2005 National AgrAbility Project Training Workshop

Wyndham Hotel, Burlington Vermont
November 7-10, 2005

Purpose: Each year, the National AgrAbility Project, in partnership with a State AgrAbility Project, hosts a three-day educational and training workshop intended to provide technical assistance and resources to professionals interacting with individuals and their families who farm or ranch despite a disability.

Workshop participants will be offered a wide array of sessions to increase their knowledge of strategies the farmer, rancher and farmworker use to continue working in production agriculture.

The 2005 workshop sessions will provide participants with information related to:

An overview of the vocational rehabilitation system and federal disability policy
Trends in medical rehabilitation to improve functional ability
Applications of assistive technology to the agricultural setting
Developments in agriculture, and
Resources for outreach, marketing and funding AgrAbility projects

Who Should Attend
Agenda
Workshop Registration
To Register
Hotel Reservations
Transportation
Workshop Flyer
For Further Information

Who Should Attend:

AgrAbility Project Staff
Extension Educators
Occupational Therapists
Physical Therapists
Vocational Rehabilitation Counselors
Rural Health Care Providers
Farmers, Ranchers, & Farmworkers Who Have Disabilities & Their Families

Agenda

Preliminary program

Monday, November 7
2:30 pm	General Opening Session Honoring the Past and Looking Forward to the Future: Celebrating the First 15 years of AgrAbility Welcome – Dr. Ron Schuler, National AgrAbility Project, University of Wisconsin Cooperative Extension, Project Leader Brad Rein, National Program Leader, USDA Cooperative State Research, Education, and Extension Service Randall Rutta, Senior Vice President, Governmental Relations, Easter Seals, Inc. Keynote Speaker: Ed Bell Farmer’s Panel - Four Vermont clients will discuss how AgrAbility helped them in their farming operations. Moderator: Bill Snow, Northern New England AgrAbility Project
5:30 – 6:00 pm	Break
6:00 pm	Celebration Dinner featuring New England Specialty Products Introduction of guests Dinner Time to Honor the Past
	Hospitality Room Open

