Tennessee

Happy 2024 from TN AgrAbility!

Tennessee AgrAbility ended 2023 with a special assistive technology delivery to a Hawkins County farmer, Vernon Goad. A special thank-you to Michael Boucher with All Things Terrain in Georgia who drove up on a cold, rainy day to deliver an Action Trackstander to Mr. Goad. The accident Mr. Goad was involved in was assisting a neighbor cut down a tree. A tree limb fell and struck him, injuring cervical vertebrae 3-7. The tree fell and kicked back knocking him off his feet and down a hill. The "whiplash" effect during the fall caused a bone spur to pierce his spinal cord. It caused significant spinal cord damage and his life changed forever that day. Brenda, Mr. Goad's niece, learned about AgrAbility and contacted TNAP to see if any assistance might be available. The TN AgrAbility team worked with TN State Vocational Rehabilitation Services to help Mr. Goad with a self-employment business plan since he had been a career truck driver prior to his accident. The assistive technology tool Action Trackstander was funded by the TN State Vocational Rehabilitation Services. It will help him with mobility around his hilly farm with his horses, hay farming, and horse boarding. Mr. Goad was very grateful to everyone who helped make it possible and is so happy to have the ability to "stand" again as needed and enjoy being outside and independent on his farm.

TN AgrAbility nonprofit partner, The STAR Center, celebrated the International Day of Persons with Disabilities on December 3. The STAR Center stands for inclusivity and empowerment for individuals with disabilities. STAR believes that every person, regardless of ability, can thrive and live a meaningful life. STAR wishes to exemplify the spirit of this global observance by championing inclusiveness, breaking down barriers, and embracing the unique strengths of every individual through helping them #CrushTheNO every single day!

December brought another fantastic day of grain bin safety/rescue awareness training and hands-on demonstrations in collaboration with TN AgrAbility and Brian Robinson with the amazing team at the TN Association of Rescue Squads! Thank you to all the volunteers and rescue personnel who save lives and give so freely of their time. Sixty rescue personnel,ag producers, and UT TSU Extension agents attended this event. Big thank you to the team at Jay Moser's farm, the Morristown Crewetts for a delicious lunch, and the UT/TSU Extension friends in Hamblen, Jefferson, Cocke, Hawkins, Grainger, and Greene Counties. Always "Stop. Think. Be Safe."

TNAP staff participated in the 102nd TN Farm Bureau annual convention trade show with displays for TN AgrAbility and SAgE (Southern Ag Exchange Network). Staff spoke with an estimated 100+ farmers, women in ag, and youths that attended the trade show. The picture shows two TN Farm Bureau Women in Ag participants exchanging ideas on assistive technology and nutrition ideas that will help with their immune system. (TNAP staff was eavesdropping)

Submitted by Tennessee AgrAbility Project