Ohio

Ohio AgrAbility staff are busy planning for the Farm Science Review in September. New this year, OAP will feature "Ohio AgrAbility: A Focus on Livestock - Interactive equipment and vendor exhibit for farming with a disability." This exhibit will highlight equipment and tools for farmers with disabilities and any farmer interested in safety and productivity. OAP staff will also be holding daily "Fitness for Farm Life: Everyday Stretches and Exercises" classes to encourage farmers, families, and individuals who use mobility devices or have physical limitations in safe and effective ways to stretch and exercise.

OAP has formed a workgroup focused on developing resources and opportunities for employment in agriculture for individuals with intellectual disabilities. The workgroup includes staff from OAP, Easter Seals Greater Cincinnati (OAPs non-profit partner), OSU Extension, Ohio Mean Jobs (Ohio Department of Developmental Disabilities), staff from various county boards of DD, Opportunities for Ohioans with Disabilities, Nisonger Center at OSU, and farm managers from organizations that employ individuals with disabilities. The Building Independence Through Agriculture Workgroup was formed after OAP's February 2019 conference on agricultural employment for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. OAP staff look forward to sharing the resources and materials the workgroup develops.

Submitted by Ohio AgrAbility