Nebraska

2023 Nebraska State Fair - Older Nebraskans Day: located in the Raising Nebraska building at the Nebraska State Fair in Grand Island, Nebraska, the AgrAbility booth was visited by dozens of fairgoers during Older Nebraskans Day on August 28. Emily Jacobson and Soni Cochran were on hand to answer questions and share information on AgrAbility. The "knowledge wheel" was popular and people enjoyed spinning the wheel to learn about arthritis and its impact on farmers and ranchers. Ergonomic garden tools were also available for people to try. During the day, Emily was also able to visit with AgrAbility clients who stopped by the booth.

Occupational and physical therapists are invited to "Rehabilitating Farmers and Ranchers with Disabilities." The day-long seminar is planned for Tuesday September 26, 2023, 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. CDT, as an in-person course at the Park Clubhouse in Battle Creek, Nebraska, or via Live Zoom conferencing. It is sponsored by Nebraska AgrAbility. Eight (8) continuing education units (CEUs)will be available through NPTA. Lunch and snacks will be provided for those attending in person and all course materials will be mailed before class to those attending via live zoom.

Most do not realize it, but when a farmer or rancher is discharged from care following an injury or serious illness, he or she is not only returning home, but is also returning to an industrial work site. Occupational therapists, physical therapists, OT assistants, and PT assistants can play an important role in preparing farmers and ranchers to return to their homes. When home includes the workplace, special considerations are needed to ensure a safe transition.

"Rehabilitating Farmers and Ranchers with Disabilities" is designed to help health care providers become more competent in their care to the agricultural population they see on a regular basis. Christine Hutchinson, PT, DPT, will be the lead instructor for the course. She is a physical therapist at St. Francis Memorial Hospital in West Point, Nebraska. She has advanced certification in geriatrics and is a credentialed clinical instructor. Nebraska AgrAbility staff will also teach portions of the seminar.

Pre-registration and payment for the seminar is required by September 19, 2023. Visit go.unl.edu/ot-pt. A complete agenda and registration materials are also available online at https://agrability.unl.edu/. Contact Nancy Frecks, Nebraska Extension educator, (308) 334-5666, or nfrecks1@unl.edu for further information or with any questions.

Staff Changes and Recognition

Heather Leuenberger joins Nebraska AgrAbility serving as rural rehabilitation specialist. Heather has lived in southeast Nebraska her entire life. Her grandfather was a farmer and that's where she learned to love being outdoors and to appreciate agriculture. Heather shares that her family also has a background in beekeeping. Prior to joining AgrAbility, Heather was a teacher. She worked with speech-language pathologists and, in addition to teaching students in grades 3-5, worked in a behavioral disorders classroom.

Heather has two children. Her son is a junior at Chadron State College majoring in rangeland management and minoring in agricultural business. Heather shares that her 19-year-old daughter has several health issues that have introduced Heather to the world of accessibility and disability services. Her daughter is currently in a transition program focused on life skills and independent living skills. Heather's husband works for a local cooperative.

Heather says, "I look forward to this new role and the opportunity to have a positive impact on farmers and ranchers with accessibility needs." Welcome to the team, Heather!

Submitted by Soni Cochran