Pennsylvania
Regional Workshop: Oct 8-9. This two-day workshop was a great opportunity to learn more about occupational therapy and assistive technology on the farm - working together to keep farmers farming! Thanks to all who attended! Thanks to JoBeth and Tess from the National AgrAbility Project/Goodwill of the Finger Lakes for their leadership in pulling this workshop together.
The first day included sessions and a farmer panel. Thank you to the many speakers who shared their experiences of working with farmers with disabilities or long-term health conditions. On the second day, attendees spent the day touring, learning, and experiencing different types of agricultural operations throughout Pennsylvania, including 
talking with Jim, a farmer diagnosed with multiple sclerosis (MS); testing out Action TrackChairs as a means for mobility around farmland, barns, and more; Rhonda Smith of The Skirted Soldier, a female veteran-owned operation that specializes in hand blended, loose tea; and Hands On Therapeutic Riding Program. Many thanks to everyone who opened their doors -- barns and all!
WORKSHOP SESSION PRESENTATIONS are available to download by clicking on the title.
The Pennsylvania Capitol became a one-stop resource for people living with physical and cognitive disabilities as a multitude of public and private providers gathered in the main rotunda for State Senator Christine Tartaglione's annual Disability Awareness Day in Harrisburg. Legislators and visitors to the Capitol met with staff from AgrAbility PA to learn more about those working in agriculture who have a disability or long-term health conditions. Exhibitors including AgrAbility PA shared information about assistive services and technologies to kick off National Disability Employment Awareness Month in Pennsylvania during October. The observance calls attention to disability employment issues and celebrates the contributions of workers with disabilities.
AgrAbility partnered with the Pennsylvania Assistive Technology Foundation for a presentation during the annual conference of the Pennsylvania Association for the Blind. The session focused on resources and education for funding assistive technology devices. Over 30 service providers from across the state attended the event.
Project Assistant Abbie Spackman shared AgrAbility information with over 300 delegates during the PA Grange Annual Convention. The event was held in State College, PA, and was attended by Grange members from across the state. The Grange is a family and community organization with roots in agriculture that was founded in 1867. Their mission: "The Grange strengthens individuals, families and communities through grassroots action, service, education, advocacy and agriculture awareness."
AgrAbility PA is excited to share news about the project's leadership team! Dr. Suzanna Windon and Linda Fetzer will serve in new leadership roles on the project's Penn State University team.
Windon will serve as project director and principal investigator - managing overall project development and execution of AgrAbility PA. Windon has experience with AgrAbility as she assisted with assessment research during her graduate work at Ohio State University. In addition, she is an assistant professor of youth & adult leadership in the Department of Agricultural Economics, Sociology, and Education at Penn State University. Her research interests include: adult & youth, community, and volunteer leadership development and needs assessment research and evaluation.
Fetzer will serve as project manager and co-principal investigator - managing the tracking, assessment, and support for the overall project initiatives. In addition, Fetzer has worked in agricultural safety and health for more than 20 years with Penn State Extension. Her current responsibilities include: educational and programming support for various ag safety and health projects, worker protection standard (WPS), eXtension/AgSafety Community of Practice, and Safety in Agriculture for Youth/SAY Clearinghouse.
After more than 25 years with AgrAbility PA, Dr. Connie Baggett will retire effective Dec. 31. He will continue to serve as Project Advisor until then.
Suzanna and Linda both plan to attend the 2020 NTW in Wisconsin and are looking forward to connecting (and re-connecting!) with AgrAbility colleagues. Welcome, Suzanna and Linda, to your new roles! AgrAbility PA Team
Submitted by Abbie Spackman