Maine

Maine AgrAbility is proud and excited to announce the finalization of the Farmer Veteran Coalition of Maine (FVC-ME). Project coordinator Lani Carlson has been appointed to the board of directors and will also serve as co-chair of the FVC-ME advisory council. The chapter is working hard to increase membership, host events, and participate in the upcoming Maine Agricultural Trades Show. Stay tuned for more exciting happenings between FVC-ME and the Maine AgrAbility program!

Maine AgrAbility has been busy reviewing and closing client cases, sending out post-AgrAbility service surveys for the quality of life evaluation, and gathering feedback on the program's effectiveness. We have also drafted a new tool for use with on-site visits with clients. This Client Action Plan identifies the goals and priorities discussed during the visit, the next steps for both the farmer and AgrAbility, along with follow-up dates. We are hoping this tool will assist clients in reaching their goals, help clients better understand the scope of our services, and increase the effectiveness of the AgrAbility program.

Maine AgrAbility specialists with their NPO partner, Alpha One, attended the Maine Association for Community Service Providers workshop, "The Future is Now: Technology for Inclusiveness and Excellence", on November 4-5, 2015, in Auburn, Maine. Kathy Adams, OTR/L ATP, Director of Maine CITE, and Maine AgrAbility advisory council member, presented a workshop titled "Assistive Technology Service and Resources in Maine".

Maine AgrAbility shared this document in Maine with service providers in the Beginning Farmers Resource Network (BFRN) and the ag educators within the university system. If any readers didn't get this, it lists all of the resources available for childhood agricultural safety that are available from the National Children's Center for Rural and Agricultural Safety and Health.

Submitted by Lani Carlson