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November 2020

Tennessee

First Place at the National State Fair goes to National AgrAbility for the idea to host the first Virtual State Fair! Big thank you to Paul Jones for his patience in answering questions from non-tech-savvy coworkers. Thanks to all TN State partners who continue to support TNAP and made videos for staff, plus everyone who "liked" TNAP's participation. TN AgrAbility enjoyed touring the exhibits of other AgrAbility states and their partners! Staff were happy with the results, the responses from everyone, and the new referrals, and are proud to work with AgrAbility!


Jason Barber in a pasture surrounded by cattle grazing on hay man wearing a white and red hate a white sweatshirt that zips up and is covered in mud while holding a wandJason Barber is a legally blind TN farmer who has a desire to give back to other farmers. Jason has been talking with OrCam from Israel to improve their product to help farmers with visual impairments. The TN Human Services/ TN State Division of Vocational Rehabilitation Services (DVR) funded the OrCam MyEye for Jason. OrCam is interested in helping other farmers who are blind or visually impaired. Please send an email to agrAbility@tennessee.edu for further information or to help a farmer with retinitis pigmentosa (RP) or who is blind.

The Department of Human Services (DHS) debuted their video for the Resource Ability Fair in October. TN AgrAbility is proud to be part of Jason's journey with DHS, DVR, and the STAR Center, one of the TN Technology Access Centers, to keep Jason farming safely and independently! To watch part of his story, click here.


Frank Beard (back left) on John Deere tractor lift seat holding lift control in his left hand with another person on right side of picture take selfie with Frank and blue skies overheadMeet Frank Beard from Rutherford County. TN AgrAbility began working with Mr. Beard in 1998. In 2000, DVR funded a lift for his tractor and a ROPS. In 2016, DVR again funded a lift for his tractor due to the first one having worn out. He is a pleasure to work with. TNAP would like to thank Lee Maddox with Tennessee Farm Bureau for capturing his story.

Submitted by Tennessee AgrAbility Project