Nebraska

Easter Seals Nebraska recently received a $10,000 grant from Monsanto to support Nebraska AgrAbility in the Monsanto site communities of Kearney, Blair, Gothenburg and Waco. Del Ficke, rural rehabilitation specialist, accepted the award from Monsanto at a media session July 29th. ESN will provide comprehensive case management and rehabilitation technology services for farm and ranch family members affected by mental and physical disabilities, with the mission to enhance and protect quality of life, preserve livelihoods, and support and promote growth and independence.

UNL Extension Educator Sharry Nielsen staffed an AgrAbility exhibit at the International Society for Ag Safety and Health (ISASH) Annual Conference in Omaha June 22-25. Over 200 professionals attended the conference to learn more about research, activities, and educational formats in the areas of agricultural safety and health. The planning committee was chaired by the Central States Center for Ag Safety and Health in Omaha.

"Kids Get Arthritis, Too" was the topic for the session presented by Sharry Nielsen of Nebraska AgrAbility at the Fairbury Safety Day July 29th. Using a lesson developed in 2012 with OT graduate student Anna Lewandowski, Sharry encouraged youngsters to work and play in ways to prevent arthritis, including proper lifting, sharing workloads, limiting joint stress, healthy eating, and exercise. Nearly 100 youngsters ages 5 – 12 attended the day, along with 30 teen and adult group leaders.

Submitted by Sharry Nielsen