Ohio

Ohio AgrAbility Peer Network member Clarence paid it forward this month when he donated a manual livestock tilt table to Reinhold, another OAP member. OAP was able to purchase a hydraulic tilt table for Clarence using funds from the Ohio attorney general's AG for Ag fund. Clarence asked OAP Rural Rehabilitation Coordinator Charlie Landis if he knew anyone who needed a tilt table, and Charlie suggested Reinhold. Charlie and Randy Joseph, rural rehabilitation supervisor, transferred the table from Clarence to Reinhold. The tilt tables will keep both men farming along with their wives. Clarence can now actively participate and oversee the flock's health. Before using the hydraulic lift table, he said, "All I can do is hold a gate, and Debra has to do all the work". Reinhold was very appreciative for the gift of the manual table as it is a big upgrade; it minimizes strain to his back, and saves his wife from overworking herself. In response to receiving the tilt table Reinhold said, "This is a real blessing to my family".

OAP staff are grateful for the generosity of OAP members and the connections developed through the Peer Network.

Randy Joseph continues to develop OAP's close working relationship with the Ohio vocational rehabilitation services agency, Opportunities for Ohioans with Disabilities (OOD). Randy represented Ohio AgrAbility at the annual OOD vendor day in Dayton, Ohio. Randy spoke to the counselors about OAP services, how OAP and OOD can work with farmers to keep them farming, and the vocational assessments he and Charlie Landis write for OOD. Randy also promoted the educational workshops and trainings OAP has developed for OOD counselors and asked for suggestions on new workshops OAP can develop.

OAP staff are already planning workshops and exhibits for the Farm Science Review (FSR) in September. FSR draws several hundred thousand people from across Ohio and the region, and OAP staff are going to educate and interact with as many people as possible. Staff will hold daily workshops at the Ohio AgrAbility exhibition tent on tractor modifications and upgrades, shop and barn modifications, and professional development workshops for disability, agriculture, Extension, and health professionals. OAP staff will also be presenting at other venues at FSR.

Submitted by Laura Akgerman