California

CalAgrAbility conducted outreach at the Ability Resource Fair & Assistive Technology Expo at the Modesto Centre Plaza. This event had around 150 attendees, most of whom came with various disability groups through their school or work groups. Several attendees were avid gardeners. Many were interested in the display tools.

CalAgrAbility and Ned Stoller presented at the Ability Tools Southern California In-Person Training in October. Attendees were AT advocates from different independent living centers and the university Cooperative Extension. CalAgrAbility conducted a short introduction to AgrAbility services and history. Ned focused on agricultural assessments and AT devices in action.

CalAgrAbility attended the 2nd Annual Latino Farmer Conference in Monterey. Among the 285 registered farmers attending the conference was a CalAgrAbility consumer. The conference offered workshops on soil health, USDA programs, beekeeping, and irrigation improvement. CalAgrAbility staff networked with 4-H representatives, as they are doing more outreach to increase diversity in their programs.

CalAgrAbility sent out their quarterly email bulletin featuring a FactAct on ergonomics and farming as well as highlighting October as the National Disability Employment Awareness Month (#InclusionWorks). The RoboHandle was featured for the "AggieTool" section. "Stories," "Visit our Booth," and "Outreach Highlights" featured information from August to October 2016.

Submitted by Esme Mandujano