Tennessee

"Plant for a Change" is a new business that "cultivates native habitats and sustains greener neighborhoods and is proudly Tennessee's first for-profit plant business co-owned and co-managed alongside individuals with and without intellectual disabilities." Its long-term goal is to provide employment opportunities for wheelchair users to have access to gardening and farming opportunities. They are looking for funding for a greenhouse - mobile so they can travel and be available at farmers markets, for service interventions, and for training in employment and education. Tennessee AgrAbility staff introduced them to "Mandy's Farm" in New Mexico and to TN Vocational Rehabilitation and the TN Technology Access Centers. Some team members are graduates of the Next Steps at Vanderbilt. It is a four-year certification program for students with intellectual disabilities, providing individualized programs of study in the areas of education, social skills, and vocational training. TN AgrAbility also encouraged them to participate in the upcoming TN New Farmer Academy that starts hybrid classes in March across the state.

TN AgrAbility Project was contacted by the TN Grain Conference committee for someone to speak on farm equipment. TNAP contacted Brian Robinson with TN Association of Rescue Squads who partners with TNAP on Grain Bin Safety/Rescue Awareness Trainings. He graciously agreed. Please view his presentation HERE.

Submitted by Tennessee AgrAbility Project