Jackie Allenbrand, MERIL AgrAbility rural outreach specialist Northwest Region, presented to forty-seven second graders at the ACCESS II ILC Disability Awareness Day. Bruce Trammell's AgrAbility PHARM Dog, Odie, demonstrated service skills he has been trained to do for Bruce on his farm. Jackie and Bruce also facilitated questions from teachers and students as well as ILC staff. Bobby Miller, Border Collie trainer, brought 5 week old puppies for the 2nd graders and teachers to enjoy. On May 16, Jackie and other MERIL ILC staff also presented to the St. Joseph, Missouri Sertoma Club. Jackie talked about the AgrAbility and AgrAbility PHARM Dog projects and answered questions. Jackie also attended the Grundy County MU Extension Day. Throughout the Northwest region Jackie continues to coordinate onsite farmstead assessments and client assistance in partnership with MU Extension, Rehab Services for the Blind, Division of Vocational Rehabilitation, and USDA Farm Service Agency.
Connie Neal, MU Extension housing specialist and AgrAbility co-coordinator Northwest Region, organized the Grundy County MU Extension Day to help local citizens become more aware of Extension services. MU Extension Specialists set up displays at the Grundy County courthouse, answered questions about programs and services, and passed out Extension publications.
Bob Schultheis, MU Extension natural resource engineer and AgrAbility co-coordinator Southwest Region, provided an AgrAbility presentation for the Mercy Springfield staff in-service training, held in Springfield, MO on May 10, 2012. Staff members received an overview of the Missouri AgrAbility Project and how they can assist in the rehabilitation of patients with physical disabilities through education, networking, and on-site farmstead assistance.
Sherry Nelson, MU Extension human development specialist and AgrAbility co-coordinator Northeast Region, had an exhibit at the Marion County Senior Health Fair. AgrAbility information and resource materials were disseminated.
Sherry Nelson and Jim Meyer, nutrition and health specialist, co-hosted the Lewis County Safety Day 2012. Fifth graders from Lewis County participated in a full day of disability, health, safety, and wellness activities. Using hands-on demonstrations, the students learned about disability awareness, prevention of secondary injuries, their reaction time, poison control in the home, sun safety, and other related rural agricultural safety precautions. The Lewis County Safety Day 2012 for fifth graders was co-sponsored by the University of Missouri Extension and the Lewis County Soil & Water District.
MU Extension AgrAbility staff provided an in-service for the Columbia Center of Neurology and Multiple Sclerosis. Staff members received an overview of the Missouri AgrAbility Project and how they can help ImProve Health Among Rural Missourians (IPHARM) through education, networking, and onsite farmstead assistance and services.
Hispanic and Latino farm workers in the Kansas City area are continually encouraged to participate in the Bilingual Tai Chi for Arthritis class offered at the Guadalupe Center and facilitated by Nina Chin, MU Extension. Tai Chi for Arthritis is an easy and effective exercise class, integrating the mind and body, which improves flexibility, muscle strength, and balance. The class is based on the Tai Chi for Arthritis program supported by the Arthritis Foundation of America.
MU Extension AgrAbility staff provided an in-service for the Alzheimer's Support Group Mid Missouri Chapter in Columbia and Alzheimer's Support Group Southwest Missouri Chapter in Springfield. Participants received an overview of the Missouri AgrAbility Project,and how they can help ImProve Health Among Rural Missourians (IPHARM) through education, networking, and onsite farmstead assistance and services.
Submitted by Karen Funkenbusch