May 2024
A monthly update for AgrAbility projects and friends of AgrAbility
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Farm Bill update: both the Senate and the House agriculture committees have included continuation of the AgrAbility in their initial drafts of the new Farm Bill. The House version also recommends increased funding for the program. More
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Registration is open for the regional workshop/assistive technology professional training in Ann Arbor, MI, July 16-18. This workshop is provided in conjunction with MI AgrAbility and will focus on assistive technology and preparing for the RESNA Assistive Technology Professional (ATP) exam. Registration is limited to 50 people, so please register early to guarantee your spot. Registration will be open through Tuesday, July 9th or until space is filled. More
NAP is also planning a regional workshop in Guam for October 2024. More information should be coming out in a couple of months.
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AgrAbility was represented at the 32nd Annual Midwest Stream Forum for Agricultural Worker Health held in Albuquerque, NM, April 16-18. Kimber Nicoletti-Martinez and Esmerelda Mandujano gave the presentation "Effective Collaborations for Addressing Mental Health Needs of Migratory and Seasonal Agricultural Worker Populations" and staffed an AgrAbility display. |
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Congratulations to Broderick Peters who won the $25 gift card for filling out the NTW evaluation survey! Thank you to all who filled out the evaluation. Your input helps continually improve the NTW. |
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A few of the wonderful comments NAP has received from farmers attending this year's NTW in Atlanta:
- North Dakota - "I can't thank you and your team enough for the incredible experience at the AgrAbility National Training Workshop. It's a community that it feels so wonderful to belong to that we didn't even know existed. Truly, a life-changing trip, albeit shorter than we had planned. Thank you all for your patience as we navigated our journey to Atlanta after/during the blizzard. I am SO glad we stayed determined to attend!" More
Newly archived virtual events:
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A dual-keyboard UbiDuo Communication Device is designed to allow deaf or hard-of-hearing users to communicate with anyone face-to-face in real time. Several models are available: the UbiDuo 3 allows users to type messages back and forth with others (in both wireless and wired versions), while the UbiDuo 3 Text to Speech 1 and the UbiDuo 3 Text to Speech 2 convert typed text into audible speech. |
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California AgrAbility had the pleasure of attending the Midwest Stream Farm Forum for Agricultural Worker Health in Albuquerque, New Mexico. The 32nd annual conference, hosted by the National Center for Farmworker Health, featured sessions on clinical topics, health outreach, health equity, social determinants of health, and much more. More
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The Center for Independent Living (CIL) of Broward/Gulf Coast committed more than $100,000 to Florida AgrAbility to assist farmers with infrastructure repair, financial loss, and other miscellaneous damages occurred on the farms due to 2022 category 5 Hurricane Ian that caused an estimated $1 billion in agricultural-production losses. More
Florida AgrAbility was nominated by the UF/IFAS Extension Dean's group for the National Team Excellence in Extension Award, and the award application was submitted in April.
Vanessa Spero presented at the 2024 Association for International Agricultural and Extension Education (AIAEE) Conference in Orlando, FL, on April 23. Her presentation was "Best Practices for Working with People with Disabilities in the Agricultural Sectors."
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UGA Farm Again hosted a tractor operator and safety workshop for new and beginning farmers on April 27th. The morning session included an overview of tractor controls, operating practices, and safety presentations led by Dr. Glen Rains, a co-director of Georgia AgrAbility and Georgia's farm safety Extension specialist. More
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Georgia AgrAbility hosted a webinar on April 29th taught by Dr. Therese Willkomm. The topic of the webinar was "Making, Mounting, and Modifying in Minutes." Attendees were able to get a first-hand look at many different solutions that can be made very quickly for clients that they are working with. More
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At Ease Orchard partnered with AgrAbility, Purdue, and Heroes to Hives provided bees and Beekeeping supplies to over 20 veterans, first responders, and their family members to begin their journey in beekeeping. The partnered organizations will continue to support them through monthly virtual bee club meetings to help them succeed. |
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Maine AgrAbility staff connected with the Merrymeeting Food Council group to present a safe movement and ergonomics workshop to beginning and new farmers. Staff presented about joint mobility, compressive forces, and posture and offered helpful information on moving safely in farming work. More
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AgrAbility staff presented at the Professional Logging Contractors' safety training day in Strong, ME. Three sessions were held throughout the day. More
The Maine Occupational Therapy Association held its spring conference. AgrAbility staff worked a display table. AgrAbility staff discussed the program with other occupational therapists in attendance as a resource for their clients.
