2003 National AgrAbility Project Training Workshop

12:00 - 5:30 pm

Session 1. AgrAbility Orientation : This pre-workshop session will provide new AgrAbility staff with important information and resources they need to help them on the job.

Presenters : Ivan Graff , AgrAbility Program Specialist, USDA-CSREES; Ron Schuler , Project Leader, National AgrAbility Project, University of Wisconsin-Extension; Cheryl Skjolaas , Program Manager, National AgrAbility Project, University of Wisconsin – Extension; Mary Beck , Rural Rehabilitation Specialist, National AgrAbility Project, University of Wisconsin-Extension; Therese Willkomm , Technical Director, National AgrAbility Project; Bob Meyer , Evaluation Specialist, National AgrAbility Project, University of Wisconsin-Extension; Carol Maus , Project Director, National AgrAbility Project, Easter Seals

Session 2. Creating the Materials You Need to Market Your Program : Attend this pre-workshop session and learn the techniques that will enhance the delivery and effectiveness of your marketing materials.

Presenters : Barbara Sikora, Graphic Design Instructor, Santa Rosa Community College; Carol Maus , Project Director, National AgrAbility Project, Easter Seals

Opening Plenary Session & Dinner

Welcome & Introduction of Special Guests : Ronald Schuler , Project Leader, National AgrAbility Project, University of Wisconsin – Extension; Carol Maus , Project Director, National AgrAbility Project, Easter Seals

Mike Fahey , Mayor of Omaha

Roger Selley , Farm Management Specialist, University of

Nebraska-Lincoln; Project Director, Nebraska AgrAbility;

Elbert Dickey , Dean & Director, University of Nebraska -

Cooperative Extension;

Donald Jackson , Chief Operating Officer, Easter Seals, Inc;

Karen Ginder , Chief Executive Officer,

Easter Seals Nebraska;

Ron Ross , Director of Health & Human Services,

Nebraska Health & Human Services System;

Marian Beethe , Program Administrator, Nebraska

Department of Agriculture

Dinner

Introduction of Nebraska and Its Agriculture

Presenters : DeLynn Hay , Program Leader, University of Nebraska Cooperative Extension; Karen Ginder ; CEO, Easter Seals Nebraska

Highlights of New Resources from AgrAbility Projects

State Projects : Breaking New Ground/Indiana AgrAbility Project ; Missouri AgrAbility Project ; Northern New England AgrAbility Project ; South Dakota AgrAbility Project ; Oklahoma AgrAbility Project; National AgrAbility Project

7:30 - 8:15 am

8:30 - 10:00 am

Track 1. Liability & Product Design : Following a brief review of the liability presentation from the 2002 AgrAbility Workshop, seven keys to a successful liability and product design program will be discussed. These keys include management leadership and support, safe design, and quality assurance. Sharing of liability concerns by participants will be an important part of this program.

Presenter : Ronald Schuler , Project Leader, National AgrAbility Project, University of Wisconsin-Extension

Track 2. Introduction to Self Employment (part 1 of 2):

In this session participants will learn a variety of business support strategies for self-employed farmers and ranchers and information on how to build a local Business Development Team. Discussion will include flowcharting business development plans and feasibility testing.

Presenter : Cary Griffin , Senior Partner, Griffin - Hammis Associates

Track 3. Home Modifications & Low Cost Independent Living Solutions for the Home : A show and tell collection from AgrAbility projects.

State & Regional AgrAbility project staff will share their experiences and ideas collected over the years to increase home access and ability to perform essential activities of daily living. Ideas that will be shared include: ramps, lifts, bathrooms, kitchen, and door modifications; eating, cooking, and home maintenance solutions; electronic aids for daily living; and an assortment of other innovative solutions.

Facilitator : Therese Willkomm , Technical Director, National AgrAbility Project

10:00 - 10:30 am

Track 1. Student Design Projects : Presentations focusing on student product design or redesign and service delivery projects.

Facilitator : Mark Novak , Agricultural Technologist, National AgrAbility Project, University of Wisconsin - Extension

Presenters:

The Transformer (a wheelchair capable of raising and lowering its occupant from the ground to a standing position)

Tim Bray , Design Engineer, Nebraska

PA's Project Collage

David Troutman , AgrAbility Case Manager, AgrAbility for Pennsylvanians, Easter Seals Central Pennsylvania

“You Want to Do What?”

