Pennsylvania

AgrAbility Project Assistant Abbie Spackman provided assistive technology information to occupational therapy students at Penn State DuBois during an assistive technology awareness day. The event was hosted by the DuBois Office of Vocational Rehabilitation, and many assistive technology vendors were on hand to speak to the students. AgrAbility PA was excited to share the unique on-farm assistive technology with the students and to network with the other vendors.

On the legislative front, dozens of statewide organizations, non-profits, and departments gathered in Harrisburg, PA, at the Main Capitol Rotunda, on October 24, 2016, to participate in a Disability Awareness Day, organized by Pennsylvania State Senator Christine Tartaglione (D-Philadelphia). Participants interacted with Pennsylvania lawmakers and staff to raise awareness of inclusion and equality in the workplace for individuals with disabilities.

AgrAbility for Pennsylvanians staff was represented by Kendra Martin, outreach coordinator. She had an opportunity to talk one-on-one with legislators about how the project helps Pennsylvania farmers remain in the agricultural workforce despite a disability. John McConnell (pictured with Martin), a cattle farmer from Washington, PA, talked about his positive experience working with AgrAbility PA and Project Director Dr. Connie Baggett.

October was National Disability Employment Awareness Month in Pennsylvania. During the event, lawmakers could experience and learn about life as a person with disabilities. Representatives from PA Labor & Industry Bureau of Blindness and Visual Services, PA Statewide Independent Living Council, PA Office of Vocational Rehabilitation, Susquehanna Service Dogs, Self Determination Housing Project of Pennsylvania, UniqueSource, and United Cerebral Palsy of Central Pennsylvania helped to drive home the important message.

Submitted by Abbie Spackman