Tuesday, November 8
7:00 – 8:15 am	Breakfast
8:15 – 8:30 am	Break
8:30– 10:00 am	Concurrent Sessions I
	Program Evaluation Quality of life indicators used in program evaluation and how these concepts can gauge program outcomes will be the topic of this session. A survey which assesses enhancements in the quality of life produced by assistive technology will also be discussed Presenter: Dr. Robert Wilson, University of Delaware [Agrabilityevaluation-wilson.pp]
	Accommodating Low Vision or Blind Farmers and Ranchers A panel of AgrAbility staff will present case examples of working with farmers with visual disabilities. Presenters: Janice Fouard, Kansas AgrAbility, OCCK, Inc. ; John Musser, Utah AgrAbility, Utah State University; Tracy Keninger, Iowa AgrAbility, Easter Seals Iowa
	New Staff Orientation Overview of AgrAbility and National AgrAbility Project (NAP) resources available to state project staff. Presenters: National AgrAbility Project Staff [NAP New Staff Orientation Carmon 11-05.ppt] [AgrAbility_Plan4PresHandout.ppt]
10:00 - 10:30 am	Break
10:30 am - 12:00 pm	Concurrent Sessions II
	Peer Support Various concepts of peer supportwill be defined and explored including a vision for aNational AgrAbility Peer Support Network. An overviewof the new AgrAbility Neighbor-to-Neighbor Peer Support Training Program (AANNPST) piloted in Colorado will be discussed in depth. Presenters: Dr. Robert Fetsch, Colorado AgrAbility, Colorado State University Extension and Doug Carmon, National AgrAbility Project, Easter Seals, Inc. [fetsch0805.PPT] [Peer Support 2005 NTW Carmon.ppt]
	Developing New Strategies for Delivery of Agricultural Worksite Assistive Technology and Conducting Worksite Assessments Recent research will be reviewed on strategies for delivery of agricultural worksite assistive technology and resources. In addition, an electronic version of an agricultural worksite assessment tool will be featured. Presenter: Dr. William Field, Breaking New Ground, Purdue University
	Rural Caregiving A comprehensive overview of caregiving and the caregiver will explore resources, past experiences, and future outlooks. Presenter: Gail Hunt, CEO, National Alliance for Caregiving [Rural Family Caregiving VT 2005 - gail hunt1.ppt]
12:00 - 1:15 pm	Lunch
1:15 - 1:30 pm	Break
1:30 - 3:00 pm	Concurrent Sessions III
	Hispanic Cultures: Cultural Competency and Outreach (two sessions) Panelists will discuss their experiences providing services to Hispanic agricultural workers and share information to help understand the culture, bridge the language gap, provide effective training and develop culturally sensitive and successful outreach outcomes. Presenters: Rick LeVitre, University of Vermont Extension; Noemi Ortega, Washington State Migrant Council and National Association for Migrant and Seasonal Farmworker Vocational Rehabilitation (NAMSFVR) Organization; Martha Stiles, California AgrAbility, University of California-Davis Extension [Use the Contact Us link on this web page if you wish to obtain a copy of Martha Stiles's power point presentation on Hispanic Cultures. The presentation is too large a file to place a link here, rather we will send you a copy of the presentation on CD-ROM. Please supply your complete postal mailing address when requesting this CD.]
	Tractor Seating (two sessions) Bring your seating problems, concerns, and ideas to this interactive session. Be prepared to work collectively on the issue of the seating and positioning problems that are faced when working with farmers and ranchers with disabilities. Facilitators: Mark Novak and Dr. Therese Willkomm, National AgrAbility Project [Tractor Seating Tuesday, November 8th, 2005a.ppt] [Use the Contact Us link on this web page if you wish to obtain a copy of Dr. Willkomm's power point presentation on Seating and Positioning. The presentation is too large a file to place a link here, rather we will send you a copy of the presentation on CD-ROM. Please supply your complete postal mailing address when requesting this CD.]
	Health Literacy This comprehensive session will explore health literacy and how to provide clear health communications between rural individuals/families and healthcare professionals, doctors, nurses, occupational/physical/speech therapists, etc. Presenter: Jennifer Kelly Young, Partnerships for Clear Health Communications
3:00 - 3:30 pm	Break
3:30 - 4:45 pm	Concurrent Sessions IV
	Hispanic Cultures: Cultural Competency and Outreach (continued)
	Tractor Seating (continued)
	Identifying Mental Health vs Mental Illness Concerns in Farmers with Disabilities. Profiles of various farmers will be examined to identify characteristics that suggest mental health and mental illness. Strategies to determine the role of stress and its’ impact on emotional health will be discussed. Presenter: Peggy Mack, Ph.D(c), APRN, BC and doctoral candidate at the University of Delaware, in Urban Affairs and Public Policy [vermont talk-pmack.ppt]
	Dinner on Your Own
8:00 pm	Hospitality Room Open

