PSU | CAS | AEE | Agrability | Newsletters | Summer 1998 You Are Here.

• The Tomato Lady

• AgrAbility Grant Renewed

• Assistive Technology Spotlight

• Assistive Technology Lending Library

• Contact Information

Pat worked with the Pennsylvania Office of Vocational Rehabilitation (OVR) to explore opportunities. AgrAbility for Pennsylvanians was contacted to work with Pat and to explore alternative agricultural enterprises. Pat was very interested in learning more about the operation of hydroponic greenhouses. She researched the topics, visited the Crop King hydroponics operation in Ohio, and discussed the feasibility with OVR.

AgrAbility and OVR worked with Pat to help make the hydroponics greenhouse a reality. This is the second year of operation for the greenhouse. Pat's family lives in the area and works with Pat in the greenhouse. The plants are planted in January and harvest begins in April. Family members help with the suckering of the plants, harvesting, and mixing of chemicals. The tomatoes produced by Pat are pesticide free and wax free. Pat works in the greenhouse every day doing various activities including sizing and packing tomatoes.

The hydroponics greenhouse uses nutrient solutions rather than soil. Pat has 870 plants in the 120-foot greenhouse. Computers are used to control feeding of the plants and to control the greenhouse temperature. There is a hive of bees in the greenhouse to provide the pollination of the plants.

With the use of computers in the hydroponics greenhouse, Pat is able to do almost all of the necessary activities. Due to the syringomyelia, Pat takes a break in the afternoon because of fatigue and to rest her hands. This condition limits the use of her hands and reduces the ability to reach. Pat has undergone acupuncture treatment since 1984 and is the only person with syringomyelia that has been successfully treated. Pat is a very vibrant person and wants to continue to live an active life. She stated that AgrAbility and the Pennsylvania Office of Vocational Rehabilitation has helped her to do just that.

AgrAbility Grant Renewed

AgrAbility for Pennsylvanians is part of a national information and technology network for farmers and farm families that continue to farm despite ongoing medical or physical limitations. During the first three years of the grant project, AgrAbility for Pennsylvanians worked with over 100 families throughout the state.

AgrAbility services include information and referral services, on-site assessments of agricultural worksites, information on assistive technology for agricultural worksites, peer support, caregiver support, professional education and public awareness.

Assistive Technology Spotlight

Tomco's Tara is an all terrain vehicle operated from a person's wheelchair. There is a hydraulic ramp at the back of the vehicle for easier access via a wheelchair or scooter. The Tara is designed according to the needs and abilities of each individual.

Tomco's latest venture is the "Independence". The Independence is an all-terrain wheelchair that operates on either a gasoline engine or an electric motor. This versatility allow a person to operate the wheelchair inside or outside. The armrest/slide plate provides an easier transfer.

For more information, contact Tomco:
Tomco Conversions Inc.
PO Box 30, Midmont Road
Wilcox, PA 15870
(814) 929 - 5164
Email: oliver@ncentral.com
Web Site: www.ncentral.com/~oliver/tomco.htm

Update on the Assistive Technology Lending Library

Just like a regular library, you will check out an item for a certain period of time. This item will be shipped via UPS to your home or business and will be picked up in a similar manner. There will be local Lending Library branches throughout the state that will provide more information about the lending process.

The Lending Library will include items such as the following:

• Computer access devices
• Specialized computers
• Augmentative communication devices
• Independent living items (i.e., reachers)
• Communication devices for people with hearing impairments
• Environmental control items
• Many, many more items.

The Lending Library should be ready for requests by September 1998. For more information about the Lending Library, contact one of the following: AgrAbility for Pennsylvanians Your Local Center for Independent Living. PIAT at 1-800-204-PIAT

UPCOMING EVENTS

CENTRE COUNTY GRANGE FAIR
YOUTH DAY ACTIVITIES
AUGUST 31, 1998
AgrAbility staff will provide disability awareness and model farm activities.

NATIONAL AGRABILITY TRAINING WORKSHOP
ST. LOUIS, MISSOURI
NOVEMBER 7-11, 1998
This workshop provides training to state AgrAbility staff and others involved in rural rehabilitation.

This newsletter was developed and produced by AgrAbility for Pennsylvanians. Please forward any ideas about articles for future editions to AgrAbility staff:

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

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