Progress 09/01/24 to 08/31/25

Outputs
Target Audience:Over the past project year, Maine AgrAbility reached farmers, fishermen, and loggers and their families to educate them about ways to keep working, even while living with a disability. We collaborated with service providers across the state and strengthened and renewed relationships with key network partners to enhance the program's capacity and effectiveness. Our team conducted targeted educational outreach to Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) professionals, assistive technology (AT) partners, healthcare providers, and other service providers. These efforts focused on raising awareness of disability-related issues faced by our client populations and offering valuable insights into the unique production cultures in which they work. During this most recent project year (Year 3), we conducted in-person visits, working directly with clients to assist in navigating resources, exploring AT ideas, and coordinating recommendations to help them be successful. We worked with individuals with disabilities involved in production agriculture, fishing, and logging and their families. We participated in 38 events (presentations and exhibits/displays), reaching 1452 direct contacts. Another 465contacts were reached with AgrAbility information through partner presentations at 9 events. Our website garnered an average of 702 pageviews per month during this period. We published a "Yoga Stretches for Limber Loggers" poster that included eight photos and written descriptions. Our models were commercial loggers in their regular work clothes in their logging equipment and trucks. We have distributed 200 of these posters so far and are preparing for another print run. Our programs have been promoted in the mainstream media, shared in local print and digital platforms, as well as national digital platforms. We regularly publish articles in commodity magazines, with three articles in Commercial Fisheries News (print and digital circulation of about 5,000 readers) and three in The Logger's Voice (print and digital circulation of about 1,000 readers) this year. The Program Coordinator was a featured guest on the Maine FarmCast podcast, and we also share our videos on the Maine AgrAbility web site. Changes/Problems:This project year has included some funding uncertainties and stoppages. In March, the University of Maine Cooperative Extension, the host organization for Maine AgrAbility, was shut down for two days, causing system-wide disruptions. The Maine AgrAbility program was then paused by USDA for two months (April and May). These instabilities slowed the project's momentum, caused considerable uncertainty among staff and contractors, and forced cancellations and delays of client contact and outreach activities. We were poised to hire some additional contractors, but we have deferred that until the funding situation has settled. The team remains strong and committed, and we are looking forward to increased stability in the future. What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided?AgrAbility staff exhibited or taught professionals (OTs, VR, ag/fishing/logging service providers) at ten events. Groups included the annual Professional Logging Contractors of Maine Annual Banquet, the Maine Occupational Therapy Association Conference, Mental Health First Aid to folks supporting the fishing industry, the Aquaculture Innovation Center, and the National Training Workshop (encore webinar presentation and in-person presentations). In March 2025, Maine AgrAbility was well represented at the Annual AgrAbility National Training Workshop (NTW) in Las Cruces, New Mexico, with three program-related staff participating in the four-day workshop. AgrAbility staff offered four presentations: "Who's got your back? We do."; "A deep dive into working waterfront cultural competencies"; "Ergonomic friendly farming"; and "Rural state, lean team. Working strategically to meet Maine's agricultural needs." Staff also participated in a multi-state panel discussion. In June, 2025, Maine AgrAbility staff coordinated a pre-conference session for the International Society of Ag Safety and Health annual conference. Participants learned about the AgrAbility program and joined in a demonstration of movements from our Yoga Stretches poster series. With MaineCITE, Maine's assistive technology lending and education center and AlphaOne, ME AgrAbility's nonprofit partner and center for independent living for a collaborative demonstration on assistive technology, Maine AgrAbility demonstrated a range of assistive technology devices, and attendees had a chance to try them. A feature of this event was the panel of four AgrAbility clients who shared their experiences working with the program and challenges they and their colleagues face while working to run successful operations. In September of 2024, our team also participated in a one-day facilitated strategic planning retreat. This helped our team clarify goals and strengthen relationships. How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest?From July 2024 to June 2025, Maine AgrAbility disseminated results to interested communities through exhibits, training sessions, and direct services to clients. We and our partners exhibited and taught commercial farmers, fishermen, and loggers at 47 events, reaching approximately 1900 potential clients. In total, we shared program resources with nearly 850 individuals during this project