Bill Field and Paul Jones made presentations to Farm Credit Administration (FCA) and USDA's Farm Service Agency (FSA) during a recent trip to Washington, D.C. More than 50 people attended each of the presentations, and the FCA event was also broadcast to the agency's four field offices.
Field and Jones also met with Brad Rein and USDA program leaders/specialists Aida Balsano, Alexandra Wison, and Cami Compton. In addition, networking sessions were held with Jennifer Davis of Goodwill Industries and staff from the American Psychological Association and the Council of State Administrators of Vocational Rehabilitation.
Submitted by Paul Jones
Steve Swain, assistive technology specialist for the National AgrAbility Project, attended the Battlemind to Home III symposium in Indianapolis. This was a two-day symposium presented by the Richard L. Roudebush VA Medical Center, the Military Family Research Institute at Purdue University, the Department of Labor, Veteran's Employment and Training Service, and the Department of Veterans Affairs Center for Faith-based and Neighborhood Partnerships with the financial support of the Lily Endowment Inc. The symposium presented life experiences of veterans who have returned from service, research on TBI, PTSD, and the effects of separation and return on families. It concluded with a panel of veterans and spouses relating their experiences.
Submitted by Steve Swain
Amber Wolfe traveled to Wichita, Kansas to give two presentations at the Kansas Speech-Language-Hearing Association AT Expo on September 27 and 28. Her presentations were on Arthritis and recreation and Arthritis and agricultural modifications. Both sessions were well attended, and the Kansas AgrAbility staff were great to work with.
Submitted by Amber Wolfe
From Eric Olson. "The past 24 years with Goodwill have given me tremendous opportunities to serve people with disabilities and improve the wellbeing of so many people. I have truly enjoyed my work with the National AgrAbility Project over the last four years. I value the work I have done with the State and Regional AgrAbility Projects and Goodwills to create opportunities for farmers and ranchers with disabilities. It has been a pleasure to engage with so many dedicated and committed professionals. I have learned and gained so much from this association. My contact information beyond August 31 will be ericinashland@gmail.com."