Power Up 2017 Assistive Technology Conference and Expo was hosted April 2 - 4, 2017, in Columbia, Missouri. The mission of Missouri Assistive Technology is to increase access to assistive technology for Missourians of all ages with all types of disabilities. Todd Lorenz, Extension professional, University of Missouri Extension, Cooper County, and Karen Funkenbusch, PI/director for the Missouri AgrAbility Project, presented "Cool Tools for Container or Raised Bed Adaptive Gardening." Attendees learned about an adaptive vegetable gardening processes, how to modify small hand-held garden tools, and how to use adaptive tools to conserve energy.
Submitted by Karen Funkenbusch
The Missouri AgrAbility Project was featured at the Brain Injury Association of Missouri (BIA-MO) Survivor and Family Seminars in western Missouri with Jenna Wilkins of Lincoln University leading seminar attendees in "Planting with a Purpose" activities. Jenna discussed gardening and the Missouri AgrAbility Project for agriculture self-employment options.
The Brain Injury Fact of the Day media campaign conducted by the Missouri AgrAbility Project continues to increase awareness about farming and ranching for individuals with brain injury and other disabilities. There continues to be an increase in calls to the Brain Injury Association of Missouri and referrals to the Missouri AgrAbility Project from these radio ads, PSAs, and interviews in March.
Submitted by Maureen Cunningham