year. Our outreach included the AgrAbility website, social media, presentations, publications, and participation in state and regional trade shows focused on specific agricultural and natural resource commodities. We contributed regularly to partner publications such as Commercial Fisheries News, with a combined print and digital circulation of about 5,000, and The Logger's Voice, which reaches approximately 1,000 readers. We also shared program updates with the national AgrAbility network through NAP's monthly e-Note. Clients were referred to the program by University of Maine Cooperative Extension staff, Alpha One, members of our advisory council, and USDA field staff. We continued to work closely with organizations such as the Maine New Farmers Project, the Maine Farmer Resource Network, the Maine Agricultural Mediation Program, the Maine Coast Fishermen's Association, the Professional Logging Contractors of Maine, and ME VR. Through these partnerships, we support existing, new, or transitioning, farmers by connecting them with additional resources that address needs beyond AgrAbility's scope. This includes help with improving crop production, accessing funding, or enhancing safety. What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals?The Maine AgrAbility team is excited to launch the fourth year of our ongoing project. Our team remains strong, enthusiastic, and deeply committed to supporting farmers, fishermen, loggers, and their family members who are living with a disability--as well as the individuals and organizations that serve them. In the next year, we will continue to work with our proposed Year 4 project schedule, recruiting and supporting clients, providing educational support to producers and service providers, networking and collaborating, and marketing the program. To strengthen our capacity, we plan to reallocate unspent funds from previous years. These funds became available due to a gap in staffing when we were without a full-time coordinator. A primary objective this year is to hire three additional contractors. These roles will enhance our ability to support and recruit clients, as well as promote the program. A more comprehensive description of these efforts is included in the continuation materials. Our staff will prepare educational materials to support our educational efforts and to make information accessible to more producers. This will include a publication about assistive technology in aquaculture and fishing, a video series about adapting boat design and equipment to accommodate limitations, and working with colleagues on written and video materials about quick hitch options for 3-point hitch equipment and PTOs. Another key goal for Year 4 is a comprehensive evaluation of our work to date. We will partner with an independent evaluator to assess client outcomes and determine the qualitative and quantitative impact of our services. This will help us better understand the effectiveness of our efforts and identify areas for continued improvement.

Impacts
What was accomplished under these goals? Maine AgrAbility helps farmers, farmworkers, and their families affected by chronic health conditions or disabilities continue working successfully in agriculture, fishing, and logging. In this grant cycle, the University of Maine Cooperative Extension continues its nearly decade-long partnership with Alpha One, a nonprofit with occupational therapists, OT assistants, independent living specialists, and an architect. We also partnered with two contractors with expertise in occupational therapy, farming, aquaculture, and education to strengthen outreach and direct client services (Goal I.A). Along with our Program Coordinator and Principal Investigator, these partnerships enable us to develop and deliver innovative and impactful AgrAbility programs in Maine. Goal I. Maine AgrAbility provides in-depth, on-site assessments at clients' workplaces--on farms, boats, and in the woods--to evaluate tasks, equipment, and challenges. Staff offer individualized recommendations for work modifications, assistive technology, and resources. In the most recent project year, 11 new clients and 14 continuing clients received intensive on-site support. Solutions included adaptive equipment (e.g., slings for carrying, mirrors, cameras, swivel seats), task modifications, activity scheduling to manage fatigue or pain, and referrals to other resources. (Goal I.A) Because of the cost of farm equipment, a key partner is Maine Vocational Rehabilitation (ME VR), which can help clients fund needed equipment. Early estimates indicate that 60% of the clients referred to ME VR are now working with them. These connections give clients access to a source of funding for needed assistive technology that keeps them in business. We are continuing to follow up with clients to determine the changes they have made. AgrAbility clients anecdotally report improvements in their work and personal lives as a result of the program. An example: "In the year since I've met the ladies and began working with the program, I can honestly say that I feel better than a year ago! From working smarter on the boat, to other health care I have been doing outside of the program, together I feel that all of these have helped me to feel better and have given me the ability to move better....and I must say, that I wouldn't be saying that if my wife didn't sign me up at the fishability booth and the Maine fishermen's forum!" Research by Fetsch & Turk (2018), which included Maine, confirmed that AgrAbility services improve clients' quality of life and independence compared to those without access to the program. Working with Maine AgrAbility improves clients' lives. Maine AgrAbility also reached 1,452 technical contacts in the last program year (goal: 150). These were made through events, conferences, exhibits, and one-on-one conversations where staff shared program information and addressed specific needs. (Goal I.B) Maine AgrAbility also participates in demographic and quality of life survey projects and submits information to the National AgrAbility Program. Staff also conduct program evaluations and reviews. (Goal I.B) Goal II. Staff presented at 38 events in the past year (goal: 20), including workshops, commodity group meetings, and state and regional conferences. Topics ranged from AgrAbility program overviews to ergonomics to assistive technology for farmers, fishermen, and loggers with physical limitations. Creative exhibits and presentations, including at the 3-day Maine Agricultural Trades Show, feature innovative aspects, such as skeletons demonstrating safe lifting and positions that reduce pain from static or repetitive tasks. These successfully engaged attendees in conversations and participation. Program partners also reported using AgrAbility materials to teach another 465 contacts through 9 programs. (Goal II.A) We have presented to partner organizations and groups like ME VR, Maine Occupational Therapy Association, and Aquaculture Pioneers. These connections help generate referrals. For example, two recent clients have come to us by way of partner USDA agencies, who were reached in the last program year. Maine AgrAbility regularly exhibits at and participates in Extension-sponsored farmer events, such as the Christmas Tree Growers' Field Day, Forage Conference, tractor safety training, and Flowering in the North Conference. This presence improves the program's networking and visibility among Extension staff who organize and attend these events. AgrAbility staff also regularly attend meetings with the Maine Farmer Resources Network, a network of 28 organizations. (Goal II.A,B) Seven articles were published in The Logger's Voice and Commercial Fisheries News (combined circulation ~6,000) in the most recent project year, and outreach also included the program website (702 average monthly page views), press releases, and social media (Facebook and X). Seventy-three students learned about the needs of farmers, fishermen, and loggers with disabilities and equipment and adaptations that can help them. (Goal II.C) Staff engaged in continuing education through the AgrAbility National Training Workshop (NTW), webinars, and regular calls. In 2025, staff gave four presentations and joined a panel of fellow AgrAbility staff. Goal III. Maine AgrAbility maintains a 10-member advisory council that meets quarterly, bringing together professionals and producers representing agriculture, fishing, logging, veterans, brain injury, assistive technology, and workforce development. This group provides guidance and connects AgrAbility to new audiences while learning about resources for and needs of farmers, fishermen, and loggers living with a disability. Our collaboration network continues to expand. Maine AgrAbility is recognized nationally for leadership in FishAbility and developing assistive technology resources for fishermen; our materials are regularly being shared across the Northeast.Key partnerships--such as with the Maine Agricultural Mediation Program--have provided cost-sharing opportunities and presentation platforms. We also continue strong collaborations with the National AgrAbility Project (NAP) and other State and Regional AgrAbility Projects (SRAPs).Maine AgrAbility is supporting the formation of a state chapter of the Farmer-Veteran Coalition, offering display space, administrative help, and collaboration. Two staff have been invited to serve on the group's board or advisory council. Maine AgrAbility continues to collaborate on an ongoing, multi-state AgrAbility impact study on quality of life, led by Dr. Robert Fetsch (Colorado State University), with IRB approval in place for the upcoming year. Staff remain active in professional development, attending and presenting at the NTW, webinars, and conference calls. In support of long-term sustainability, we've written letters for multiple grant applications and advised on proposals. One private contractor, using AgrAbility-informed plans, delivered ergonomic training to loggers during annual safety sessions. Goal IV. Maine AgrAbility has exceeded its annual marketing goal by presenting or exhibiting at 38 events this program year (goal: 15), reaching 1,500 individuals across agriculture, aquaculture, forestry, and disability sectors. Program partners also reported using AgrAbility materials to teach another 460 contacts through 9 programs. A notable marketing example was that our Program Coordinator was invited to present to the December, 2024 Logging Banquet, where she was the featured speaker for a group of 150 loggers and industry representatives. Our outreach strategy of educating service providers has paid off through increasing referrals and impact. We have updated brochures and displays based on client and partner feedback, ensuring materials remain relevant and engaging. Outreach also includes articles, social media, and regular website updates to raise program visibility.

