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December 2001

AgrAbility for Pennsylvanians Hosts National Workshop!
AgrAbility for Pennsylvanians is pleased to report that the National AgrAbility Workshop, which was hosted by our state in Harrisburg, October 9-12, at the Harrisburg Hilton, was a pleasant success. Throughout the course of the workshop 125 people were registered, coming from 30 states and Washington, D.C. Thirteen OVR staff from Pennsylvania were present at the conference as well as several occupational therapists.

The workshop opened with poster presentations from the different states’ projects and comments by Pennsylvania’s Secretary of Agriculture, Samuel E. Hayes, Jr. Wednesday and Thursday provided attendees a wide array of sessions ranging from an introduction to AgrAbility, marketing AgrAbility, farm and home modifications, assistive technologies available, farming safely with disabilities and peer support activities. The group was bused to Richard and Beth Maurer’s farm outside of Newport in Perry County on Thursday afternoon to witness the modifications made for this client by OVR and the Maurer’s around this dairy operation. Milk and ice cream were enjoyed by all before departing again for Harrisburg.

We give all involved with this event a congratulatory “Thank You!”

Susquehanna Valley Mall Promotion Continues Successfully!!
Susquehanna Valley Mall coupled with Big Country Radio, this year for their Fall Fest on Saturday, October 20, 2001 at the SVM concourses. The day’s activities raised a little over $800 to help a farmer or farm family in the Snyder, Union and/or Northumberland Counties who utilizes AgrAbility services. This is the third year for this event.

Fund raising events continued from previous years included the scarecrow contest, pumpkin carving/painting, silent auction and the proceeds from Weis Market’s sale of pumpkin pies, cider and candy apples. Again mall merchants graciously donated goods for the auction. Additional events this year included a raffle, a lucky number spinning wheel, West Snyder FFA students had a child’s activity area, a Halloween Fashion Show was hosted by the Bon-Ton Department store and Big Country Radio had three musical groups providing live entertainment throughout the afternoon.

A special “Thanks” to the Susquehanna Valley Mall, Big Country Radio, Weis Markets, West Snyder FFA and mall merchants for your interest in helping to raise funds as well as promoting AgrAbility for farmers in the community.

Staff Positions Available
Easter Seals Central Pennsylvania announces the following staff positions with the AgrAbility Project:

• AgrAbility Outreach Specialist: Part-time position (minimum of 60 hours/month). This person’s main responsibility will be to participate in various outreach events throughout the state. Good communication and presentation skills needed.
• AgrAbility Farm Services Specialist: Part-time position (minimum of 60 hours/month). This person’s main responsibility will be conducting presentations to farm groups and outreach at county and state-level agricultural activities. Good communication and presentation skills needed.
  
  For more information, contact Easter Seals Central Pennsylvania at (814) 238-4434.

AgrAbility Achieves Good Marks!
Since 1991, AgrAbility Projects in 27 states along with the national project accomplished the following:

• Provided assistance, including nearly 8,800 on-site visits, to over 10,000 farmers, ranchers, farm workers or their family members affected by disability;
• Educated over 200,000 agricultural, rehabilitation, and health professionals on safely accommodating disability in agriculture;
• Recruited and trained more than 6,000 volunteers and peer supporters to assist agricultural producers with disabilities and their families; and,
• Reached 9,500,000 people through more than 8,000 exhibits, displays, and demonstrations to increase awareness of the challenges affecting and resources available to people with disabilities working in agriculture.

Upcoming Events

• PA Farm Show, Farm Show Complex, Harrisburg, PA - January 5th –10th , 2002
• Keystone Farm Show, York Fairgrounds, York, PA - January 8th – 10th ,2002
• Perry County Farm Safety Camp, Perry County - April 27, 2002
• PA Young Farmers Winter Convention, Lebanon, PA - February 5-7, 2002

FROM THE DIRECTOR’S DESK ...
Recently, we received the project renewal information from USDA. We had been anticipating its arrival for several weeks and we have been planning strategies for our next project proposal. Because of the September 11 attack on the New York City World Trade Center and the downed passenger jetliner in Pennsylvania, it has been difficult to concentrate efficiently. Our deep felt sorrow and sympathy go to the families of those who perished in September.

As we prepare for the new proposal to cover 2002 through 2006, we stand committed to the continued assistance to farmers and farm families who have experienced a disability. The new proposal will address the national AgrAbility objectives in a way that strengthen agricultural safety and health efforts in the Commonwealth. The proposal will show continuous collaboration and cooperation with Easter Seals Central Pa, Pa’s Office for Vocational Rehabilitation, Pa’s Initiative for Assistive Technology, Pa’s Office for Rural Health, and Penn State Hershey Medical Center’s AgroMedicine Program. We have received numerous letters of support for this project renewal from collaborators, stakeholders, agriscience teachers, Cooperative Extension, and others too numerous to mention in this short message.

Please be reminded that the AgrAbility for Pennsylvanians project staff is extremely thankful to project friends and supporters and we are proud of our accomplishments. I hope to report a positive funding decision in our next newsletter.

Dr. Connie D. Baggett
Principal Investigator/Project Director – AgrAbility for Pennsylvanians
The Pennsylvania State University

ASSISTIVE TECHNOLOGY SPOTLIGHT: Side Entry Skid Steer (with hand controls)
Skid loaders are commonly used on grain and livestock farms to move pallets, manure, and bulk materials, and to perform other tasks requiring high maneuverability and a loader bucket. Typically, accessing a skid loader requires climbing over the front loader bucket; and operating it generally requires both hands and feet.

The JCB Robot Skid Loader has the bucket support arm on only one side, which allows access to the cab through a side door instead of over the bucket. The Robot’s controls are all operated by hand, eliminating the need of foot operation. The left joystick controls steering and speed, while the right joystick controls bucket lift and dump. Auxiliary equipment, such as a backhoe, auger or concrete breaker can also be operated with the two joysticks.

Supplier: L.B. Smith, Inc.
2001 State Road, Camp Hill, PA 17011
717-737-3431
Web: www.jcbna.com

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AgrAbility staff is available for presentations throughout the state! If you would like an AgrAbility presentation at your county or state level event, please contact Linda Fetzer at (814) 238-4434. For more information about AgrAbility for Pennsylvanians or to share any ideas about articles for future editions, please contact either Linda or David.

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