Area Agencies on Aging are an important resource that all AgrAbility Projects should be familiar with. They are located in every state, and can provide resources not only to the aging, but also to people with disabilities. Breaking New Ground (BNG) Outreach Program/Indiana AgrAbility exhibited at the Area Agency on Aging Case Manager Conference in Indianapolis on April 1-2. The conference organized by the IAAAA Education Institute brought together over 300 case workers from across the state for training in serving the aging and disabled populations of Indiana.
For more information on Area Agencies on Aging, see http://www.n4a.org/.
Steve Swain, the BNG Rural Rehabilitation Specialist, presented to over 30 Master Gardener students Gardening for People with Disabilities and for People Who are Getting Older. The presentation included information on accessible pathways, raised beds, and adapted tools and methods. Many examples of tools and technologies were used.
The aim of the Master Gardener Program is to provide information and technical assistance in the areas of gardening and home horticulture through the use of trained and certified volunteers. Master Gardener interns are required to fulfill a minimum of 35 volunteer hours to become certified as a Master Gardener. Some volunteer their time working with nursing homes and assisted living facilities where people are able to get outside and use gardening as therapy and become more independent. The training also is used as a way to help Master Gardeners work more safely and help others do the same. They can also be a source of referrals to BNG and build relationships with extension educators.
Submitted by: Steve Swain