|
PSU | CAS | AEE | Agrability | Newsletters |
December 1998  You
Are Here.
December
1998
CONGRESS INCREASES FUNDING
FOR AGRABILITY
The U. S. Department of Agriculture's AgrAbility program received a 7
percent increase in funding in the fiscal year 1999 U.S. Department of
Agriculture Appropriations Bill. This is the project's first funding increase
in more than five years. Many members of Congress were instrumental in
securing this increase, and special thanks go to Senator Arlen Spector
(R-PA) and Senator Tom Harkin (D-IA) for their support of AgrAbility.
During the process of re-authorizing funds, members of Congress expressed
concern over reports of waiting lists for services, the depletion of staff
resources, and the need for increased emphasis on education and outreach.
These new funds will allow the 18 state AgrAbility projects funded by
the project to address these issues.
AGRICULTURAL FRATERNITIES WAGE PENNY WAR
AgrAbility for Pennsylvanians would like to thank three fraternities at
the University Park Campus of The Pennsylvania State University. The brothers
and sisters of Alpha Zeta (AZ), Delta Theta Sigma (DTS), and Tau Phi Delta
(Treehouse) raised $365 through a 'Penny War' competition between the
fraternities. The money raised through the Penny War helped pay for a
Ventrac Tri-Wheeler Model 300 for a farmer with a disability in Berks
County. The Ventrac 300 allows the operator to stay in a wheelchair and
roll onto the operating platform.
BARN BUILDERS
Barn Builders is an idea exchange service for farmers and caregivers.
These ideas can be about farm machinery modifications, ways to cope with
new responsibilities, adapted ways of doing tasks, stress management,
and various other topics
A 'Barn Builder' group was formed last year in Northwestern Pennsylvania.
At meetings, farmers and farm family members learn more about the Office
of Vocational Rehabilitation, modifications for agricultural worksites,
Easter Seals, Cooperative Extension, and AgrAbility. Plans are underway
for those in Northwestern PA to meet in February 1999. If you are interested
in talking with another farmer/caregiver or would like to start a Barn
Builder group in your area, please contact Linda Fetzer at (814) 238-4434
{voice/TTY}.
PROBLEM SOLVED
Problem: Milking in a tie stall configuration with knee and back pain.
Solution: Charlie and his son milk with a vacuum pipeline system in
a tie stall configuration. When one bank of tie-stalls was rebuilt
a few years ago, the stalls was raised three inches so the cows were
slightly higher. This makes it easier for Charlie to milk. Both men wear
strap on stools so they can sit by the cow when preparing the cow for
milking and when putting on or taking off the milking unit. This somewhat
reduces the need for stooping, and takes some stress off of the knees
and other parts of the body.
ASSISTIVE TECHNOLOGY SPOTLIGHT
People with disabilities often find they have difficulty using traditional
tools. To address this situation, a California toolmaker has come up with
a new twist on an old favorite, the hammer.
Ted Hammer Inc. of San Diego, CA, makes hammers and wire cutters. The
firm's new hammer has a magnetic nail starter, a helpful feature for
a
person with limited use of one arm. A wedge at the top of the hammer
houses a magnet that holds a nail firmly in place when using the Nail
Starter
Innovation. Other features of the Ted Hammer include a polyurethane
plug inserted in the hollow cavity of the handle to enhance the balance
and
shock-proof capabilities and a patented dimple face design that grips
the nail more securely with less slippage, offering greater safety.
Ted
Hammers Inc. manufactures five unique models for various types of jobs
including a 1" head for fine trim detailing up to 1 1/2" head
for forming and framing.
For more information, contact Ted Hammers, Inc.:
Ted Hammers Inc.
6152 Mission Gorge Road, Suite G
San Diego, CA 92120-9768
1-800-645-2434
http://www.thammers.com
FROM THE DIRECTOR'S DESK
By Connie Bagget
Last month, Doug Schaufler accepted another position after working with
the AgrAbility for Pennsylvanians for four years. Obviously, he did an
excellent job over those past several years. In his absence, we remain
committed to helping farmers and farm families who experienced a disability,
working with the state Office Vocational Rehabilitation, working with
our Easter Seals partner, collaborating with disability support services,
enlisting assistance from other University outreach, and carrying the
torch for AgrAbility.
As we approach this holiday season, extra caution is needed in every thing
we do. We will hear or read the sad story of a farmer rushing through
farm chores and experiencing an accident. We will hear or read the sad
story of a hunter being shot while hunting. We will hear or read the sad
story of a youngster who had an accident with the new motor cycle or four-wheel
cycle. And we will hear or read the sad story of a family involved in
an automobile accident while visiting relatives. Although AgrAbility for
Pennsylvanians does an excellent job with those who experienced an accident,
the best job is always accident prevention.
Have a safe and happy holiday season!
(Connie D. Baggett is an associate professor at Penn State University
and the project director for AgrAbility for Pennsylvanians. He may be
reached at 814-863-7868 or emailed at bbc@psu.edu)
HOLIDAY MESSAGE FROM EASTER SEALS
By Jean Johnstone, COO, Easter Seals Central PA
The staff of Easter Seals Central Pennsylvania would like to extend a
warm holiday greeting to the many individuals, families and organizations
who are a vital part of the AgrAbility for Pennsylvanians project. For
the coming year, we continue our commitment to promote the independence,
dignity and equality of all persons affected by a disability or special
need. We look forward to the continued expansion of the AgrAbility project
and its services throughout the farmlands and rural communities of Pennsylvania.
Partnerships such as our relationship with Penn State are one of the keys
to creating solutions and changing the lives of farmers and their families.
We sincerely wish you and your family the happiest and safest holiday
season and extend our best wishes for a successful, healthy new year.
UPCOMING EVENTS
1999 PA State Farm Show
Harrisburg, PA - January 9 - 14, 1999
AgrAbility OT Pilot Project
Penn State - Mont Alto Campus
Orientation to AgrAbility & AT
January 15, 1999
Barn Builders Meeting
Northwestern Pennsylvania - TBA
PA Association for Sustainable Agriculture Conference
Penn Stater Conference Center, University Park
February 12 - 13, 1999
Assistive Technology in the Heartland
Indianapolis, Indiana
April 25 - 28, 1999
For more information about
AgrAbility for Pennsylvanians or to share any ideas about articles for
future editions, please contact either Linda or David.
|
The Pennsylvania
State University
Dept. of Agricultural and Extension Education
433 Agricultural Administration Building
University Park, PA 16802
Connie D. Baggett
– AgrAbility Project Director – (814) 863-7415
Linda Fetzer – AgrAbility Project Assistant – (814) 863-7490
Phone: 814-863-7490
Fax: 814-863-4753
Email: lmf8@psu.edu
|
Easter Seals
Central Pennsylvania
1300 S. Allen Street
State College, PA 16801
Jeanne Hanlin
– Easter Seals Central Pennsylvania CEO – (814) 944-5014
David Troutman – AgrAbility Case Manager - 814-238-4434 (Voice/TTY)
Phone: 814-238-4434
Fax: 814-238-3721
Email: DTROUTMAN@homenursingagency.com
|
|
