Kansas

Kansas AgrAbility (KAP) and the Western AT Access Site co-hosted Ag Demonstration Day on October 10 from 10:00- 3:00. Eleven vendors participated and 55 farmers, ranchers, and family members attended. Four VR counselors accompanied six farmers and ranchers they were serving so they had the chance to see possible equipment modifications in action. Highlighted speakers included Kathy Smith, Life Essentials, who provided anecdotes and demonstrations of adapted equipment, and the precision agriculture team from Northwest Kansas Technical School who highlighted current and experimental uses of drone technology. A KAP customer who is operating drones from his accessible truck to check crops and cattle shared some of his own experiences. A 14-year-old KAP client volunteered to demonstrate his Firefly, a device he attaches to his manual wheelchair to save his shoulders when traveling longer distances or over more challenging terrain. Additional time was allowed to visit with the vendors and enjoy a hot lunch provided by the Western AT Site staff. Several vendors noted that they had the chance to learn how to highlight critical features of their equipment that could meet the needs of people with health issues or disabilities after visiting with KAP staff and customers. VR counselors noted the event gave them information to help them better advocate for higher cost modifications.

Twenty-six occupational therapists from northeast Kansas participated in a three-hour workshop that focused on helping patients participate in rural life after rehab hosted by Stormont Vail Hospital. KAP staff shared case studies of three KAP customers (one with quadriplegia, one with a traumatic brain injury, and one with joint deterioration and arthritis) and the solutions they used to return to their role in production agriculture. KAP staff obtained CEUs for the event with the cooperation of the KS Occupational Therapy Association.

Submitted by Sheila Simmons