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February 2004

A View from the Field: Bradford County

Farm Modifications Provide Pain-Free Independence for Bradford County Dairyman

David Walrath has farmed the rolling hills of Northern Bradford County for nearly 60 years. Snow Crest Dairy has been in his family since 1951, and he and his wife Gail and son Scott currently milk an average of 100 cows and farm about 450 acres.

David has also lived with debilitating hip, shoulder, and arthritis problems for the past 20 years. He was facing his 3rd hip replacement surgery in early 2002 when Gail contacted AgrAbility for Pennsylvanians to learn how they might help.

AgrAbility for Pennsylvanians is a partnership between Penn State Cooperative Extension and Easter Seals Central Pennsylvania, and is funded through USDA. The project works with disabled farmers and farm family members to help them achieve greater independence in their farming operations. After completing an on-farm assessment, AgrAbility staff help eligible producers identify funding resources to make modifications and/or purchase equipment.

Walrath was able to qualify for assistance through the Pennsylvania Department of Labor and Industry’s Office for Vocational Rehabilitation (OVR). Wilkes Barre District VR Counselor Larry Baxter conducted an individualized review of Walrath’s situation.

Says Baxter, “The first time I met David, I could tell that he did not consider himself disabled. He said ‘I just have a lot of aches and pains, and I’m not looking for a handout.’ The reality, however, was that David needed to make significant modifications to the business if he was to be able to play an active role in the farm operation.”

After Walrath and Baxter carefully prioritized the various recommendations for modifications and equipment suggested by the AgrAbility staff, funds were secured through state and district resources. The results were almost immediate.

“The John Deere Gator came in October of 2002, and David noticed the difference in his pain levels and mobility right away,” explains Walrath’s wife Gail. “Then came the speed hitches, which allowed David to do field work without climbing on and off the tractors to hook-up or release wagons and equipment. We couldn’t get him off the tractors after that!”

AgrAbility Staff Attends National Conference
AgrAbility for Pennsylvanians staff traveled to Omaha, Nebraska, November 11-14, for the annual National AgrAbility Training Workshop. This year’s program featured a variety of session topics, including Product Design and Liability, Self Employment Strategies, Home Modifications, Orthotics & Prosthetics for Farmers and Ranchers, and many others. Participants were also given the opportunity to travel off-site to visit Valmont Irrigation – a leading manufacturer of mechanized irrigation equipment and technology – and the University of Nebraska Tractor Test Lab.

“By far, the highlight of the annual workshop for me is the time that we have to network with other state AgrAbility staff,” says Linda Fetzer, Pennsylvania’s project assistant. “It’s amazing the amount of information that is shared by state staff on an informal basis during the conference.”

David Troutman, case manager, found a conference keynote particularly valuable. “My favorite part of the conference was the keynote speaker for Wednesday evening dinner. Ron Hanson, of the University of Nebraska, spoke of techniques for resolving family conflicts, particularly in family farm situations when everyone is both living and working together,” explains Troutman. “He gave very sound principles for everyday life that encouraged better listening and communication.”

A session presented by Barbara Sikora and entitled ‘Creating the Materials You Need to Market Your Program’ was considered the most valuable by outreach specialist Crystal Smithmyer. This workshop presented techniques to enhance the delivery and effectiveness of project marketing materials. Sikora also took the time to critique existing project brochures to share tips for improvement.

The dates for next year’s conference have yet to be confirmed, but the conference will be hosted by the Illinois AgrAbility Project.

From the Director’s Desk ...
Slippery ice and snow and frigid temperatures, as well as outdoor activities such as snowmobiling, four wheeling, and snow shoveling and skiing make for another hazardous winter season. Still, farm animals have to be fed, watered, and bedded. Cows have to be milked; horses exercised and groomed; eggs gathered, washed, and graded. Using farm equipment, machines, and implements to accomplish everyday jobs makes for a very busy day. Many farm operators use the winter months to repair and service their equipment. With all that a farm or ranch worker has to do, fatigue can lead to carelessness and injury.

Farm or ranch accidents occur year round. Because there is no plowing, planting, cultivating, fertilizing, or harvesting taking place does not mean that accidents will not occur. Common sense and safety must be practiced every day, every week, every month, and every season.

Connie D. Bagget
AgrAbility Project Director

Pennsylvania’s Initiative on Assistive Technology (PIAT)
Pennsylvania's Initiative on Assistive Technology is the Commonwealth's statewide, cross-age and cross-disability program under the Technology-related Assistance for Individuals with Disabilities Act, as Amended (P.L. 103-218). As specified in the "Tech Act", PIAT's priority activities include the development, implementation, and monitoring of laws, policies, practices, and organizational structures to improve access to assistive technology for all Pennsylvanians with disabilities and older Pennsylvanians.

PIAT's efforts are focused in the following areas:

• Public awareness activities to increase the knowledge of the general public (including educators, teachers, employers, businesses) and people with disabilities and their friends and families of the benefit, scope, and potential of assistive technology.

• Information and referral activities to respond to requests regarding consumer choices in the selection of assistive technology, specific devices and where to obtain them, and information about assistive technology service providers. PIAT's information and referral hotline may be accessed toll-free at 800-204-PIAT (7428) voice, 800-750-PIAT (7428) TTY, or via e-mail <piat@astro.ocis.temple.edu>.

• Advocacy activities may be related to individual problems in identifying or procuring funding for needed assistive devices and services, or to changing the systems to improve access. PIAT's consumer liaison provides technical assistance to people with disabilities or family members who are having difficulty accessing assistive technology through the maze of public programs or private insurance. PIAT advocates for changes in laws, policies, and practices to improve access to assistive technology for all Pennsylvanians.

As part of its advocacy efforts, PIAT seeks input from people with disabilities, family members, and other people who assist people with disabilities across Pennsylvania about their experiences in accessing assistive Tel. 800-204-PIAT (7428) (voice)

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