Pennsylvania

AgrAbility PA staff provided hands-on assistive technology demonstrations during the annual Penn State DuBois Assistive Technology Fair. This even is hosted by the Pennsylvania Office of Vocational Rehabilitation and the Penn State DuBois Occupational Therapy Club. AgrAbility staff provided a unique perspective to the event by sharing with attendees a wide range of assistive technology available in a farm setting. Participants were able to test a Stand 'N Plant planter, Gripeeze gloves, and a modified workspace that included do-it-yourself ideas and instructions. Many of the attendees were occupational therapy students.

Staff member Abbie Spackman provided an AgrAbility educational session during a critical access hospital meeting hosted by the Pennsylvania Office of Rural Health. Attendees represented rural hospitals across Pennsylvania and were able to take AgrAbility information back to their hospital staff members.

AgrAbility PA team members Marci Walborn and Jackie Wardle met with students in Central Penn College's occupational therapy assistant (OTA) program to talk about assistive technology. The duo offered a tour of UCP Central PA's assistive technology lending library, and also had dedicated time to discuss AgrAbility PA - including resources and assistance for farmers in Pennsylvania and its connection to both UCP Central PA and Penn State University. They also demoed some handheld tools and other aides for around the farm. This type of interactive meeting is the beginning of a mindful outreach effort to occupation therapy programs.

AgrAbility staff members participated in the Pennsylvania Farm Bureau's 20th Annual Health and Safety Fair in Hershey, PA. AgrAbility provided information and hands-on assistive technology demonstrations to attendees. This event is attended by farmers and farm families from across the state. AgrAbility greatly enjoys participating in this event and visiting with several clients who attend each year.

Submitted by Abbie Spackman