Publications

Progress 09/01/23 to 08/31/24

Outputs
Target Audience:Maine AgrAbility worked with service providers across the state, reaching an increasingly diverse audience, with expansion beyond just farmer clients to also include fishermen and loggers. In the past project year we expanded and renewed relationships with network partners to continue to increase capacity for AgrAbility work. We conducted educational outreach to Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) personnel, assistive technology (AT) partners, healthcare providers, and service providers about disability issues for our client groups and to provide insight to their production culture. During Year 2, we conducted in-person visits, working directly with clients to assist in navigating resources, exploring AT ideas, and coordinating recommendations to help them be successful. We worked with individuals with disabilities involved in production agriculture, fishing, and logging and their families. We participated in 41 events (presentations and exhibits/displays), reaching about 850 direct contacts. Our website garnered 21,870 pageviews across the site from 7/23/2023 - 7/22/2024 (most recent data available). Monthly pageviews increased 67% compared to the monthly views in the last reporting period. We published a Yoga Stretches for Fishermen poster that included eight photos and written descriptions. Our models were commercial fishermen in their regular work clothes and on boats and docks. We have distributed 150 of these posters so far and are preparing for our third print run. Our programs have been promoted in the mainstream media, shared in local print and digital platforms, as well as national digital platforms. We regularly publish articles in the commodity magazines Commercial Fisheries News (print and digital circulation of about 5,000 readers) and The Logger's Voice (print and digital circulation of about 1,000 readers). We also share our videos on the UMaine Cooperative Extension and National AgrAbility YouTube channels. Changes/Problems:In the past program year, we continued to have some changes with our coordinator position. The candidate who was hired in September, 2023, was not a good fit for the position and left the next month. In January, 2024, we hired Bella Russo for the position, and she is doing very well, providing new skills, organization, enthusiasm, and energy. Our veteran outreach coordinator left the project in the fall, as she finished up all her Maine positions. We hope to refill that position this fall. The PD also faced challenges this year, with the death of her spouse this winter, following two years of surgeries, illness, hospital stays, and loss of independent mobility. Although we again had contractors filling in for coordinator tasks, staff vacancies meant a reduced rate of expenditure for this project year. We will be proposing a budget reallocation for unspent portions of the appropriations for years 1 and 2. This will allow us to expand outreach to our priority audiences. We are in a good position for these next two years, with a strong, committed, and capable team. What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided?AgrAbility staff exhibited or taught professionals (OTs, VR, ag/fishing/logging service providers) at nine events. One important presentation was to the Agricultural Council of Maine. That group is comprised of representatives of all the commodity groups in the state and is a gateway to many producers. Another important event was the Maine Military and Community Network Conference, where the AgrAbility coordinator was able to meet and network with 29 program representatives. Staff are following up with contacts from these meetings. In March 2024, Maine AgrAbility was well represented at the Annual AgrAbility National Training Workshop (NTW) in Atlanta, Georgia, with three program-related staff, and one advisory council member representing Vocational Rehabilitation participating in the four-day workshop. AgrAbility staff presented or co-presented on three topics: "A Novel Approach to Pain Management For Farmers, Including Pilot Study," "SRAP Panel Discussion on Taking the RESNA AT Fundamentals Course," "Let's Mooove: Movement and Self-Massage for Longevity and Productivity on the Farm." We worked with a Level II Fieldwork Occupational Therapy student Morgan Becker during the fall of 2023. They researched and prepared a presentation on assistive technology for fishermen. This will be added to our web site this coming year. Maine AgrAbility staff were able to participate in two very unique professional development activities during this project year. The first was a tour of a commercial oyster farm, where we learned about oyster and seaweed production in different marine environments. These operations involve many repetitive tasks completed from awkward positions from an unstable, floating surface. We were able to observe and try various challenging tasks, including flipping oyster bags, opening cages, and emptying and re-filling cages. These observations and conversations have helped staff better understand and work with fishing clients. A second unique opportunity was a field visit to a private logging company's sites in northern Maine, for a shared day of learning between Maine AgrAbility and commercial loggers and safety coordinators. Staff learned about physical logistics of the logging worksite and types of logging equipment. They spoke directly with loggers about typical job experiences and common pain and injuries associated with their work. Loggers demonstrated different types of logging equipment, and staff were able to operate a number of types of machinery to better understand the challenges. Other parts of the day included a tour of the maintenance garage, visiting the logging camps, and touring some of the logging equipment. The opportunity increased the awareness of the Maine LogAbility program to loggers and generated at least one technical contact within a week and a half of the field visit. Safety