dee Jepsen, and Laura Akgerman were interviewed for the story. More
The West Virgina Small Farms Conference offered an opportunity for outreach and collaboration in a neighboring state. Disability Services Coordinator Laura Akgerman joined Joe Ricker from NAP and Faith Hokanson from West Virginia Assistive Technology System (WVATS) to present on "AgrAbility - Assisting Those with Disabilities" to veterans on Friday. More
Ohio AgrAbility received a generous donation from the OSU chapter of Alpha Gamma Rho. AGR held a charity steer show and donated the proceeds to OAP. AGR makes annual donations to OAP from its fundraisers, and their support and thoughtfulness is always very appreciated.
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Justin and Linda staffed the AgrAbility exhibit at the 2026 Keystone Farm Show in York, PA. Haze was present for Veteran's Appreciation Day at the 2026 PA Farm Show.
Justin staffed the ag safety and AgrAbility exhibit at the 2026 Crop Grower Expo in Manheim, PA, and 2026 Crop Conference in Lebanon, PA.
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Staff members Haze and Mistique had an AgrAbility PA presence at the 2026 PASA Conference in Lancaster, PA.
Marci Walborn attended the 2026 ATIA conference to increase knowledge around assistive technology and enhancing services for individuals with disabilities.
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After years of barriers and muddy paths, a sheep farmer in Hawkins County has wheelchair-accessible gravel and concrete pathways on her farm. Thank you for support from TN Vocational Rehabilitation and the TN AgrAbility team.
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TN AgrAbility exhibited at the 2026 Ladies Raising Livestock Conference which was held February 19-20 in Greeneville at the Clyde Austin 4-H Center. Dr. Shelli Rampold, TN AgrAbility PI, presented on mitigating farm disaster risk so farmers can keep doing what they love. More
Visual impairment affects an estimated 2.2 billion people worldwide - nearly one in three individuals - according to the World Health Organization. Ranging from low vision to complete blindness, vision loss remains a significant global health challenge. More
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Sow 2 Grow is a summer program that helps teens with disabilities build confidence, teamwork, and workplace-appropriate social skills through hands-on gardening. Offered at UT Gardens Knoxville, a partner with TN AgrAbility, the program provides a supportive, engaging environment focused on growth and independence. More
Join TN AgrAbility's "Amplifying AgrAbility: Digital Stories of Assistive Technology" session at the 2026 National Training Workshop (NTW). Here is a promotional video with Jason and "Daisy" (ChatGPT) on https://youtu.be/73_9L-qrWBU?si=aEdwr8FkC5UM0hoR.
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AgrAbility collaborated with the Brazos Valley Disability Conference and Resource Fair Saturday, February 28th. It was a collaboration between local family groups who support families with children with disabilities, organizations and agencies that serve them, school districts, rehabilitative care, and the Center on Disability and Development (CDD) at Texas A&M University. More
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AgrAbility of Utah staff was excited to attend and set up a booth at the Cache County Crop School in Logan, UT, on February 4. The event was sponsored by USU Extension and was attended by over 120 farmers and ranchers.
On February4, AgrAbility staff set up a vendor booth at the Northern Utah Conservation Fair in Logan, UT. Over 90 people attended from Cache and Rich Counties.
AgrAbility staff set up a booth and were able to visit with many of the 200 plus people that attended the Soil Health in the West Conference in St. George, UT, on February11th and 12th. The Soil Health in the West Conference is a biannual event that is sponsored by Utah Soil Health Partnership.
On February24, the AgrAbility staff was able to present to 32 members of the Cache Interagency Council in Logan, UT.
The AgrAbility staff presented at the Northern Utah Commercial Vegetable Conference in Brigham City, Utah, on February26th. The event was sponsored by Utah State University Extension.
| | AgrAbility Virginia supported 48 active farmer clients over the past month, each presenting unique needs and levels of engagement. The team continued collaboration with Easterseals PORT Health, the Virginia Department for Aging and Rehabilitative Services (DARS), the VSU Small Farm Outreach Program, and Virginia Cooperative Extension to secure funding and technical assistance for several clients. | |
Community outreach remained a top priority as represented by the team's attendance at the 2026 Virginia No-Till Conference at the Rockingham Fairgrounds and Virginia Small Farm Conference, further expanding program visibility and strengthening regional partnerships.
| | AgrAbility for Africa staff are working to widen the logistical reach of village health teams (VHTs) to reduce the victimization of mothers and children with disabilities through community education and mental health support delivered via peer groups to stop falsehoods linking congenital disabilities to spiritual curses or so-called moral "failings." More | | |
Click titles below for news stories featuring AgrAbility projects.
| | Click titles below for other news of interest to AgrAbility staff members. | | | | |
