Indiana

Steve Swain, Indiana AgrAbility rural rehabilitation specialist, staffed an exhibit at the 2020 Illiana Vegetable Growers Symposium at Teibel's Restaurant in Schererville, Indiana. The exhibit included AgrAbility publications, INPREPared information, and Indiana AgVet applications. Each exhibitor was given an opportunity to give an overview of their programs and services to the attendees. There were several individuals who showed interest or knew of someone who would be interested in one of the programs, especially the Indiana AgVet program.

The 2020 Fort Wayne Farm Show was held in the Allen County War Memorial Coliseum on January 14-16. AgrAbility was one of 1,100 exhibitors covering three exhibit halls in the facility. The AgrAbility display included AgrAbility publications, the Life Essentials tractor and lift, INPREPared materials, and Indiana AgVet applications and information. Staff at the display related they talked to more people, including past clients and AT product venders, this year than in years past.

Dr. Robin Adams, Purdue professor of engineering education, invited Steve Swain, Indiana AgrAbility rural rehabilitation specialist, to participate as a diverse subject matter expert for a "safety" engagement session with engineering students. The students were to interact with the subject matter experts concerning possible capstone projects and ask any safety questions or concerns related to the project. Mr. Swain's group of five students were considering a type of exoskeleton for individuals with mobility impairments. Discussion was lively and everyone came away with different perspectives on life, living with a disability, and possible safety concerns with assistive technology.

Submitted by Steve Swain