A new consumer with multiple sclerosis contacted CalAgrAbility regarding solutions for farming with the disease, especially concerning heat-related issues during the triple-digit summers, for which California is famous. CalAg is collaborating with the National Multiple Sclerosis Society and Colorado AgrAbility in seeking heat mitigation assistive technologies and other therapeutic measures including cooling vests. Staff is also working with the California Department of Vocational Rehabilitation in Woodland, and the California AT Network, to purchase the necessary items.
Summer is the time for CalAgrAbility and collaborators to join and network with one another at the local commodity fairs. Historically, the Tomato Festival in Yolo County and the Pear Festival along the Sacramento River Delta have been well attended by farmers and farm families.
CalAgrAbility staff joined in on NAP's all-staff call and learned about Source America who provides employment opportunities for people who are blind or have significant disabilities, including trainings in administration, e-waste, healthcare environmental services, food service, etc. Source America would like to partner with AgrAbility to offer support with food service business development.
Submitted by Martha Stiles