Jason Beck , Rehabilitation Technologist, Colorado AgrAbility Project, Easter Seals Colorado
[PowerPoint presentation]

Ergonomic Evaluation of Commercially Available Operator Lifts for Farmers with Disabilities

Bill Field , Professor and Extension Safety Specialist, Breaking New Ground, Purdue University

Senior Design Dairy Project

Karen Funkenbusch , Program Director, Missouri AgrAbility Project, University of Missouri
[PowerPoint presentation] [Dairy Student Project (Word format)]

Safety Analysis of Rural Assistive Technology

Dani A. Hite , Research Assistant (M.S. candidate), Industrial Technology Department, Iowa State University
[PowerPoint presentation]
[Safety Checklist (Doc format)]

Track 2. Introduction to Self Employment (part 2 of 2)

See Page Two for description.

Track 3. Orthotics & Prosthetics for Farmers & Ranchers with Disabilities : AgrAbility clients with upper or lower extremity amputations, strokes, or neurological and physical impairments may need orthotics or prosthetics. Participants will learn about above knee, below knee, and upper extremity technology, which can assist them in being productive on the farm and with daily life activities. This session will allow participants to learn about the technology by interaction with presenters and hands-on opportunities with technology.

Presenters : Brad Rosenberger , CPO; Brandon Quick , BCP; and Randy Brown , CP, all of Nebraska Orthotics and Prosthetics (NOPS)

“Helping Hog Farmers Cope with Lung Disease” : Dr. Von Essen will present case studies of hog farmers with asthma, Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), and asthma-like symptoms. She will talk about farmers' use of respiratory protection, how they have modified their work to adapt to their impairment, and the need for them to optimize the environments inside their barns.

Keynote Speaker : Susanna Von Essen , M.D., Professor of Pulmonary & Critical Care Medicine, University of Nebraska Medical Cente

Irrigation in Nebraska and Water Resources Issues in the Central Plains : Derrel Martin will discuss the current conditions regarding water resources in Nebraska and how recent litigation settlements and other agreements are affecting Nebraska irrigators and other water users.

Presenter : Derrel Martin , Professor and Acting Head, Biological Systems Engineering, University of Nebraska-Lincoln.

Irrigation Technologies to Meet the Needs of Agriculture :

A presentation will be made discussing possible applications for remote monitoring and control of irrigation equipment and Valmont Irrigation products which meet these needs. These products may be used from the tractor cab, pickup or home office depending on the specific situation.

Presenter : Jake LaRue , Program Manager, Controls and Technology, Valmont Irrigation

Q&A on Accommodating Disabilities in Irrigation:

Now that you've learned about irrigation, what questions do you have about accommodating the operator and about the various irrigation methods available?

Presenter : Cindy Hinrichs , Rural Rehabilitation Specialist, Nebraska AgrAbility, Easter Seals Nebraska

Break

Tour Valmont Irrigation Plant

Presenter : Valmont Irrigation Representatives

Track 2. Helping AgrAbility Clients Access State & Federal Work Incentive Programs : Learn how Social Security Administration programs and provisions (Plan to Achieve Self Support [PASS], Medicaid Buy-In, and Expedited Reinstatement, to name a few) can help self-employed farmers and ranchers with disabilities.

Presenter : Becki Koehler , Director of Job Training and Employment, Nebraska AgrAbility, Easter Seals Nebraska

Track 3. Back Saving Solutions & Solutions to Prevent Slips & Falls : In this hands-on session participants will review several products, modifications and resources for individuals with back pain and individuals at risk of slipping or falling. Products will include tool handle modifications, devices for lifting and carrying, anti-slip materials and devices, and grab bars and hand holds.

Presenter : Therese Willkomm , Technical Director, National AgrAbility Project

Track 2. Self Employment Pilot Project Experiences :

Staff from the three pilot projects (IN, NY, and TN) will present information on specific ways in which they worked with clients who volunteered to be assisted through the pilot project.

