Tennessee

It was a happy day when some of the TN AgrAbility team and the University of TN Extension staff were able to meet in-person for the first time in over a year! Wearing masks and outside a lot, TNAP attended the TN Association of Agricultural Agents and Specialists (TAAA&S) annual meeting and professional development in Memphis. Staff toured the amazing Agricenter International and learned more about all its research and programs. TNAP learned more about the FarmSafe program that was created as a safety training program specifically to educate farmers on critical safety gaps in agriculture and help create safer working environments. The courses are designed to help one operate safely and efficiently on the farm, and are available online now in English and Spanish. For those who prefer instructor-led training, a virtual training platform is available, and classroom sessions at Agricenter International will be scheduled for Summer 2021. For more information, contact the Farm Safe team at farmsafe@agricenter.org. To sign up for the FarmSafe program, go to Farm Safe - Agricenter International. TAAA&S also visited the famous Peabody Ducks and Memphis Botanical Gardens.

While in Memphis, TNAP celebrated Happy Earth Day with a great visit to a Memphis urban farm with a mission: Alpha Omega Veterans Services which assists military veterans in reintegrating into society. The urban garden highlight was the raised beds and display areas showcasing small space and accessible gardening design. It also featured drip irrigation techniques to utilize water more efficiently, composting, and best practices for soil preparation.

TNAP received a phone call referral from Mrs. Paula Terhune. She had read the winter TNAP article and wanted to donate assistive technology from her late husband, Dr. Ronald L. Terhune, M.D., of Arlington, TN. He served in the U.S. Army as a captain during the Vietnam War and was a general practitioner of family medicine since 1965. He was also a true southern gentleman and loved farming as a hay/horse farmer. She said he "would have loved to help other handicapped farmers. " Ron lived a great life that was cut short from side effects of Agent Orange. TNAP made a new friend and picked up a truckload of medical equipment that will help other farmers with disabilities. If any readers have durable medical equipment or low-tech items, they can donate and help others too. State-based assistance for durable medical equipment can come from one of three types of programs (excluding Medicaid). There are Assistive Technology Act projects, protection and advocacy programs, and non-Medicaid (state-funded) nursing home diversion programs. Tennessee Technology Access Program accepts donated medical equipment and low-tech items so that TNAP can give away and loan the items to people with disabilities who cannot afford them.

Thanks to Dr. Ron and Paula Terhune for donating Ron's medical equipment to TNAP!

Submitted by Tennessee AgrAbility Project