The next veteran workshop is scheduled for May 21st at St. Catherine College in Springfield, KY. There is an expected attendance of 75 farmer veterans for the event. St. Catherine's hosts one of the hemp farms in KY and shows how the crop, along with indigo, can be used in weaving and textiles. Mike Lewis, farmer veteran representative for KY AgrAbility, will be partnering with other organizations to share information and hands on demonstrations for the attendees.
The 13th Annual Summer Institute in Assistive Technology is hosted by Kentucky Assistive Technology Service, KY AgrAbility, and KY Office of Vocational Rehabilitation. This workshop will be held at the KSU Research Farm on June 14th and 15th. Registration for this event is available on the KATS Network web site, www.katsnet.org. Topics this year include mock Medicaid hearings, driver rehabilitation, lighting for visual impairments, and a 3-hour session for KY AgrAbility that includes topics on emerging technology for agriculture. The aging problem for farmers will be covered with demonstrations and hands-on simulations. One of the professors from ag engineering will cover how drones can be used on farming enterprises and demonstrate the use of this technology. He will also cover some of the regulations regarding their use. New computer, tablet, and smart phone apps and programs will be shown to demonstrate their uses for disabled farmers. KY AgrAbility will have a modified tractor and other equipment for use on the Ride-N-Drive course to educate the professionals and farmers attending the workshop on ways to adapt and modify equipment for use by disabled farmers.
KY AgrAbility will be attending two great events in August: The Regional AgrAbility Training in Frankenmuth, MI, and ADED in Columbus, OH. These events are important for our training but staff will be investing the majority of their time with their clients and partners. The KY AgrAbility mission to serve the farmers with disabilities so that they may continue a productive career and have a high quality of life is still the primary goal. Educating the public and the professionals allows those goals to be met.
Submitted by Linda Bokros