Moderator : Cary Griffin , Senior Partner, Griffin - Hammis Associates

Panelists : Stephen Swain , Rural Rehabilitation Specialist, Breaking New Ground/Indiana AgrAbility; Holly Cestero , Project Manager, New York AgrAbility Project, Cornell University; Alan Filyaw , Rural Rehabilitation Specialist, Tennessee AgrAbility Project, Easter Seals Tennessee; Brad Marsh , Project Coordinator, Missouri AgrAbility Project, Services for Independent Living

Track 3. “Oops, I forgot” - Electronic Memory & Prompting Aids : Remembering important events or appointments; taking medications on time, picking up items in town, and performing essential work or home tasks on time can be challenging for many individuals affected by memory impairments or the aging process. In this hands-on session participants will review several memory and prompting aids that can help clients overcome these challenges. Examples of aids to be demonstrated include: the IQ Voice Organizer; PDAs; Digipads; Watch Minders; EBrain; timers; and Epill dispensers.

Presenters : Sherril York , Training/Outreach Specialist, Oklahoma AgrAbility Program, Oklahoma ABLE Tech; Therese Willkomm , Technical Director, National AgrAbility Project
[PowerPoint presentation]

Dinner

“Review and Outcomes of the AgrAbility Self-Employment Training Project”

Presenter : Cary Griffin , Senior Partner, Griffin - Hammis Associates

“Fence Posts Talking to Each Other “ - An entertaining presentation laced with plenty of humor and audience interaction. The focus is on improving communications between individual family members and with employees. Highlights will include how to identify and improve personal listening skills and ways to keep a proper perspective and a positive focus in order to reduce personal stress among family farm members, especially during times of low farm prices.

Keynote Speaker : Ron Hanson , Ph.D., Professor, Department of Agricultural Economics, University of Nebraska – Lincoln.

7:30 - 8:15 am

Tour the Nebraska Tractor Test Lab : The Nebraska Tractor Test was established in 1920 and since that time 1,750 tractors have been tested for performance and safety. AgrAbility staff who need to be aware of the latest technology in tractors and their applications will find this tour valuable.

UV Review with Test Drive : Explore the range of utility vehicles being used on farms and ranches. Discussion related to the characteristics, advantages, and disadvantages of each type of vehicle to accommodate different disabilities and agricultural operational needs. Participants will have the opportunity to test drive these vehicles.

Facilitator : Mark Novak , Agricultural Technologist, National AgrAbility Project, University of Wisconsin-Extension

Big Equipment Challenges : Large tractors and equipment are more common in western Great Plains agriculture. These tractors and machinery present additional challenges and opportunities when working to accommodate an individual's need. This session will focus on both the operator and farming factors to consider with large equipment.

Facilitator : Ronald Schuler , Project Leader, National AgrAbility Project, University of Wisconsin-Extension

Track 2. Understanding the USDA Farm Program : In this session participants will learn about the trends in agriculture and the USDA farm program. The presenter will review current farm program provisions, including how to estimate farm program payments.

Presenter : Roy Frederick , Policy Specialist, Department of Agricultural Economics, University of Nebraska – Lincoln

Track 4. Models of Service Delivery: A Panel Discussion :

Participants will learn about different models of service delivery from seasoned AgrAbility Project staff. Panelists will provide an overview of their program, the process of providing services and the partnerships they have developed. They will also share what they consider two of their best practice tips.

Moderator : Mike Brokaw , Program Manager, AgrAbility Unlimited, Easter Seals Central Illinois

Panelists :
Becki Koehler, Director of Job Training and

Employment, Nebraska AgrAbility, Easter Seals Nebraska;
Carla Wilhite , Program Specialist, Oklahoma AgrAbility Program, Oklahoma ABLE Tech/OK AT
[PowerPoint presentation]
Linda Fetzer , Project Assistant & Project Coordinator, AgrAbility for Pennsylvanians, Pennsylvania State University
Martha Stiles , Academic Coordinator, Farm Safety Program, CalAgrAbility, University of California-Davis Department of Biological and Agricultural Engineering

Track 2. Understanding Farm Finance : In this session participants will receive a review of financial statements, including income tax returns, to help them gain an understanding of the financial condition and past performance of a farm business.

