Dr. Angela N. Hissong, OTR/L, CAPS with Carla Wilhite, MNM, OTR/L presented the following at the American Occupational Therapy Conference in Houston, TX on April 23 & 24:
1) An AgrAbility Project: Ergonomics, Tools, and Technology
Gardening Made Easier on the Body
2) The Farmer, The Farm, and Farming: More than Seeds and Manure
Assisting Farmers tell & own their Story of Everyday Living
Secondary to Injury or Disease
Dr. Hissong also received notice that Green Heron Tools received a seed grant from USDA to design ergo-garden tools for women. Ann & Liz attended a presentation by Crystal Smithmeyer, Linda Fetzer, and Angela during the 2008 PA Sustainable Ag Conference at State College, PA. They contacted Angela after the presentation to assist with brainstorming and writing for the grant. They are meeting on May 11th to initiate the project’s goals.
The celebration of April as OT Month across the Penn State campuses and other Occupational Therapy Programs across the state was infused with information about the role of OT for farmers with disabilities.
Submitted by: Angela Hissong