Finding new partners and strategies to reach veterans of all ages is a priority for all AgrAbility projects. Audiologists and rehabilitation staff at the Dole Veterans Affairs (VA) Medical Center and the Veterans Affairs Medical Center in Topeka met with Kansas AgrAbility staff to discuss opportunities to promote services to Kansas veterans. KAP staff provided examples of how technology and accommodations can help a veteran work safely with a hearing loss, balance problems, and memory issues to continue farming and ranching. KAP brochures are made available to veterans who obtain services through the VA audiology program or the head injury/TBI rehabilitation unit. VA staff will share informational brochures with KAP staff so farmers and ranchers who've served are able to be informed of all resources they have at their disposal.
KAP staff provided education on AgrAbility services to partner, SAVE Farm (Service Member Agricultural Vocation Education) graduates. The graduating veterans and their families were provided general information about SRAPs and available services to assist them in their new ventures. Some graduates intend to begin their agriculture careers growing mushrooms, raising chickens, and continuing to work at the SAVE Training Center in Riley, Kansas. KAP staff demonstrated and discussed devices to assist with avoiding secondary injury to hearing, vision, and orthopedic systems, along with tips and devices to support memory, working outside in the elements, and respiration. KAP staff continue to work with SAVE Farm on making their training facilities accessible for all students, staff, and visitors.
Submitted by Tawnie Larson