The Colorado AgrAbility Project commenced and completed its annual Winter Workshops. For the first time, these were delivered in webinar format. This method permitted staff to deliver the material without the necessity for travel across their rather immense state. While they saved money on the travel budget, they believe they lost the human side of doing these programs. Their referrals for services have, in the past, been largely generated by in-person contacts at these events.
It is unclear whether or not referrals will be generated through the webinar format. Past experience has taught that many clients do not make much use of computers. There is a likelihood that those contacts were missed among the more rural demographics. Time will tell and staff will gather statistics and evaluate the results.
The proliferation of web-based events since COVID has opened up more avenues for training than Colorado AgrAbility has had in the past. The budget for professional education is very limited. So, with the availability of more webinars, staff have been able to enhance their professional education through such programs as Agrisafe and others like it.
Regis University Denver campus has sent two OT interns to Colorado AgrAbility for level-one experiences. Both Candy and Jim will have time with them over the next two months and will be able to have them attend a full day of on-site farm visits and after-visit interaction. Staff look forward to this.
Submitted by Jim Craig