Ohio

Ohio AgrAbility started September at the 8th annual Cursive Ohio Charity Bike Ride in Ada, Ohio. Almost 100 riders and a few dozen volunteers braved the weather to support Ohio AgrAbility's farmers and programs. The riders rode routes of 16, 35 or 65 miles (the 65-mile route spells "Ohio" in cursive), and all routes get to "dot the i" at rest stop 3. OAP Disability Services Coordinator Laura Akgerman and her husband took their usual place at rest stop 3, offering water, snacks, watermelon, pickles and taking pictures of the riders. The ride raised $4300 and will be used for Peer Network meetings and NTW travel.

Farm Science Review 2024 was another great show, with many opportunities for networking, outreach and education. Austin from Cursive Ohio stopped by to present the check from the ride, Marty Cotterman represented LifeLyfts, and Derek and Mike from DM Carts demonstrated their modified carts to visitors. OAP displayed pieces from the AT Learning Lab and provided conversation starters about universal design and using equipment to make farming safer and more accessible. The prize wheel was a big draw and gave staff and vendors the opportunity to share information about Ohio AgrAbility, assistive technology, Ohio ag, and ag safety with the students and farmers who spun the wheel. Cursive Ohio.

Submitted by Laura Akgerman