Kansas AgrAbility, Ohio AgrAbility, and Alaska AgrAbility recently wrote a self-determined 4-H project: "Disability Advocacy and Awareness," which has been published on the Ohio State University Extension 4-H website. Self-determined 4-H projects are for members who have a great project idea of their own or who want to work beyond a current project book. "Disability Advocacy and Awareness" has four topic areas: Person First, Safety, Service and Advocacy, and Wellness and Lifestyle. The Idea Starter also includes a Person First Survey, a Community Survey Checklist, and a Greenhouse Activity.
Marty Cotterman with Life Essentials joined Kansas AgrAbility and SAVE Farm for a demonstration of the Life Essentials truck lift. SAVE Farm board members enjoyed learning more about the Life Essentials products and how they can improve the accessibility at their farm that educates veterans and beginning farmers.
Small growers have an interest in maximizing their efficiency as well as production. KS AgrAbility staff were invited to highlight ergonomic tools, protective clothing for varying weather conditions, and modifications to small machinery to support producers with a variety of abilities. Cultivate Kansas City, a nonprofit that supports urban gardeners and small producers, hosted the event. Josh Volk, Slow Hand Farm, provided a presentation on farm tools and ergonomics in which he focused on CSA farming and accessible, efficient production designs. About 15 small-scale producers and 12 urban growers attended.
Submitted by Tawnie Larson