and environmental coordinator said following the day; "I have been doing my job inspections for the month and am spreading the word and brochures about your program. I or some of the guys may reach out to you in the future. Thanks for what you are doing for the loggers!" How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest?This year our we staffed exhibits, provided training and education opportunities, and provided direct service to clients. We exhibited and taught commercial farmers, fishermen, and loggers at 41 between July 2023 and June 2024. This included significant outreach to over 70 loggers, over 100 fishermen, and over 150 farmers through this time We provided resources about the program to almost 850 people between July 2023 and July 2024 (Goal 1.B). Methods of outreach include our website, social media, publications, presentations, and presence at state and regional commodity-focused trades shows. We provide articles for partner publications, particularly Commercial Fisheries News (print and digital circulation of about 5,000 readers) and The Logger's Voice (print and digital circulation of about 1,000 readers). Our program coordinator was interviewed by FOX 22 Bangor at the Maine Dairy Industry Association meeting. We also shared our monthly news and activities with other SRAP's by participating in the monthly e-Note published by the NAP. As we continue to market our program, we identified clients through referrals from Cooperative Extension staff, our non-profit partner connections at Alpha One, our diverse advisory council, and USDA field staff. We continue to work with the Maine New Farmers Project, the Maine Farmer Resource Network, Maine Agricultural Mediation, Maine Coast Fisherman's Association, Professional Logging Contractors of Maine, Vocational Rehabilitation, and Sunrise County Economic Council. When we work with AgrAbility clients that are new, transitioning, or aspiring farmers, we use these resources to assist clients in their process. A direct result of this work is the ability to refer clients to resources that can support client needs that require expertise beyond the range of AgrAbility staff, for example creating succession plans, and navigating chronic disease transitions with client families. What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals?Our team is excited about the next two years of the project and the consistency and stability our new coordinator provides. We will be undergoing strategic planning in September, 2024, to design a clear action plan to address the needs of our individual clients, industries, and partners. Our team is already strong, enthusiastic, and committed. This planning process will bring additional focus and clarity. In addition to our usual activities, in the next year we will expand ag service provider outreach to include Extension staff; USDA offices; Department of Agriculture, Conservation, and Forestry; Soil and Water Conservation District offices; and partner non-profits. We plan to continue emphasizing program visibility through presentations and public exhibits, as we have seen that many clients come to us by way of these public events. Additionally, we will be proposing a budget reallocation for unspent portions of the appropriations for years 1 and 2. This reallocation proposal will include funding for increased contractor time to support clients in all areas, but particularly fishing, logging, and military veteran clients. We also would like to create videos featuring specific adaptations and assistive technologies useful for farmers, fishermen, and loggers and film a some new client testimonial videos.

Impacts
What was accomplished under these goals? Maine AgrAbilty's mission is to increase the likelihood that farmers, farm workers and farm family members with chronic health issues and disabilities will experience success in agricultural production. We work with individuals and family members with disabilities involved in production agriculture, fishing, and logging and their families. In this grant cycle, the University of Maine Cooperative Extension (Extension) is continuing its partnership with the non-profit organization Alpha One and is working with several independent contractors. Alpha One's project team consists of occupational therapists (OTs), occupational therapy assistants, independent living specialists and an architect. This partnership has been developed over nearly a decade and has enabled us to continue delivering AgrAbility programming in Maine. In addition, we partnered with three independent contractors with occupational therapy, farming and education skills to enhance outreach and direct client services (Goal I.A). We have had a particular emphasis on promotion of the program, including a presence at outreach events and updating promotional materials (Goal IV.A). Using the demographic timeframe of April 1, 2023 to March 31, 2024, we served 9 new clients, continued to work with 11 existing clients and closed 2 client cases (Goal I.A). We continuously look for ways to improve the program, including working with an outside evaluator. We received low response the evaluator in 2023, and so we will be revising our methods for this coming year. In addition to clients, AgrAbility staff provided technical resources to our program contacts (Goal I.B). Methods of outreach and education include our website, press releases, and the social media outlets of Facebook, and X (formerly Twitter). We also provide articles for partner publications, particularly the Logger's Voice (a publication of the Professional Logging Contractors of Maine, circulation about 1,000) and Commercial Fisheries News (print and digital circulation of about 5,000 readers). Our coordinator was interviewed at the Maine Dairy Seminar for a local TV station. We also shared our monthly news and activities with other SRAP's by participating in the monthly e-Note published by the NAP. Our website garnered 21,870 pageviews across the site from 7/23/2023 - 7/22/2024. Average monthly pageviews