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Maine AgrAbility staff have participated in youth tractor safety classes in Kennebec County, ME. AgrAbility staff demonstrated ROPS and seatbelt safety to participants with models. More
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AgrAbility staff tabled at the annual Franklin County, ME, Fiddlehead Festival. Staff connected with other community groups and members, including NRCS, regarding AgrAbility services. |
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The proceeds from the annual AGR Beef Preview Show at Michigan State University were donated to AgrAbility staff members Bev Berens and Denise Durkee on April 11. The total sum was over $34,000, the largest amount ever raised by the fraternity to benefit AgrAbility.
Michigan State University's mechanical engineering capstone students presented their portable swarm trap lifter design at Design Day on April 19. The portable design can lift a trap from three to seven feet and costs under $400 to build. The team wrote step-by-step instructions that will be published online and made available to other beekeepers in the future.
Extension Educator Samantha Wolfe spoke with WTVB on "Delaney in the Morning's Extension Update" and provided an overview of AgrAbility and common assistive technology solutions in agriculture.
AgrAbility staff also continue to work with clients on their farms and is preparing for the upcoming regional training workshop in July.
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Missouri AgrAbility's, "Taking agriculture to new heights: Using drones to help Missouri farmers with disabilities overcome barriers and improve efficiency" video, produced by MU Extension, Lincoln University Cooperative Extension Innovative Small Farmers' Outreach Program (LUCE ISFOP) and Poole Communications, was launched and published on Facebook: and YouTube.
Missouri AgrAbility exhibited at the Power Up Missouri Assistive Technology (MoAT) Conference & Expo April 8 - April 9, in Columbia, Missouri. The Power Up 2024 agenda, sessions and handouts, sponsors, presenters, keynote, exhibitors, and general information is at https://at.mo.gov/power-up-conference/.
4-H received grant money through the Missouri Afterschool Network to host 4-H Clown College. This initiative is about positive mental health palatably woven into a clown-themed day camp to reach 75 youth from underserved communities who are at an increased risk for experiencing mental health challenges.
This month's 4-H Save Your Brain Ambassadors' meeting provided training to eight 4-H Save Your Brain Ambassadors who championed destigmatizing mental health in their schools and communities. Ambassadors assisted with 4-H Clown College. More
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ISFOP Farm Outreach Worker Izula Maximillen hosted a soil health workshop for 38 beginner farmers and farmer apprentices at Sankara Farm in Kansas City. LUCE's Dr. Tunsisa Hurisso presented on "Digging Deep: Uncover the Secrets of the Soil with Quantitative Measures" while ISFOP's Mary Keeter presented... More
Missouri AgrAbility featured two brain injury-related sessions at the NTW. Staff partnered with internationally known researcher Dr. Brick Johnstone for a session on "Improving Vocational Outcomes for Persons with TBI." More
Dr. Jill Dougherty with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) shared data about brain injury in rural communities throughout the United States. The CDC provides valuable data about the prevalence and causes of brain injury.
Marketing of Missouri AgrAbility continued at the BIA-MO Survivor and Family Seminars in southwest (March 23) and western Missouri (April 20). Nearly 150 AgrAbility clients became aware of assistance available through the Missouri AgrAbility and BIA-MO partnership. More
Staff exhibited at the KeeleyLife Health Fair on April 24 and raised awareness among construction workers, many of whom are veterans, about Missouri AgrAbility. Stress in farming was discussed as well as the prevention of brain injury and other injuries in construction, military and agriculture professions. More
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Nebraska AgrAbility would like to thank three capstone students for their hard work this semester in learning the program's needs and creating projects for us. They used a lot of time outside of AgrAbility to educate themselves and find the research necessary for their projects to excel. More
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Nebraska AgrAbility Program Manager Emily Jacobson presented at Youth Safety Days in Albion, Nebraska. The educational focus was teaching ATV/UTV safety to third grade youth. More
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The 2024 OT/PT training was held this month, and it was another success! OTs and PTs, OTAs, PTAs and students joined the team from across Nebraska to learn best practices in rehab for their farmers and ranchers. More
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Staff are planning a "day at the farm" to provide training for DVR about AgrAbility and the specific needs of farmers and ranchers.
