The staff from Clemson met with their partner, Able SC, to discuss upcoming projects they have planned for the residents of South Carolina. The staff's first objective is to coordinate joint workshops to train Clemson and SC State members on the language and presentation of disabilities from the perspective of Able SC's long-term relationships with the disabled of South Carolina. Likewise, staff from Clemson and SC State will coordinate trips to some of the agricultural research stations throughout South Carolina. Able SC staff will be able to learn about many of the agricultural practices in the state. This exposure to some of the complexities in farm settings will help Able SC's staff inform AgrAbility staff of the challenges that people of different disabilities may experience.
Staff members are also working with students in the Department of Agricultural Sciences at Clemson University on capstone projects. One of the projects includes modifications in an aquaponics system to allow an individual to farm. Modifications include a device to easily harvest fish and elevated plant growing beds to allow a person to stand up and garden or to move low enough for an individual in a wheelchair to also garden. The other project includes modifications in a tractor cab for the operator to have visual devices surrounding the tractor so that a clear 360-degree view is achieved.
Submitted by South Carolina AgrAbility Project