Ohio AgrAbility staff and farmers enjoyed attending the NTW in Madison, WI. Everyone welcomed the opportunities to meet new people, learn from their colleagues and other presenters, and network and share ideas to grow the Ohio Project. Project Director Dee Jepsen participated in a panel discussion for "AgrAbility 'Accessing' the Amish/Plain Farmer." Dee and Laura Akgerman, disability services coordinator, co-presented "Making Lemonade When Your Outreach Event Hands You Lemons" with Kendra Martin (PA), Lani Carlson and Dick Brzozowski (ME), and Tawny Larson (KS) AgrAbility Projects.
OAP staff presented an overview of Ohio AgrAbility services, assistive technology, and ways to modify equipment and facilities, to Dr. Dee Jepsen's ag safety class. The annual presentation is a great way to engage with students, inspire them to think of ways they can help Ohio AgrAbility serve farmers, and prompt them to consider focusing on an AgrAbility client for their capstone projects. The presentation includes scenarios to encourage them to think about how making adjustments to their equipment, body mechanics, and work habits can help them reduce the risk of aches, pains, and secondary injuries as they age.
Submitted by Laura Akgerman