Staff are continuing to collaborate closely with the NM Farm and Ranch Museum for an exhibit that will feature AgrAbility.
A NMTAP colleague attended an AgrAbility training in Wisconsin to learn best practices to bring to New Mexico.
Staff members from UNM, NMSU, Mandy's Farm (non-profit partner) and NM TAP had a great learning experience at the National Training Workshop. Staff loved interactions with the audiences at the presentations they offered.
Staff will be publishing a newsletter full of pictures of presentations by NMAP partners, of work completed by NMAP farm apprentices working at Mandy's Farm, and of work that OT fieldwork students have been completing on the NMAP clinical rotations soon!
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On Wednesday, April 17th, the Ohio State Department of Food, Agricultural and Biological Engineering (FABE) held its annual Student Scholarship and Awards Banquet. The banquet, held at the Nationwide 4-H Center on campus, honors faculty, staff, students, and alumni for contributing to the department's advancement in 2024. More
OAP staff presented on AgrAbility services to students at Wilmington College's masters in OT rural focus program. This annual presentation is always a great chance to share AgrAbility services with future rural health professionals.
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The month was filled with many activities for the South Carolina team. The first activity was to introduce the Clemson Life Program, located at Clemson University, to agriculture and activities they can achieve. More
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Another activity for the month was a visit from a middle school where the students were introduced to aquaponics and the ability for the system to be designed with disabilities in mind. The AgrAbility team was present to allow the students to ask questions to understand the system's functions.
The month ended with South Carolina AgrAbility hosting an advisory meeting to bring together those who want to see the South Carolina AgrAbility team succeed in bringing services to the state. More
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TN AgrAbility showed, via recognition on social media, its nonprofit partner The STAR Center's OTs during April's National Occupational Therapy Month.
TN AgrAbility supported friends at the TN Department of Intellectual and Development Disabilities via social media as they celebrated the #IAmASDinTN campaign in collaboration with the TN Council on Autism Spectrum Disorder. They shared the stories of Tennesseans with autism doing what they love, reaching for their dreams, and improving their communities!
On April 17, the U.S. Congress and the disability community celebrated National Assistive Technology (AT) Awareness Day. The day honored people with disabilities who require AT to access their education, workplace, community, and recreational activities. More
TN AgrAbility partnered with the University of Tennessee's Center for Literacy, Education & Employment and with TN DHS/Division of Rehabilitation Services by presenting via Zoom, "Raising Hope by Bringing Awareness Right Now (BARN)" to over 80 participants. More
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The command added another garden activity in April, so therapeutic gardening will be held twice a week this season. Charley Jordan, TN AgrAbility farmer veteran, appreciates having the full command team support on this project. Charley and participating solders were busy in April getting the ground ready, pulling some tulips, and mowing grass.
There was another successful "Pass It On" day for 200 recipients who received used medical equipment, technology, or low-vision devices. The STAR Center, TN AgrAbility's nonprofit partner, had a variety of gently used items available for free. More
TNAP exhibited and spoke at the 2024 Farmer Veteran Coalition of TN annual meeting in Murfreesboro, TN. FVC TN networked and planned several events for the future as 2024 looks to be a big year, and the group obtained non- profit status. There were 20 in attendance at the annual meeting.
TN AgrAbility presented and exhibited at the Urban Agriculture Small Farm Symposium in Nashville in partnership with the Natural Resource Conservation Services. Forty participants learned, engaged and networked with federal agencies and industry experts.
TN AgrAbility exhibited at the first of three Middle TN Community Resource Fairs hosted by the Vocational Rehabilitation team. This fair was a one day/one stop event to provide services and supports for individuals and families in Perry County. It was a beautiful sunny day for the 56 attendees.
