Kentucky

KY AgrAbility was in Colorado for the NTW. They had a great time and learned so much. Staff got out just in time on Friday before the big snow hit. There were six persons representing Kentucky AgrAbility. Cindy Jacobelli is a recreational therapist with the Cardinal Hill Easter Seals that has joined KY AgrAbility this year. She was able to attend quite a few sessions that gave her a better understanding of the work done by AgrAbility. Heidi McKenzie presented a session on clothing designed for those in wheelchairs. Another session that KY staff enjoyed was the presentation on safety, and as always, they really enjoyed the guest speakers and the AT that was presented.

Staff are getting everything ready for the next veteran workshop to be held at St. Catherine College in Springfield, KY, on May 21. This is the second in a series of three to be presented on getting started in an agricultural business or farm for veterans and is titled "Farming Foundations". Mike Lewis, KY AgrAbility, is heading up this workshop. The first was held in Williamson, WV. Sessions on business planning, whole farm planning, sustainable farming operations, and other topics, will be discussed along with hands-on training. The sponsor for the workshop is the National Center for Appropriate Technology (NCAT). For more information, contact: NCAT at 479-442-9824, email margoh@ncat.org, or register online at NCAT.org.

The 13th Annual Summer Institute in Assistive Technology is to be held at the KY State University Research Farm south of Frankfort, KY, on June 14 and 15. There are two tracks during the workshop. One is geared to the professionals that deal with disabilities and the other is for the general population. KY AgrAbility is one of the sponsors of the workshop and will be presenting a three-hour session on the 15th, "Emerging Technology in Agriculture". Included will be sessions on modified farm equipment; using computer, agriculture programs, and smartphone apps; and aging farmers using hands-on training with an age simulation suit. The registration is online and free. www.katsnet.org/atconference.

As always, KY AgrAbility looks forward to participating each month at the KSU Third Thursday Thing. This program at the conference center on KSU's research farm is held to give small, minority, and underserved farmers, a chance to learn about innovative farming and to hear from Extension specialists. Each month is focused on a different aspect of farming. KY AgrAbility is happy to be a part of this nationally recognized program.

Submitted by Linda Bokros