West Virginia

To provide training, educational, and assessment services, WV AgrAbility personnel conducted the following activities during November 2014:

• On November 4, an initial farm visit was conducted in Greenbrier County by WV AgrAbility personnel. On November 5, a follow-up farm visit was conducted. WV AgrAbility personnel accompanied the farmer to the local Department of Rehabilitation Services where he became established as a client. A Bump N' Drive TM gate was re-installed on the farmer's property with assistance from WV AgrAbility personnel.
• On November 10, an initial farm visit and farm site assessment was conducted in Fayette County by WV AgrAbility personnel.

For marketing and educational purposes, various meetings and conferences were attended by WV AgrAbility personnel:

• On November 7-9, WV AgrAbility personnel attended the annual Farm Bureau meeting and provided a WV AgrAbility display for viewing by meeting attendees.
• On November 11, WV AgrAbility personnel participated in an NAP Evaluation Committee conference call.
• On November 13, WV AgrAbility personnel attended the Fair Shake Network legislative agenda meeting. The disability agenda was set for the 2015 WV legislative session. The Legislative Agenda Training and Disability Day was also scheduled to be held at the WV State Capitol on January 20 and 21, 2015.
• On November 14 and 15, a two-day Women in Agriculture Conference was attended by WV AgrAbility personnel. A WV AgrAbility exhibit was visited by approximately 140 people. Conference attendees were given the option of participating in an agribusiness tour of four area agriculture businesses. Guest speakers included the WVU President, Dr. E. Gordon Gee.
• On November 18, WV AgrAbility personnel attended a People First Advisory Committee presentation on the topic "Watching for Abuse and Neglect in Persons with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities on the Farm and at Home."

WV AgrAbility personnel are administering the Green Thumbs, Healthy Joints mini-grants. Visit http://greenthumbs.cedwvu.org. Previously-funded grants range from service projects to introducing accessible gardens to physical rehabilitation facilities and community centers. The programs have taken place throughout WV at senior centers, parks, and other community sites.

Submitted by Janet Della-Giustina