Tennessee
TN AgrAbility partnered with University of TN Extension, The STAR Center, and TN Vocational Rehabilitation Services TN to work together to provide the delivery of assistive technology (AT) equipment: portable grain feeder, water tank, and an outdoor mobility device for a Loudon County veteran farming with back injuries. The AT will assist him to move chicken tractors, haul feed, and do daily chores in hilly East TN. Investing in tools that reduce physical strain isn't just smart - it allows farmers with challenges to keep farming.
TN AgrAbility farmer and agvocate Jason Barber shared his story on two fantastic podcasts:
- Purdue Extension's "Tools for Today's Farmers" (June 2). Farming Blind with Duck
- Blind Dave's United Kingdom-based show: discussing farming with retinitis pigmentosa: "Blind Dave chats with Jason the blind farmer" https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kVSNtJhhyP4
TN AgrAbility's nonprofit partner, The STAR Center's Assistive Technology team, explored the new MirrorPad Pro, thanks to Nathan Day (TN low vision). This 3-in-1 wireless desktop magnifier combines a 4K touchscreen, high-powered camera, and device connectivity, offering clarity for reading, note-taking, and presentations. Key farm-relevant features:
- High Magnification & Clarity: Essential for seeing small details critical to farming tasks.
- Large 4K Touchscreen: Provides a spacious, clear view of documents, digital data, or magnified objects.
- Wireless Connectivity: Allows viewing content from other devices (phone with field photos, tablet with farm app data).
- Versatility: Functions as a desktop magnifier, document viewer, and secondary screen for other devices (Photo)
Submitted by TN AgrAbility
OTHER NEWS
Research Opportunity: Farm Families & Stress. Help understand stress in farm families coping with dementia. Participate if your household includes:
- At least 1 adult and 1 teen (13-17)
- Up to 2 adults
Earn: $20 Amazon gift card per eligible participant.
Survey: 20 minutes online; all responses confidential.
To participate Welcome to Farm Families Coping with Dementia (FFCD) Study - Questions? Contact Josie Rudolphi (josier@illinois.edu)