The National AgrAbility Project and Indiana AgrAbility, with financial support from NEC Foundation of America, sent an Assistive Technology for Rural Youth curriculum package to every FFA chapter in the U.S. Those who attended the Grand Rapids NTW received a copy of the package, which included (1) a leader’s guide consisting of three lesson plans on assistive technology; (2) an updated copy of The Toolbox CD; (3) a classroom poster on assistive technology; (4) a cover letter; and (5) a postcard describing the HOSTA tractor safety training materials.
The leader’s guide encourages FFA chapters to complete community service projects for people with disabilities in their communities. It also contains a list of the current AgrAbility Projects with their contact information. The NAP encourages the SRAPs to capitalize on this initiative by following up with the FFA chapters in their states. It is hoped that some of the FFA chapters will complete projects to serve AgrAbility customers.
AgrAbility was represented by the NAP and Indiana AgrAbility at the National FFA Convention in Indianapolis on October 21-23. The display included Purdue’s accessible tractor, a grain bin safety exhibit, and information about AgrAbility and the Assistive Technology for Rural Youth Curriculum. Approximately 50,000 FFA members attended the convention, and many were exposed to the AgrAbility mission.
Submitted by: Paul Jones