Pennsylvania
Regional Workshop: Registration Open! Oct. 8-9, 2019; Days Inn Penn State, State College, PA.
The AgrAbility PA team is excited to announce that we will be hosting a regional workshop in conjunction with the National AgrAbility Project in STATE COLLEGE, PA!
- 1-day: Sessions or Tour only $50
- 2-day: Full Conference (Sessions and Tour) $100
- Hotel: only $99 per night if reserved by Sept. 6
Registration and reservation details: http://agrabilitypa.org/workshop/
This two-day workshop is a great opportunity to learn more about occupational therapy and assistive technology on the farm - working together to keep farmers farming! The first day will include opening remarks, sessions, and a farmer panel. The second day will include farm tours of AgrAbility PA-connected farms and farmers.
AgrAbility PA exhibited at Penn State University's annual Ag Progress Days event in August. This event is the Super Bowl equivalent for not only Penn State's College of Agricultural Sciences but for hundreds of vendors, exhibitors, strategic partners, ag researchers, ag educators, ag safety specialists, equipment dealers, and more, with over 80+ acres of displays and demonstrations.
AgrAbility PA exhibited inside the Rural Health & Safety Tent where a variety of health screenings were offered: blood pressure readings, stroke risk assessments, hearing screenings, and more. Hands-on demonstrations for assistive technology included Stand 'N Plant planter, hand safety, back-up camera, and a scooter. AgrAbility PA's long-time occupational therapist, Dwight Heller, who is a certified hand 
therapist and works with AgrAbility PA farmers, was also available to share information and consult with attendees one-on-one. Life Essentials, Action Trackchair, and Agri-Speed Hitch exhibited as vendors at the event and demonstrated equipment from power wheelchairs to hands-free hitch connectors to lifts for vehicles and mobility aides.
AgrAbility PA provided an educational "lunch and learn" session for staff and interns at Rodale Institute. The Rodale Institute is a 333-acre certified organic farm near Kutztown, PA. The focus of the farm is research and education about organic farming. They also have a farmer veteran training program that includes a 2- to 4-month paid internship at the Rodale farm. The educational session included information on AgrAbility and other veteran and disability related resources.
Submitted by Abbie Spackman