Maine

On October 4 and 15, Lani Carlson presented Maine AgrAbility Project information to UMaine employees and Cooperative Extension stakeholders as part of a Zoom event called the Extension Showcase for a UMaine Extension Dean candidate. AgrAbility was selected as one of eight programs to highlight the great work of Cooperative Extension.

Maine AgrAbility specialist Kelley Smith, COTA/L, ATP, exhibited project information at the Defining Moments in Brain Injury conference on October 16in Portland. This annual one-day conference is designed to provide education and resources to people with brain injuries, their families/caregivers, and those who serve them as professionals. The conference was very well-attended, and conference goers where very interested in talking with AgrAbility staff to gain resources on gardening adaptations and managing farm life with a brain injury.

Lani Carlson represented farmers and farm workers with disabilities at the October 24th Mobility Solutions workshop in Portland. The workshop shared information, issues, and potential solutions to address gaps in transportation for older adults, people with disabilities, immigrants, and refugees.

Staff Changes and Recognition

We are really excited to introduce the new team members to our Maine program and we look forward to working together to reach our next four years' project goals.

• Kelley Smith, ATP. Kelley is a former Alpha One and Goodwill employee (and a former AC member) bringing expertise in brain injury and assistive technology. Kelley will be working statewide with education and client assessments. Kelley is based out of her home office, Maine Assistive Technology Solutions, in Newport
• Brie Weisman, OT, is an occupational therapist certified in home modification. Brie will be performing on-farm assessments of workplace situations, environments, and equipment. Brie is a farmer and will be working statewide, based out of her home business, Adapt-Able Living, in Rumford.
• Ellen Gibson has been with the project since it began in 2010. Starting with this new grant cycle, Ellen will continue to provide direct client assistance as well as education and outreach. Ellen will be working statewide add will be based at her farm in West Paris.
  
  Additionally, to help us meet goals identified as part of work over the next 12 months (part of our 12-month no cost extension), we have hired or have time commitments from:
• Anne Devin as the veteran outreach professional, a retired US Marine officer who now farms in Waldo County. Her military experience positions her to effectively relate to veterans from all military branches. Anne will be working statewide and based at the Waldo County office.
• Sally Farrell, a 4-H professional from York County and former special education teacher. Sally will be working with transition-aged youth, helping to make connections to agricultural opportunities. Sally will be working in the southern part of the state and based out of the York County office.
• Lynne Holland is a community education assistant based out of the Androscoggin-Sagadahoc County office. Lynne will be assisting us with social media and marketing to reach an expanded audience across the state.
  
  
  
• Caragh Fitzgerald is an associate Extension professor based out of the Kennebec County office. Caragh will assist us with overall project work and with the area of farmer skills and knowledge development.

Submitted by Lani Carlson