Kimberly Keller, Rebecca Mott, and Karen Funkenbusch had their PhotoVoice abstract submission accepted to the 2016 Annual meeting of the Society for Applied Anthropology (SfAA) in Vancouver, BC, Canada, March 29-April 2nd. SfAA was founded in 1941 to promote the investigation of the principles of human behavior and the application of these principles to contemporary issues and problems. The Society is unique among professional associations in membership and purpose, representing the interests of professionals in a wide range of settings - academia, business, law, health and medicine, and government. The unifying factor is a commitment to making an impact on the quality of life in the world.
Chris Allen, Missouri Barn Builder, presented at the BIA-MO support group meeting in Kirksville, Missouri. He shared his experiences of working with the Missouri AgrAbility Project, Mo Division of Vocational Rehabilitation, and being a survivor. Missouri is blessed to have Chris serve as a Barn Builder and his willingness to volunteer his time to reach out and assist farmers and ranchers with disabilities.
Physical therapy students at the University of Missouri participated in case study of an older, senior farmer with chronic disease. PT students learned about the Missouri AgrAbility Project by watching the MARRTC Farmers with Arthritis video, researching the BNG Toolbox for suggested assistive technologies and adapted devices, and investigating eligibility requirements for the MO Division of Vocational Rehabilitation.
Patricia Hysong, Wyoming AgrAbility Project, on December 10th blogged the University of Missouri Extension "AgrAbility at Work" story, "Cattle producer learns 'new normal' through MU Extension's AgrAbility program." You can check out this great story by Linda Geist about Carey Portell and her challenges to help continue to build their cattle operation after being severely injured in a collision involving a drunk driver five years ago. This story can be accessed at https://wyomingagrability.wordpress.com/. This information was provided courtesy of the Wyoming AgrAbility Project.
Submitted by Karen Funkenbusch
University of Missouri-Kansas City School of Pharmacy at MU is a cooperative partner with Missouri AgrAbility Project. Doctoral pharmacy students Alex Schmuke and Alicyn Magruder presented to the Brain Injury Association of Missouri Support Group in Independence, Missouri on January 5, 2016. Ten potential AgrAbility clients attended the presentation titled: Your Pharmacist: An accessible resource and advocate for individuals with brain injury. Attendees were assessed before and after the presentation with a five-question survey of their knowledge and perception of how pharmacists can assist and empower those with brain injury to advocate for their health and safety. The results showed an increase from 49% to 96% improved understanding of how pharmacists can help in brain injury management. Participants were equipped with knowledge about cost-savings, such as prescription assistance and discount programs. Before the presentation 22% of attendees felt they knew how to identify reliable online health information, and this increased to 100% by the end of the session. Attendees were satisfied with the presentation noting: "I just obtained health insurance for the first time in my life, this presentation will help me to navigate resources and advocate for myself" and "I didn't even know before this presentation that we could ask the pharmacist questions!" AgrAbility Project brochures and materials were shared with attendees as well as resources for healthy web surfing and a list of questions to ask their pharmacist.
Submitted by Kelly Cochran