California

Ability Tools, California AgrAbility partner, staffed the Disability & Aging Capitol Action Day in Sacramento. This annual event is led by the Disability Action Coalition to create a space for people of cross disabilities, their families and allies, to come together in solidarity for learning and resource sharing. Ability Tools is a long-standing participant in this event and exhibited on behalf of both California AgrAbility and their independent living center programs.

California AgrAbility staffed a both at the local Migrant Center Health Fair events at the Davis, Dixon, and Madison centers. Staff spoke to over 80 families that come to the Yolo County area to work in the agricultural fields and cannery, primarily for the tomato planting, harvesting, and processing seasons. The health fairs offered blood glucose, blood pressure, vision, and other screenings, along with information booths from community agencies such as Communicare Clinics. Nurse practitioner students from the University of California at San Francisco conducted the screenings. Many of the migrants come from Northern Mexico, Arizona and Texas. At the Madison Migrant Center, California AgrAbility staff led an arthritis exercise class while the families waited for their leader of household to attend the orientation meeting.

California AgrAbility presented at the River Delta Migrant Education Workshop for California migrant workers who are continuing school during the evenings. The workshop featured presenters from Elica Health Centers, Sacramento State University, and the Mexican Consulate, among others. Ten out-of-school youth attended the workshop.

Submitted by Esme Mandujano