increased 67% compared to the monthly views in the last reporting period. Maine AgrAbility worked with service providers across the state, reaching an increasingly diverse audience, with expansion beyond just farmer clients to also include fishermen and loggers. In the past project year we expanded and renewed relationships with network partners to continue to increase capacity for AgrAbility work. Staff presented to the Agricultural Council of Maine this winter. That group is comprised of representatives of all the commodity groups in the state and so is a gateway to many producers. Staff are following up with contacts from this meeting. We conducted educational outreach to Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) personnel, assistive technology (AT) partners, healthcare providers, and service providers about disability issues for our client groups and to provide insight to their production culture. We have sent AgrAbility promotional materials to all county Extension offices and will follow up with presentations to the ag staff and at an organization-wide webinar later in the year. We also worked directly with farmers, to assist in navigating resources, exploring assistive technology ideas, and to coordinate recommendations to help them be successful. We have worked through network partners, extension educators, occupational health networks and word of mouth to increase awareness of Maine AgrAbility (Goal II.A). During the past year, we participated in 41 agriculture, fishing, and logging events. Of these events, 7 were fishing specific and 6 were logging specific. Through these events, we distributed brochures, booklets, rack cards, posters, and safety decals. In Year 2, we made about 850 direct contacts by talking and sharing information at events, meetings or workshops (Goal IV.A). AgrAbility staff led and assisted with a multi-session 4-H/Extension Tractor Safety course that included eight youth and three adults. Staff also taught 4-Hers about ergonomics and represented the program at one of the county fairs. (Goal II.C) Demonstration equipment and a borrowing program allowed us to demonstrate the pros and cons of specific tools or work modification on an individual basis. Demonstrations were provided at three Events (Goal III.B). AgrAbility staff also borrowed AT from the Maine AT Loan program for a high-school age tractor safety student to assist with reading the manual. "This is awesome!" was the student's response after they tried it at home. The family is planning to purchase a device like this for them. We have an established 10 person advisory council (Goal III.A), representing a diverse background of professionals and farmers with knowledge of various disabilities and markets. Advisory council members represent farmers, fishermen, loggers, veterans, brain injury, assistive technology and department of labor interests. During the quarterly meetings the council provides AgrAbility programming guidance and direction. Additionally, during staff or advisory council meetings we invite network partners to talk about their program and share resources. Working with new advisory council members has opened doors to new audiences. We continue to work with the support and collaboration of NAP and other SRAPs. To help AgrAbility staff continue to provide quality education and support to clients, we participated in continuing education opportunities (Goal II.D) for staff such as the National Training Workshops (in-person and virtual), AgrAbility webinars, and AgrAbility all-staff conference calls. Maine AgrAbility continues to look for options for long-term sustainability of the work (Goal III.C). Using plans developed with AgrAbility, a private contractor was able to provide multiple ergonomic training sessions to loggers as part of their annual safety training. Thanks to recent outreach activity, Maine AgrAbility was asked to provided a letter of support for a National Institute of Nursing Research grant written by a coalition of health care providers and researchers working with fishermen. Although that grant was not funded, we hope to explore opportunities for collaboration and financial support with this group in the future.

Publications

• Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2024 Citation: Weisman, B. and J. Wall. National Training Workshop, AgrAbility.
• Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2024 Citation: SRAP Panel Discussion on Taking the RESNA AT Fundamentals Course. 2024. LaJeunesse, J., N. Stoller, B. Weisman, L. Akgerman, and L. Head. National Training Workshop, AgrAbility.
• Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2024 Citation: Lets Mooove: Movement and Self-Massage for Longevity and Productivity on the Farm. 2024. Small, A. National Training Workshop, AgrAbility. http://www.agrability.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/Lets-MOOOOVE-Movement-and-Massage-for-Longevity-on-the-Farm.pdf

Progress 09/01/22 to 08/31/23

Outputs
Target Audience:Maine AgrAbility worked with service providers across the state, reaching an increasingly diverse audience and revisiting existing network partners to continue to increase capacity for AgrAbility work. We conducted educational outreach to Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) personnel, assistive technology (AT) partners, healthcare providers, agriculture service providers, and farmers about disability issues facing farmers and provide insight to farm culture. Our team has also expanded its outreach to include loggers and fishermen and the service providers and organizations that support them. During Year 1, we were able to conduct in-person visits, working directly with clients to assist in navigating resources, exploring AT ideas, and coordinating recommendations to help them be successful. We work with individuals with disabilities involved in production agriculture and their families. In addition these key groups, of farmers and farm workers with disabilities, we have also focused efforts on these subsets of farmers: military veterans who farm and migrant farmworkers. We participated in 28 events, reaching over 700 people. In coordination with an Advisory Council member, a set of 8 short videos of stretches for fisherman was developed, and included photos and written descriptions. Our website garnered 11,460 pageviews across the site from 9/1/23 to 7/23/23 (most recent data available).Our programs have been promoted in the mainstream media, shared in local print and digital platforms, as well as national digital news platforms and YouTube. Changes/Problems:During Year 1, we saw the retirement of our long-time Project Director, Dick Brzozowski, and the coordinator position was vacant, following the departure of long-time leader Lani Carlson. We planned to rehire quickly, but were delayed by the PD's limited schedule and some institutional delays. Gaps were filled by additional time from existing contractors. We have offered the position to a new coordinator, and we plan to have them on staff on Sept. 1, 2023. They bring broad experience in production agriculture, extensive connections among ag service providers, and experience with UMaine grant and budget management systems. These changes and challenges should have been discussed with the funder, even with the short anticipated timeframe and definitely with the extended timeframe. There will be better communication in the future. The PD was overextended during the last year, as she took on other major grants and programming responsibilities due to many organizational retirements. The PD has also been adjusting to major family changes as her spouse dealt with major injuries, surgeries, and the development of significant mobility impairments. What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided?With reduced staff this year, we were not able to staff as many exhibits as in past years, choosing to focus on direct service, if a choice needed to be made. Even so, we have exhibited or taught professionals at 10 events. This included significant outreach to over 60 Maine VR counselors and to 76 OT students in Maine and across the country. In March 2023, Maine AgrAbility was well represented at the Annual AgrAbility National Training Workshop (NTW) in Spokane, Washington, with 3 program-related staff, 2 farmers and family members, and 2 advisory council members participating in the four-day workshop. All of the staff presented or co-presented with other SRAPS on: Cultivating Student Partnerships Cultivating Post-Traumatic Growth and Community Reintegration Outreach to Land and Sea Farmers to Meet Them Where They Are At We worked with James Wall, Ph.D. candidate, on his capstone project, "Exploring a New Pain Tool for Maine Commercial Farmers". The new pain evaluation tool was developed by Maine AgrAbility and the study found that this tool helped farmers recognize and be more aware of their physical pain. As part of the project, James also participated in site visits, staffing booths, teaching groups, and writing articles. We are excited to report that James received his doctorate in July--the first OTD awarded from the University of Southern Maine! We will be offering a Level II Fieldwork experience during fall of 2023. How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest?During Year 1, we served 12 new clients (Goal I.A), continued to work with 9 existing clients and closed 3 client cases (2 new and 1 existing clients between April 1, 2022 to March 31, 2023). We provided technical resources for more than 232 people between July 2018 and June 2019 (Goal I.B). Methods of outreach and education include our website (nearly 11,500 pageviews in 10.5 months), press releases, and the social media outlets of Facebook, Twitter and Pinterest. We also provide articles for partner publications, particularly the Logger's Voice (a publication of the Professional Logging Contractors of Maine, circulation about 1,000) and Commercial Fisheries News (print and digital circulation of about 5,000 readers). One of our OTs was interviewed for WAGM-TV, a station located in Aroostook County, the hub of Maine commercial potato production. We also shared our monthly news and activities with other SRAP's by participating in the monthly e-Note published by the NAP. As we continue to market our program, we identified clients through our veteran outreach coordinator, referrals from Cooperative Extension, as well as our non- profit partnerconnections at Alpha One and our diverse Advisory Council. We continue to collaborate with the Maine Farmer Resource Network and the Maine New Farmers Project. When we work with AgrAbility clients that are new, transitioning or aspiring farmers, we use these resources to assist clients in their process. A direct result of this work we are able to refer clients to resources that can support clients needs that we are not equipped to handle, for example business planning and financing (Goal III.A).? What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals?In the next reporting period, we will maintain our strong team and be able to increase our activities when our new coordinator starts on September 1. This will enable us to be present at more events and meetings, thereby generating more interest, knowledge, and clients. With the new coordinator's background, I anticipate that their contacts will help us increase outreach to farm laborers and other underserved audiences in 2023-2024. They will also be able to meet regularly with other ag service providers, which the current staff haven't been able to do. They will also enable Maine to be more active in national program conversations and goals. As a team, we will continue to learn about fishermen and loggers and their needs. Our Advisory Council members from those sectors are a valuable asset for helping us connect. We have increased collaboration with MaineCite, a state program designed to make assistive technology more accessible. As part of this, we are working toward partnering on a mobile AT "library" van to make it easier to move equipment to events.