Wednesday, November 9
7:00 – 8:15 am	Breakfast
8:15 – 8:30 am	Break
8:30– 10:00 am	Concurrent Sessions V
	Partnerships That Make a Difference Delaware AgrAbility will discuss the unique and meaningful partnerships they have created with a number of agencies that have made a difference in the services provided to farmers with disabilities. Presenters: Ron Jester, Delaware-Maryland AgrAbility Project, University of Delaware Extension and Cassandra Shoffler, Maryland Division of Rehabilitation Services [Cassandra_Shoffler_ppt.ppt] [Jester's_ppt.ppt]
	Private Funding Sources for Assistive Technology A panel of AgrAbility staff will provide case examples of funding sources beyond vocational rehabilitation (VR) for purchasing assistive technology for AgrAbility clients. Presenters: Jason Beck, Colorado AgrAbility, Easter Seals Colorado; Carla Wilhite, Oklahoma AgrAbility, Oklahoma ABLE Tech; Eric Hallman, New York AgrAbility, Cornell University [Foundations for Fundraising.ppt] [AT_Money_Ideas_from_Colorado-beck.ppt]
	Parkinson’s Disease: Overview, Treatment and Assistive Technology An overview of Parkinson’s disease, current treatments and assistive technology applications will be offered by specialists in the treatment of patients with Parkinson’s disease. Presenter: Dr. James Boyd, Neurologist, Lindsey Bonsall, OTR/L, and Joni Jones, COTA, Fletcher Allen Health Care [parkinsons session.ppt]
10:00 - 10:30 am	Break
10:30 am - 12:00 pm	Concurrent Sessions VI
	Self-Employment and Business Plan Development AgrAbility staff share different approaches to help farmers develop business plans, thebusiness development team model and the model of service offered VR counselors and clients. Presenters: Holly Cestero, NY AgrAbility, Cornell University and Steve Swain, Breaking New Ground, Purdue University [business development cestero.ppt] [Self-Employment_and_Business_Plan_Development.ppt]
	Comparison of Utility Vehicles Introduction to the decision-making process involved in choosing the appropriate utility vehicle (UV) to enhance off-road and on-farm mobility. An interactive discussion will follow about conducting a similar process comparing compact tractors. Presenters: John Hancock, Kentucky AgrAbility, University of Kentucky; Barney Fleming, University of Kentucky; Mark Novak, National AgrAbility Project [UtilityTractor.ppt] [Utility_Vehicles_-_National_AgrAbility_Final_Accessible.ppt]
	Aging Farmers The results of a four year telephone-based study of over 1000 Kentucky and South Carolina farmers and spouses over age 50 will examine the physical and mental health, farm work, injuries, and adaptations used to facilitate remaining in production agriculture Presenter: Dr. Deborah Reed, RN, University of Kentucky [Vermont AgrAbility v2 reed.ppt]
12:00 - 1:45 pm	Lunch with Program
1:45 - 3:15 pm	Concurrent Sessions VII
	General Photography Learn about the fundamentals of making good public relations photographs, basic camera use, lighting, posing and making small group photos for newsletters and other promotional materials. In addition, participants will learn how to record good caption information and obtain proper releases. Presenter: D. John McCarthy, Fuji Photo Film USA, Inc.
	Multiple Sclerosis A representative from the Vermont Chapter of the National Multiple Sclerosis Society will discuss the etiology, symptoms and current treatment options for persons with multiple sclerosis. Presenter: Susan McGrath, Vermont MS Society
	Assistive Technology Solutions for Easier Working This hands-on session will demonstrate assistive technology solutions for: preventing slips and falls; one handed solutions; solutions for vision or hearing impairments; electronic environmental controls; electronic memory aids; back saving solutions; computer hardware and software solutions; solutions for getting up, into and out of; solutions for grasping impairments and adaptive gardening tools and equipment. Presenter: Dr.Therese Willkomm, National AgrAbility Project
3:15 - 3:45 pm	Break
3:45 - 4:45 pm	Concurrent Sessions VIII
	Personal Safety for Staff Have you ever been in a situation that you didn’t feel safe or were threatened by a consumer and didn’t know how to handle it? Participants in this interactive session will share their experiences and learn from others different approaches to manage your safety in potentially dangerous situations. Moderator: Brett Chornyak, Northern New England AgrAbility, University of Vermont Extension
	Ergonomic Evaluation of Operator Lifts for Farmers with Physical Disabilities Based on research evaluating operator lifts, the presentation will address what should be considered in selecting a lift and/or assessing the function and safety of an existing lift. Presenter: Aaron Yoder, Pennsylvania State University [2005_AgrAbility_Yoder_captions.ppt]
	Cognitive Impairment Jesse Bell, a member of the eighth generation on Tide Mill Farms in Maine, will share adaptations used to successfully farm with autism. Methods for planning, assessing needs and accommodating a person with this or another cognitive impairment will be offered. Jesse's parents will assist in the presentation and discuss the challenges, frustrations and successes they have experienced. Presenters: Jesse and Robert Bell, Tide Mill Farms and Jane Bell, Northern New England AgrAbility [Jesse Bell presentation -2.ppt]

Thursday, November 10

8:30 am – 5:30 pm

Meet in lobby of hotel to load buses for tour*.

Tour Nordic Farms, a private dairy operation with robotic milkers, robotic calf feeders and a methane digester.

Tour Shelburne Farms, a membership-supported, nonprofit environmental education center and National Historic Landmark on the shores of Lake Champlain in Shelburne, Vermont. http://www.shelburnefarms.org

Lunch at Shelburne Farms

Tour Proctor Maple Research Station, one of three research stations in the world focusing on maple production for syrup. http://www.uvm.edu/~pmrc/.

