Section 4: A Client’s Story—Carmen Schacht’s Story

Mrs. Carmen Schacht helped her husband run their 267-acre Iowa farm, where they raised field crops, 30 head of beef cattle, and 400-500 hogs. In 1988, she developed necrotizing fascitis (a condition in which a bacteria attacks and kills the connective tissue within the body). Treatment for the fascitis required a two months hospital stay, during which time she developed diabetes. Because of the high doses of antibiotics she received she also developed acute neuropathy. Although she was able to walk with a walker following her first hospitalization, about five years ago she had another severe bout of illness and lost a substantial amount of muscle tone in her legs. At that time Schacht began using a wheelchair and/or a scooter.

FaRM Program Involvement

In 1989, staff from the Easter Seals Iowa Farm Family Rehabilitation Management Program (FaRM) (which became the nonprofit disability partner in the Iowa AgrAbility Project in 1991) visited Schacht on the farm. Staff completed an accessibility assessment and identified a need for a ramp into the house, a lowered sink in the kitchen, and a bathroom with an accessible tub and shower.

Following the visit, staff helped Schacht get in touch with the Iowa Department of Vocational Rehabilitation (DVR) to explore with a VR counselor if and how the department might be able to assist the Schachts with the needed modifications. DVR did help pay for the modifications. Although the modifications made it possible for her to function more independently in the house, within a year her limited mobility made it necessary for her to give up working with the hogs. And in 1990, she stopped doing outdoor farm work altogether. She remains involved in the book and record keeping of the farm business.

"AgrAbility is the best program I’ve ever heard of that helps people deal with disabilities. It helps us help each other."
—Carmen Schacht

Controlling Her Diabetes

Schacht’s diabetes falls under the "other specific types" and "insulin-dependent" categories because it was triggered by an infection; and that combined with the other results of the fascitis and neuropathy means that she must stay vigilant about her health in order to maintain it. She is very careful about her diet, monitors her blood sugar, and gives herself daily insulin injections. She follows a special Eli Lilly Diabetic diet. To date she has not had any problems with her feet, eyes, or kidneys; and her upper body strength remains adequate. She says she is certain that this is because she follows the health regimen prescribed for her.

Involved in Peer Support Network

In 1990, Schacht began as a volunteer with the seasonal Community Action Program, where she assisted Low-income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP). In 1991, she became an employee with the Program and continues to work with the LIHEAP.

At the same time she began this work, she began attending the FaRM/AgrAbility Project peer support network meetings. Since 1990, Schacht has not missed a meeting because, she says, "I always get good ideas from the other people who attend."

Now she works 25-30 hours per month for the AgrAbility Project as a Peer Network Coordinator. The job entails assisting with newsletter preparation, helping with training for those who would like to become peer support group leaders in the remote and smaller agricultural areas in the state, matching peer support volunteers with new clients; and participating in all of the volunteer training offered by the AgrAbility staff.

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In This Issue
Section 1: Farming with Diabetes Section 2: Focus—Diabetes a Serious Health Problem Section 3: Assistive Technology Notes—Technologies for Controlling and Monitoring, and Accommodating Secondary Complications of Diabetes	Section 4: A Client's Story—Carmen Schacht's Story Section 5: Resources and References Section 6: Contacts Section 7: Assistive Technology Notes Resources