2024 TSU TN New Farmer Academy (NFA) started classes in March and April in West/Middle/East Tennessee. NFA is a seven-month certificate program designed for those with an interest in becoming agriculture entrepreneurs. More
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A total of 267 TN Farm Bureau women, Farm Bureau staff, Extension staff, and vendors attended the 76th TN Farm Bureau Women's Leadership Conference at the Farm Bureau Expo Center in Wilson County. More
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Erin Kimbrough, Dr. Cheryl Grenwelge, and Meghan Skidmore, OT, trained 29 students in the healthcare field on farm and ranch assessments, secondary injury prevention, and assistive technology for farmers and ranchers. The training was hosted on the Hadley Ranch in Cleburne, Texas, where students were able to access tractors and operate traditional farm equipment.
Cene Cleaton, Total Farmer Health Coach, hosted a QPR suicide prevention training for agricultural communities where she trained 11 service providers and Extension agents working with farmers and ranchers.
Cene Cleaton also trained over 300 law enforcement, public service officials, and social workers at the Fort Bend Community Prevention Coalition annual conference. She shared the top five stressors and shared resources for stress management and the AgriStress Helpline.
Texas AgrAbility hosted the quarterly peer group call to discuss peer group engagement and established a plan for the next year's topics.
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The AgrAbility of Utah staff was excited to conduct an AgrAbility training workshop for the Provo Utah Vocational Rehabilitation district's staff on April 16. Several case studies were reviewed, leading to some great discussion. The training was attended by 16 employees.
On April 23, AgrAbility staff conducted a training workshop for the St. George Utah Vocational Rehabilitation district's staff. Case studies were reviewed, and insightful discussion followed. The training was attended by 15 VR employees. The St. George district is one of ten VR districts within Utah.
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Dr. Niewolny had the unique opportunity to highlight AgrAbility Virginia in a presentation for the Farm Finance and Conservation Planning Seminar hosted by the Virginia Secretary of Agriculture and Forestry at the Virginia Tech Campus.
Additionally, the program coordinator presented about the AgrAbility VA project to 25 VT undergraduates on a class dealing with "Identity and Inclusion in Ag." Field staff participated in multiple community events, including the VA Beef Expo in Harrisonburg, ag days at several local schools, and supporting the mobile unit at the Beef Expo!
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Deb Eidsness and Debbie Fredricks, Washington AgrAbility co-coordinators, were trained to be trainers of COMET (Changing Our Mental & Emotional Trajectory) by the Colorado State University staff. They hope this training, along with Mental Health First Aid and QPR (Question, Persuade, Refer), will help aid farmers and farm workers across Washington.
Deb Eidsness also tabled at the WSU/WSDA event at Evergreen State Fairgrounds with AgrAbility resources and AT.
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Following the acquisition of specialty equipment, AgrAbility for Africa is to begin testing the design of low-technology assistive devices made out of recycled aquatic plastic debris that is recovered from Lake Victoria by Uganda Junior Rangers, an environmental organization, to enhance AT equipment access as a way of promoting agriculture and social community participation for persons with disabilities.
Because of the increased need for safety while aging and farming with disabilities, AgrAbility for Africa staff are partnering with assistive technology experts to increase awareness to eliminate slips and falls by farmers with disabilities and seniors in rural farming communities in Uganda.
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Kara Brichacek has been with the Nebraska AgrAbility team for several weeks now and has also served on the council this past year! She serves as a rural rehab specialist and communication specialist for AgrAbility under our non-profit partner, Easterseals Nebraska. Kara works to provide effective rural client services as well as promote resources through social media and client stories. More
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Teresa Duffek is a new employee with the Nebraska AgrAbility team as of mid-April 2024. Teresa is a rural rehabilitation specialist for AgrAbility. She will be working to ensure partnerships across Nebraska are available to clients to benefit from. Teresa is passionate about ranching and farming with a goal of providing Nebraska ranchers and farmers the services needed to modify their ranching/farming practices so ranchers can keep ranching and farmers can keep farming and continue the lifestyle they live and love. More
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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.
...........Episode 33, 1st May 2024.
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