Return to Wyndham Hotel

* Departure and return times are approximate. Please note that this tour will take all day on Thursday, November 10. The tour will not return to the hotel until early evening. If you would like to attend the tour, please be sure to select that option when registering for the conference.

Workshop Registration

Registration fee includes: participation in sessions, materials, opening reception, three breakfasts, three lunches, one dinner, break refreshments, and transportation for tour.

Early Bird Full Workshop Registration Rates (postmarked on or before October 7, 2005)

Per-person, full-workshop package early bird rates are as follows:

$250.00 for non-AgrAbility professionals
$225.00 for AgrAbility staff
$170.00 for AgrAbility clients or their family members (Scholarships may be available, contact Doug Carmon, National AgrAbility, Easter Seals at 800-914-4424).
$ 50.00 for students

Regular Full Workshop Registration Rates (postmarked after October 7, 2005)

Per-person, full-workshop regular conference rates are as follows:

$300.00 for non-AgrAbility professionals
$275.00 for AgrAbility staff
$170.00 for AgrAbility clients or their family members Scholarships may be available, contact Doug Carmon, National AgrAbility, Easter Seals at 800-914-4424).
$ 50.00 for students

Day Rates (day rates are not available to AgrAbility staff, no early-bird rates available)

November 7 — $50.00 includes: opening session and dinner.
November 8 — $125.00 includes: breakfast, break refreshments, lunch, and participation in technical sessions.
November 9 — $125.00 includes: breakfast, lunch, and participation in technical sessions.
November 10 — $40.00 includes: breakfast, lunch and educational tours.

Cancellations

If you are unable to attend, please notify CALS Conference Services immediately at 608-263-1672. To receive a full refund, you must cancel no later than fourteen (14) days before the first day of the workshop. Cancellations received October 24, 2005 and after (which is fourteen (14) days prior to the workshop) will be charged the entire registration fee.

To Register

To register on-line enter registration site http://www.peopleware.net/2723/index.cfm?eventDisp=6-22-05 Note: This site has limited accessibility. If you are in need of assistance with registration or need an alternative format; please call Sherry Liantonio, National AgrAbility Project, University of Wisconsin-Cooperative Extension at 866-259-6280.

To register by mail or fax, please download and print off registration form. Please complete a separate form for each registrant. No phone registrations, please.

Registration Form

Registration fees are payable by check, purchase order or credit card (Visa or Master card only). Make checks payable to UW-Madison.

Mail/FAX Registration Form to

CALS Conference Services
620 Babcock Drive
Madison , WI 53706-1519
FAX: (608) 262-5088

Hotel Reservations

A block of rooms has been reserved at the Wyndham Hotel, 60 Battery Street, Burlington, VT, 05401. This block of rooms is being held at a special workshop rate that is good until October 7th. To take advantage of this special rate, call the Wyndham Hotel at 802-658-6500 or local toll free number at 1-800-658-6504 and reserve a room as part of the “AgrAbility Conference”. On-line reservations are not available.

Transportation

Driving to Burlington:

See http://www.wyndham.com/hotels/BTVBU/mapanddirections/main.wnt?param=1 for complete driving directions. Parking is available for overnight guests in the City of Burlington Parking Garage attached to the hotel. The standard garage fees are $5.50 per day per car which provides all day in and out privileges. This charge will be added to your hotel bill. Day attendees may purchase discounted parking vouchers at Oak Street Café.

Airport

Fly into Burlington International Airport and take a courtesy shuttle to the Wyndham. Please contact the Wyndham for shuttle arrangements. For those individuals requiring accessible transportation, please contact the Wyndham at least one week prior to the conference. They will make arrangements to provide accessible shuttle service for you.

Workshop Flyer

For Further Information Contact:

Workshop Agenda: 866-259-6280
Sherry Liantonio
National AgrAbility Program Assistant
University of Wisconsin Extension
460 Henry Mall
Madison , WI 53706
stlianto@wisc.edu

Registration: 608-263-1672
CALS Conference Services
620 Babcock Drive
Madison , WI 53706-1519
FAX: (608) 262-5088
www.cals.wisc.edu/ccs
conference@cals.wisc.edu