Indiana

Indiana AgrAbility Rural Rehabilitation Specialist Steve Swain, ATP, presented Practical AT Use to a class of Purdue graduate students. The class, "Assistive Technology Practice," introduces rehabilitation engineering through the use, design, evaluation, and delivery of assistive technology (AT) for persons with disabilities. Students learn about the pathophysiology of different categories of disabilities and their impact on daily living, educational, and occupational activities, and explore a range of AT devices employed by each group. The presentation included the services of AgrAbility, the assessment process, and the practical application of the process in an agricultural setting.

Purdue University Extension collaborated with The Ohio State University Extension with displays and presentations at the Ohio Farm Science Review near London, Ohio. Steve Swain, assistive technology specialist with the National AgrAbility Project, presented at the Small Farms Center: Military Veterans Return to the Farm. The presentation reviewed the results of the Indiana AgrAbility portion of the Purdue Beginning Farmer/Rancher Development Project grant in which Indiana AgrAbility focused on retired and active military veterans interested in returning to the farm or starting an agricultural career.

Submitted by Steve Swain

Beekeeping Basic Training for Veterans - a two-day workshop conducted as part of the Indiana Beginning Farmer/Rancher Development program, was attended by 31 veterans and family members on Sep 29-30. Indiana AgrAbility and Purdue Extension staff organized this event. The training was conducted on Dale McMahan's farm in Wheatfield, IN. Participants heard numerous presentations on beekeeping from professional beekeepers and researchers and also had the opportunity for multiple hands-on experiences with Dale's beehives. The veterans were encouraged to network with the presenters, staff, and each other, to ensure they could find beekeeping mentors for their future in this farming endeavor. Each veteran was provided a beehive to take home to establish on their own property.

Submitted by Cindy Chastain

Linda Tarr worked with Hoosier Uplands Area 15 Agency on Aging with its Senior Games event. She also attended the grain bin rescue tube trainings sponsored by Orleans and Hardinsburg volunteer fire departments for area volunteers, and had a booth at the Conservation Farm Tour held in Eckerty, sponsored by Crawford and Orange County SWCD, Purdue Extension, Cattlemen Associations, and USDA.

Submitted by Linda Tarr

In addition to attending several farm events, Carl Jenkins worked the Harrison County Cattle Field Day, Washington County Cattle Field Day, and Crawford-Orange County Soil-Water Cattle Field Day. He also talked to over 600 third-graders for Ag Days in Harrison County and appeared on TV.

Submitted by Carl Jenkins