Tennessee

STAR Center's statewide assistive technology (AT) team are dedicated experts who revolutionize accessibility and empowerment through cutting-edge assistive technology. From innovative devices to personalized solutions, they are there to empower individuals with disabilities and unlock new possibilities. The STAR Center AT team plays a vital role in working with TN AgrAbility's farmers through farm visits and assessments for TN Vocational Rehabilitation. This past month, Lindsey Wilkerson, assistive technology specialist, made her first TN AgrAbility farm visit to Marshall County Learn more about their incredible work by visiting Star-center.org/technology.

Memphis Botanical Gardens welcomed 21 service providers, therapists, teachers, and others involved in therapeutic programming to the Horticultural Therapy Workshop: Healing through Horticultural Therapy, June 8-9. Presenters Douglas Airhart, Ph.D., HTR, professor at Tennessee Tech University; Derrick Stowell, Ph.D., CTRS, HTR, adjunct assistant professor at UT Knoxville; Laurie Williams with Memphis Botanical Gardens, and Joetta T. White, TN AgrAbility, introduced topics related to horticultural therapy, starting a therapy program, integration with current programming, accessibility / adaptation for special needs, propagation, basic plant care techniques, and the TN AgrAbility program. The group toured the Sensory Garden where they were able to touch/smell the plants and hear the sounds in the garden. Quote from an attendee: "I had never thought about how a plant that was root-bound and trying to escape could relate to 'stuff' going on in someone's life." Funding to support veterans attending this workshop was provided by a collaboration between TN AgrAbility Project, FrontLine Gardens, and University of Tennessee Gardens.

Staff are constantly amazed at the servant hearts of Stephanie and Michael Trost, TN AgrAbility farmers with Frontline Gardens who keep spreading hope and purpose with one raised garden bed at a time. (Read more about them HERE.) This month they drove 1,300 miles to Illinois to explore opportunities for future partnerships in other AgrAbility states. Stephanie says, "At Frontline Gardens, we work with the therapist to incorporate the gardening process into the therapy program. We build a custom-built raised bed garden at their residence. We supply the soil, first plantings, and gardening assistance. Therapy is always about moving forward. It's not always easy, but you have to keep trying. One day, you will find the one that works for you and heals your soul. Failure is not the opposite of success, it's a part of success. Failure is not a loss. It's a gain. You learn; you change; you grow. "

STAR Center and TN AgrAbility teamed up to introduce assistive technology tools to 31 Tennessee State University occupational therapy students. Only one out of 31 students had any agriculture background. Some students were able to experience certain physical and learning challenges during the presentation and tried to maneuver farming tasks such as using a hammer and nail with only one limb and reading instructions by someone with Dyslexia. Learning about new apps and devices for taking notes, reading labels, and a tool that says, "Your coffee cup is full", were eye opening. Occupational therapists play a vital role when it comes to getting the farmer back on the farm after an accident or illness that leaves him/her with a disability. Four TSU OT students will be working with TN AgrAbility for their summer field work.

Congratulations to Charley Jordan, TN AgrAbility farmer veteran. He was elected in June as the new director at large for the American Horticulture Therapy Association (AHTA). Charley continues to keep expanding his therapeutic horticulture activities through his flower workshops at Steven A. Cohen Military Family Clinic. He has a passion for raising flowers and working with veterans and their families using the healing power of flowers.

Supporting farmers and rural communities is a true passion of those who have a sincere interest in a vibrant agriculture economy. Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) and Question Persuade Refer (QPR) courses are specifically designed for rural community members. Training courses are offered to veterans and those serving veterans. Learn more about these opportunities by visiting the SAgE network at https://www.farmandranchstress.com/training. Trainings are offered with in-person and virtual options. The Farmer Veteran Coalition started the Farmer Veteran Coalition Mental Health Awareness Project by offering FREE virtual QPR suicide prevention training to FVC members, their families, and supporters in FVC Region II - Appalachia - Kentucky, North Carolina, Tennessee, West Virginia, and Virginia, on June 27, 2023. For many people, QPR is a very accessible way to receive an introduction to suicide prevention and learn to notice the first signs of stress in members of the farming community.

Submitted by Tennessee AgrAbility Project