Kansas

Kansas AgrAbility AT Specialist Karin Rasmussen is a wealth of information for the farmers and ranchers in her western Kansas community. Earlier in the year, Karin assisted an AgrAbility customer and, as often happens, formed a relationship with the family. During casual conversation, Karin mentioned Farm Rescue's program. Karin learned of Farm Rescue from a recent KAP staff meeting when their program was introduced by Tawnie Larson, project coordinator. Fast forward several months and the family needed assistance with another challenge. The primary producer had been facing cancer treatment for several months and needed surgery and a hospital stay four hours away from home. The family thought they would be able to handle harvest on their own but with a few setbacks, they asked for help from Farm Rescue. The family reached out on Friday and Farm Rescue deployed equipment and volunteers within a few days and assisted the family with their harvest. The video of an interview with Farm Rescue staff and the Kansas family that they assisted can be watched here.

SKIL (Southeast Kansas Independent Living Resource Center), Kansas AgrAbility's non-profit partner, held a customer appreciation day in Parsons, Kansas. Events included COVID-19 vaccinations, live music, free hotdogs, and other goodies. In conjunction with SKIL, Assistive Technology for Kansans (ATK) provides device loans to customers so that they can try the equipment before they make a purchase. ATK also coordinates a program that provides low interest loans for those that need a little help purchasing devices or modifications and, as available, provides quality refurbished devices and equipment. These programs are part of the Assistive Technology Act in each state.

Submitted by Tawnie Larson