Impacts
What was accomplished under these goals? Maine AgrAbilty's mission is to increase the likelihood that farmers, farm workers and farmfamily members with chronic health issues and disabilities will experience success inagricultural production. We work with individuals with disabilities and their families engaged inproduction agriculture. In addition these key groups of farmers and farm workers with disabilities, in Year 1 we have also focused efforts on these subsets of farmers: military veterans who farm and migrant farmworkers. In this grant cycle, the University of Maine Cooperative Extension (Extension) is continuing itspartnership with the non-profit organization Alpha One and is working with severalindependent contractors. Alpha One's project team consists of occupational therapists (OTs), occupational therapy assistants, independent living specialists and an architect. Thispartnership has been developed over nearly a decade and has enabled us to continue delivering AgrAbility programming in Maine. In addition, we partnered with three independentcontractors with occupational therapy, farming and education skills to enhance outreach anddirect client services (Goal I.A). During this past year, we have also concurrently been pursuingwork on our no-cost extension goals. These two plans of work closely overlap and created a more robust AgrAbility programming effort for Year 1, particularly in expanding programming to loggers and developing tools and materials for upcoming program years(Goal IV.A). During Year 1, we served 12 new clients (Goal I.A), continued to work with 9 existing clientsand closed 3 client cases (2 new and 1 existing clients between April 1, 2022 to March 31,2023). We provided technical resources for more than 232 people between July 2018 and June 2019 (Goal I.B). Methods of outreach and education include our website, press releases, andthe social media outlets of Facebook, Twitter and Pinterest. We also provide articles for partner publications, particularly the Logger's Voice (a publication of the Professional Logging Contractors of Maine, circulation about 1,000) and Commercial Fisheries News (print and digital circulation of about 5,000 readers). One of our OTs was interviewed for WAGM-TV, a station located in Aroostook County, the hub of Maine commercial potato production. We also shared our monthly news and activities with other SRAP's by participating in the monthly e-Note published by the NAP. Maine AgrAbility worked with service providers across the state, reaching an increasinglydiverse audience, revisiting existing network partners to continue to increase capacity forAgrAbility work. We conducted educational outreach to VR personnel, AT partners, agriculture service providers and farmers about disability issues facing farmers and provide insight to farmculture. In particular, we conducted in-person training about AgrAbility at the four VR locations in the state, reaching 63 counselors. We also worked directly with farmers, to assist in navigating resources, exploring assistive technology ideas, and to coordinate recommendations to help them be successful. We have worked through network partners, extension educators, occupational health networks and word of mouth to increase awareness of Maine AgrAbility (Goal II.A). During the past year, we participated in 12 agriculture-related and 11 non-agricultural events. Of these events, 5 were veteran-specific, 5 logging-specific, 1 focused on the fishing industry, and 1 specific for migrant laborers in the blueberry industry. Through these events, we distributed brochures, booklets, rack cards, posters, and safety decals. In Year 1, we made over 200 direct contacts by talking and sharing information at events, meetings or workshops (Goal IV.A). As part of our partnership with MaineCite the Maine Assistive Technology Loan Program, the loan program purchased specific agriculture-related AT. This equipment has been featured inseveral of our exhibits to increase awareness of resources and AT available (Goal III.B). We continued to use these demonstration tools at proceeding exhibits throughout the year, and on farm during client visits. The equipment demonstrations and borrowing program allowed us to demonstrate the prosand cons of a specific tool or work modification on an individual basis. We co-hosted three fielddays at existing veteran owned farms to share project information and demonstrate a variety ofassistive technology (Goal II.B). AgrAbility staff brought specific AT based on the farm venue,and borrowed AT from the Maine AT Loan program for events based on the focus of the event. We provided education to network service providers and other professionals about AgrAbilityand our work with farmers to accommodate disabilities (Goal II.A). We have an established 10 person advisory council (Goal III.A), representing a diversebackground of professionals and farmers with knowledge of various disabilities and markets.Advisory council members represent farmers, fishermen, loggers, veterans, brain injury, assistive technology and department of labor interests. During the quarterly meetings the council provides AgrAbility programming guidance and direction. Additionally, during staff or advisory council meetings we invite network partners to come talk about their program and share our resources. Working with new advisory council members has opened doors to new audiences. We continue to work with the support and collaboration of NAP and other SRAPs. To helpAgrAbility staff continue to provide quality education and support to clients, we participated incontinuing education opportunities (Goal II.D) for staff such as the Virtual National TrainingWorkshops, AgrAbility all-staff conference calls and webinars. We are working with the outside evaluator to conduct evaluations in 2023. Due to schedule conflicts, this was not completed in 2022.

Publications

• Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2023 Citation: Outreach to Land and Sea Farmers to Meet Them Where They Are At Weisman, B. and A. Small, National Training Workshop.
• Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2023 Citation: Cultivating Post-Traumatic Growth and Community Reintegration, Martin, A., National Training Workshop.
• Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2023 Citation: Cultivating Student Partnerships, Lawrence, L., G. Mason, K. Niewolny, and K. Spencer, National Training Workshop.
• Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2022 Citation: Working with Land and Sea Farmers Through the Lens of OT, Weisman, B. and K. Crosson, Maine Occupational Therapy Association Conference.