Presenter : Dave Goeller , Beginning Farmer Program Coordinator, Department of Agricultural Economics, University of Nebraska - Lincoln

Track 4. Almost Everything You Wanted to Know About Mental Illness : Blenda Keylon provides mental health services to rural Nebraska residents. Having farmed for more than 20 years before pursuing her current career, Ms. Keylon conducts seminars entitled “Blessed or Stressed: The Fate of the Farm Family.” She works closely with the Farm Mediation program, Nebraska legislators on agricultural issues, and the Nebraska Hotline where she provides counseling services to mental health voucher recipients. She will provide an overview of mental illness, symptoms, and treatment strategies. She will also discuss tips for developing successful working relationships with farm families.

Presenter : Blenda Keylon , Licensed Clinical Social Worker, Private Practice

Track 2. Budgeting Changes in the Farm Business :

In this session participants will be introduced to the steps in budgeting alternatives, including identifying information sources for preparing estimates of costs and returns on changes being considered for the farm business.

Presenter : Roger Selley , Farm Management Specialist, University of Nebraska – Lincoln; Project Director, Nebraska AgrAbility

Track 4. Agricultural Assessments : Participants will learn how one AgrAbility project conducts onsite agricultural assessments. Paul Leverenz will provide an overview of assessment, describe the AgrAbility of Wisconsin process, and the relationships he has built with his partners; VR, Extension, and the University. Paul will field questions from the audience.

Presenter : Paul Leverenz , Director of WI FARM Program, AgrAbility of Wisconsin, Easter Seals Wisconsin
[PowerPoint presentation]

Track 2. Developing Business Management Skills :

Participants will hear a facilitated panel discussion on how both AgrAbility staff and AgrAbility clients can develop stronger business management skills. Representatives from other AgrAbility projects and from Nebraska's entrepreneurship programs will discuss the resources and programs available.

Moderator : Roger Selley , Farm Management Specialist, University of Nebraska – Lincoln; Project Director, Nebraska AgrAbility

Panelists : John Allen , Professor & Director, Center for Applied Rural Innovation, University of Nebraska – Lincoln; Dave Goeller , Beginning Farmer Program Coordinator, Department of Agricultural Economics, University of

Nebraska-Lincoln; Stephen Swain , Rural Rehabilitation Specialist, Breaking New Ground/Indiana AgrAbility; Brad Marsh , Project Coordinator, Missouri AgrAbility Project, Services for Independent Living

Track 4. Working with Diverse Cultures : This facilitated discussion aims to develop a ‘needs' focus for working with and reaching out to farmers and ranchers from diverse cultures. Panelists will share their experiences, concerns, and barriers in providing services. An anticipated product following the session will be the development of a Best Practice Guide in Working with Culturally Diverse Agricultural Workers.

Facilitator :
Adolfo Perez, Small Farm Program Manager, Small Farms, Limited Resources and Beginning Farmers, USDA/NRCS
[PowerPoint presentation]

Panelists :
Paul Jones, Program Manager, Breaking New Ground Outreach Program, Purdue University;
[PowerPoint presentation]
Ruth Rasmussen, Research Fellow, Minnesota AgrAbility Project, University of Minnesota
[PowerPoint presentation];
Jacquelyne Gordon, Advocacy Specialist, North Carolina AgrAbility Program, NC Dept. of Vocational Rehabilitation Services;
Dick Baer, Director of Outreach, Development & Dissemination at Center for Developmental Disabilities, Utah
[Presentation (Doc format)] ;
Gary McFadyen, Director, TK Martin Center for Technology and Disability, Mississippi AgrAbility Project;
Sandra Wade-Penn, Langston University Program Leader, Oklahoma AgrAbility Project

7:30 - 8:15 am

The AgrAbility Self Employment Training Project: Future Plans

Presenters :
Carol Maus , Project Director, National AgrAbility Project;
Mary Beck , Rural Rehabilitation Specialist, National AgrAbility Project, University of Wisconsin - Extension
[PowerPoint presentation]

Words from Washington

Congressional Update : Jennifer Dexter , Senior

Government Relations Specialist, Easter Seals

Words from Washington

USDA Update : Brad Rein , AgrAbility Program Leader, USDA-CSREES

National Client Data Summary : Bob Meyer , Evaluation Specialist, National AgrAbility Project, University of Wisconsin - Extension