Michigan

Michigan AgrAbility is always proud of the accomplishments of their clients... take Wyatt for example... Wyatt has limited sensations in his hands, but just won the beef showmanship class at his county fair! The judge praised him for his smooth hand work between the halter and the show stick. Wyatt - thank you for being an inspiration for all of us to continue doing what we do to assist individuals like yourself - individuals with determination to succeed!

One way in which Michigan AgrAbility supports Michigan farmers is by supporting efforts to highlight farm hazards and hazard prevention opportunities so injuries and illnesses can be prevented. Sharing links to farm safety organizations and farm safety efforts is a piece of the effort to prevent primary injury and/or illness. Michigan AgrAbility shared the link for National Farm Safety and Health Week, which was held September 16-22. Staff also shared on Michigan AgrAbility Facebook page the Ag Health Risk Assessment (AgHRA) tool. The AgHRA tool doesn't provide a diagnosis; rather, it alerts the individual to take risk-appropriate prevention steps.

Michigan AgrAbility staff outreach to college occupational therapy and physical therapy students continues! In September, staff presented at a lunch and learn opportunity for occupational therapy students at Eastern Michigan University... not one student had heard of AgrAbility. Several students took extra brochures to give to family members who farm. One student asked if AgrAbility conducts teleconferences with the client's health care providers - just a thought she said. And one student exclaimed "If they don't have an AgrAbility program in my home state of North Carolina, I am starting one!" North Carolina AgrAbility... keep your eyes and ears open ... in a couple of years, you will have an enthusiastic supporter!

Michigan AgrAbility is always appreciative of the fundraising efforts of MSU's Alpha Gamma Rho fraternity... their tastiest one was on October 5, MSU's homecoming weekend. The AGR Hog Roast had cloudy weather, but the tent kept many, many, hungry eaters dry! Two AgrAbility clients brought their families and enjoyed the meal with the young men who were raising funds for them.

Submitted by Deb Chester