National Project
Goodwill Industries is hosting a two day in-service training at the headquarters of the Roanoke VA Goodwill on August 23 & 24. The topic will be "Serving Rural Communities; Exploring strategies for job training services and community-based programs to help individuals, families and rural communities continue to be self-sufficient." This in-service will feature presentations by the Virginia AgrAbility Project and the Mid-Atlantic AgrAbility Project, as well as experts in other disciplines, that explore effective strategies for serving rural communities.
Submitted by Eric Olson
The NAP and several SRAPs played a significant role in the recently held 2010 National Institute for Farm Safety Annual Conference in Wilmington, NC. AgrAbility staff from at least 10 states participated, and approximately 20 were in attendance at the First NIFS/AgrAbility dinner.
On Monday, a panel of AgrAbility staff members and a farm couple who have benefited from AgrAbility services provided an overview of the NAP and SRAPs. Peggy Milliman from Maryland provided an invaluable testimonial for AgrAbility There were also six technical presentations that related directly to AgrAbility services. Amber Wolfe participated in a plenary panel on the National AgrAbility project and also presented a session on Arthritis and Agriculture. Some AgrAbility staff members participated in the one day professional development program related to agricultural health.
Next year the NIFS meeting will be in Boise, ID, on June 26-30. The goal is to have at least 25 AgrAbility staff in attendance.
Submitted by: Bill Field
Paul Jones represented the NAP at the annual ASABE (American Society of Agricultural and Biological Engineers) International Meeting in Pittsburgh. A special AgrAbility breakout session was held, featuring presentations by the Paul, Dee Jepson of Ohio AgrAbility, and Richard Straub of AgrAbility of Wisconsin.
Paul Jones accepted an ASABE Blue Ribbon Award on behalf of the Breaking New Ground team for the Assistive Technology for Rural Youth Curriculum.
Other AgrAbility personnel attending included Emily Morehouse (USDA), Bob Aherin (Illinois), Rhonda Miller (Utah), John Slocombe (Kansas) and Victor Duraj (California).
Submitted by: Paul Jones
RESNA held its annual conference and training June 27-30, 2010 at the Red Rock Resort and Spa in Las Vegas, Nevada. The National AgrAbility Project was one of more than 50 exhibitors at the conference. AgrAbility staff and friends attending the conference included Inetta Fluharty from West Virginia AgrAbility, Martha Stiles from California AgrAbility, Dan Stores from Equip-A-Life and the Minnesota AgrAbility Project, Therese Willkomm from the University of New Hampshire, Sandra Stevenson from Oklahoma, and Steve Swain from the NAP.
The NAP is in the process of developing a new video that can be used by all Projects, and interviews were recently conducted in Oklahoma. Paul Jones recently visited the Sooner State to interview farmer and state legislator John Enns, his wife Charla, and Linda Jaco of the Oklahoma AgrAbility Project.
Future AgrAbility customer interviews are planned for Illinois and Maryland.
The premier for the new video is slated for the 2010 NTW in Charleston, West Virginia.
Submitted by: Paul Jones
Hotel reservations can now be made for the 2010 NTW! Mark your Calendar!! NTW 2010 is officially on the books for October 11-14, 2010 in Charleston, West Virginia! The conference will take place at the Marriott Charleston Town Center. Reservations can be made by calling (800) 228-9290 or (304) 345-6500. You will want to mention that you are coming with the National AgrAbility Training Workshop. Rates are $101.00 per night. Book your room early to ensure you receive the conference rate.