Pennsylvania

The Pennsylvania Capitol became a one-stop resource for people living with physical and cognitive disabilities as a multitude of public and private providers gathered in the main rotunda for State Senator Christine Tartaglione's annual Disability Awareness Day in Harrisburg.

Legislators and visitors to the capitol met with staff from AgrAbility PA (pictured) to learn more about those working in agriculture who have a disability or long-term health condition. Exhibitors, including AgrAbility PA, shared information about assistive services and technologies to kick-off National Disability Employment Awareness Month in Pennsylvania during October. The observance calls attention to disability employment issues and celebrates the contributions of workers with disabilities. Click here to access more information.

The AgrAbility PA staff used National Farmers Day on October 12 to thank each and every farmer who works in the agricultural industry, and especially those who continue to do so who have a disability or long-term health condition. A special e-newsletter highlighting the farmers' vital role and ways to recognize the day was shared through email and social media. Click here for more information.

Project Assistant Abbie Spackman provided an AgrAbility educational session at the Natural Resource Conservation Service (NRSC) regional staff training. Over 65 staff members attended the session. The focus of the session was on people-first language, communicating with a farmer when there might be a communication barrier, and an overview of AgrAbility services.

Submitted by Abbie Spackman