Tennessee
On April 17, the U.S. Congress and the disability community celebrated National Assistive Technology (AT) Awareness Day. The day honored people with disabilities who require AT to access their education, workplace, community, and recreational activities. The day recognized the innovation of researchers, educators, and the dedication of AT specialists and program providers who operate AT programs so that millions of individuals can acquire and use low-cost and often no-cost AT. TN recognized some of its Assistive Technology specialists with the STAR Center for their hard work and dedication to serving individuals with disabilities seeking proper AT so they can continue to live, learn, and work. TN appreciates the AT knowledge and guidance shared with TN AgrAbility from Kim Lilley, the executive director of the TN Technology Access Program and partner with TN AgrAbility. Learn more about TN AT Act program: https://www.tn.gov/humanservices/ds/ttap.html
TN AgrAbility partnered with the University of Tennessee's Center for Literacy, Education & Employment and with TN DHS/Division of Rehabilitation Services by presenting via Zoom, "Raising Hope by Bringing Awareness Right Now (BARN)" to over 80 participants. Thank you to guest speakers Dr. Cheryl Witt, Sr., ag nurse, University of Kentucky, Extension specialist and Lindsey B. Wilkerson, M.S., clinical mental health counseling and manager of assistive technology services with the Star Center (TN AgrAbility's nonprofit partner). The goal of the webinar was to improve mental health and well-being by increasing awareness and offering tools to reduce mental health challenges, farm stress, and suicide.
There was another successful "Pass It On" day for 200 recipients who received used medical equipment, technology, or low-vision devices. The STAR Center, TN AgrAbility's nonprofit partner, had a variety of gently used items available for free. Many times, insurance does not pay for durable medical equipment. Through a partnership with the Tennessee Technology Access Program and donations from individuals and businesses, the STAR Center provides items to individuals throughout the area for no cost. (Examples of items available include wheelchairs, walkers, canes, bedside commodes, shower seats/benches, computer keyboards and mice, vision aids, and communication devices.) Thank you to everyone that came out and the 1280 who shared about the day on social media!
2024 TSU TN New Farmer Academy (NFA) started classes in March and April in West/Middle/East Tennessee. NFA is a seven-month certificate program designed for those with an interest in becoming agriculture entrepreneurs. TN AgrAbility staff presented program information about the AgrAbility project in these initial meetings. There are a total of 133 participants throughout the state. TN AgrAbility arranged accessible accommodations for a farmer who is legally blind with a job coach to help navigate the class and the farms. Another farmer who is deaf is using an app to interpret and take notes.
A total of 267 TN Farm Bureau women, Farm Bureau staff, Extension staff, and vendors attended the 76th TN Farm Bureau Women's Leadership Conference at the Farm Bureau Expo Center in Wilson County. TN AgrAbility had the pleasure of setting up a booth and speaking to ladies (and a male or two) about the back saver, magnetic hammer, anti-vibration gloves, chair yoga, and the Worx wheelbarrow while learning from those who stopped by the booth about devices they used to make their tasks at home and on the farm/garden easier.
Submitted by TN AgrAbility