A group of 100 participants at several events learned how to utilize Missouri AgrAbility as a key resource offering direct services and educational support. These included Show-Me Farm Safety, the 2501 OPPE Team-to-One Coaching, the MO Governor's Challenge to Prevent Suicide Among Service Members, the Heroes to Hives Missouri State Chapter, Pearls of Production, the Jefferson Farm Advisory Board, and meetings for Missouri's new and beginning farmers and ranchers program.
Journey Polacek, a student pursuing a career as an occupational therapy assistant through the University of Missouri Occupational Therapy Assistant Baccalaureate Program, works with Missouri AgrAbility to develop toolkits that emphasize rural assistive technology devices, disability awareness, ergonomics, mental health resources, and injury prevention guides. These key resources from Missouri were distributed to ag commodity groups, MU Extension specialists, and various faith-based organizations.
Submitted by: Karen Funkenbusch
Missouri AgrAbility was discussed as a resource during the Starling Missouri meeting on January 21 and 22. Discussions were held with five professionals in the fields of residential services for persons with developmental disabilities and community supports. These discussions raised awareness about Missouri AgrAbility for clients in rural Missouri.
Maureen Cunningham, BIA-MO executive director and Missouri AgrAbility Co-PI, highlighted Missouri AgrAbility during a BIA-MO Speakers Bureau presentation for 20 case managers and admission liaisons for The Rehabilitation Institute of St. Louis that provide in-patient rehabilitation services for Missouri AgrAbility clients throughout Missouri. Brain injury resource kits, featuring Missouri AgrAbility, were distributed to each attendee for utilization with patients with brain injury. The impact is farmers with brain injury will become aware of Missouri AgrAbility during their in-patient rehabilitation at The Rehabilitation Institute of St. Louis (TRISL). This training complements the ongoing distribution of brain injury resource kits by TRISL staff.
Submitted by: Maureen Cunningham