Steve Swain, rural rehabilitation specialist for the Indiana AgrAbility Project, presented a "Practical Application of Assistive Technology" to Dr. Brad Duerstock's Assistive Technology Practice graduate-level course. The presentation showed the practical application of the accessibility assessment process along with examples of assistive technology for the farm and rural businesses.
Steve Swain has conducted multiple Indiana farm accessibility assessments for Indiana Vocational Rehabilitation Services on farms raising corn, soybeans, wheat, hay, pasture, brood cows and their calves, feeder cattle, contract finishing hogs, mushrooms, produce, and fruit. Mr. Swain also made farm visits to potential VR clients raising hay, dairy, sheep, and goats. Farmer limitations included stroke, back injuries, arthritis, and lower extremity neuropathies.
Submitted by Steve Swain
September 3, Indiana AgrAbility Project Manager Chuck Baldwin attended the Indiana Amish Handicap [SIC] Gathering in Monroe, IN. There were roughly 250 Amish in attendance, including the families of those with disabilities. Among them was Michael, a boy of 13 who is blind and facing possible deafness as the result of two brain tumors. In spite of his physical struggles, Michael is a very positive, upbeat young man. He fell in love a couple of years ago with a talking tape measure/inclinometer that Ned Stoller demonstrated at the National Handicap Gathering. Chuck spoke with the family again about it and has made arrangements to purchase one for the family that will be delivered soon.
Submitted by Chuck Baldwin