Ohio

Ohio AgrAbility debuted their "Safety Barn" at the 2018 Ohio Ecological Food and Farm Association conference. The Safety Barn is an interactive wooden barn which will be used to demonstrate assistive technology, site and equipment modifications, and safety features. The barn has an LED light and a conventional light, which demonstrate the difference in brightness and visibility between the two light sources. There is also a staircase leading to the hay loft, providing a safe way for the farmer to access the hay loft. Two tractors were also on display, featuring slow-moving-vehicle signs and roll bars. AgrAbility staff talked to attendees about the services provided by the AgrAbility program and the educational workshops they offer throughout Ohio.

Ohio AgrAbility staff met with the 2017- 2021 advisory committee to review activities from the past two grant cycles and to introduce new initiatives and plans for the current grant cycle. The advisory board is a good mix of new and returning board members, farmers, and spouses. At the end of the meeting, the staff and board split into three breakout groups and discussed ways to grow Ohio AgrAbility, increase membership and awareness of the program, groups and individuals to network with, and plans for the 2019 Ohio AgrAbility conference on employment in agriculture for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

Submitted by Laura Akgerman