Colorado

In April, Colorado AgrAbility partnered with the Alpha Gamma Rho fraternity for a volunteer service day supporting ongoing client Ann Allen at her ranch in Wellington, Colorado. Rural Rehab Specialist Hannah Cefalo helped organize the fraternity brothers who contributed three hours of labor assistance. They supported Ann and her husband by sweeping the garage, cleaning out horse stalls, laying fresh stall mats, brushing horses (with plenty of treats), and sanding and staining a wooden accessibility ramp built by a neighbor. Ann, who has been struggling to access her property due to being a new wheelchair user, shared that this was the first time she had been able to help brush her horses in several months. The volunteer day was a meaningful experience for all involved and provided Ann with both practical support and renewed connection to her agricultural work.

Colorado AgrAbility also received increased media attention in May, June, July thanks to coverage highlighting the program's impact on disabled agricultural producers. The Brighton Blade, in an article by reporter Belen Ward titled "High-tech help sustains injured Brighton cattle rancher," and The Fence Post, in an article by Kayla Shepardson titled "AgrAbility helps Colorado rancher continue the job he loves," both featured Colorado AgrAbility's role in helping producers remain active and independent in agriculture, and specifically dove into its impact on long-standing client Alex Miller. These articles, developed through interviews with AgrAbility staff, helped expand awareness of the program and its services across Colorado's agricultural communities.

Additionally, Rural Rehab Specialist Ashley Buchanan represented Colorado AgrAbility at Logan County Middle School's Ag Day, a large-scale agricultural education showcase focused on farm safety. During the event, Ashley staffed an outreach table and spoke with approximately 500 middle school students about agricultural safety, independence, and overall well-being. Students learned how Colorado AgrAbility supports individuals of all ages involved in agriculture by promoting safer practices, adaptive solutions, and continued participation in agricultural work.

Submitted by Hannah Cefalo