Progress 04/01/05 to 03/31/10
Outputs
OUTPUTS: In Project Year 1, the project was implemented in the Northeast district (40 counties; district office in Athens). During this time we started media efforts that resulted in a reach of approximately 13,600 people. In Project Year 2, services and activities were expanded to include the Southwest district (40 counties; district office in Tifton). We conducted 8 technical trainings in the district with 186 people attending. We awarded 100 CEU's. Media and awareness efforts resulted in an estimated reach of 47,400 people. Project Year 3 we expanded to the Southeast district (40 counties; district office in Statesboro). We conducted 5 technical trainings in the district with 52 people attending. We awarded 36 CEU's. Media and awareness efforts resulted in an estimated reach of 299,326 people. Project Year 4 we expanded to the Northwest district (40 counties; district office in Griffin). We conducted 7 technical trainings in the district with 217 people attending. We awarded 1,372 CEU's. Media and awareness efforts resulted in an estimated reach of 218,246 people. Four to nine hour specialized trainings were conducted that focus on work site accommodations, hands-on fabrication exercises, and how to prevent secondary injury. There have been 496 professionals, agricultural workers and community members to attend. The trainings have been very popular with vocational rehabilitation staff resulting in customer referrals and other collaborations. By attending fairs, festivals and expos, the AgrAbility in Georgia project reached over 146,720 people based on 16% reach rate of total attendance. Students at the University of Georgia have spent 350 hours through their course work to assist AgrAbility customers. Over 13,000 dollars in goods and monetary donations have enabled AgrAbility in Georgia to expand training programs and to implement the AgrAbility Farm project. AgrAbility in Georgia has made 56 site visits. Thirty-five agricultural workers have directly benefited from worksite accommodations, accessible farm plan design, benefit counseling and business plan development. AgrAbility in Georgia has been featured in over 25 television, radio and print mediums. The estimated reach of the media features is 435,732 people. Most notable were two evening television news features and an article in Southeast Farm Press magazine. The website (agrabilityinga.com and the sister site farmagain.com) receive over 1,200 unique IP site visits a month combined. The website promotes both the local and national program. The site features video clips, which have been one of the most popular features. Most popular search engine search query phrases have included amputation accidents, robotic tractors, automatic hitches, and phantom pain. PARTICIPANTS: Dr. Glen Rains, the Principal Investigator for AgrAbility in Georgia, is the Farm Safety specialist for the State of Georgia as recognized by the USDA CSREES Farm Safety Program and is an Associate Professor in Biological and Agricultural Engineering at the University of Georgia. Becky Brightwell is the project manager. She is associate director of the Institute on Human Development and Disability (IHDD). IHDD is a Center on Excellence for Developmental Disabilities Education, Research, and Service, receiving core funding from the Administration on Developmental Disabilities/US HHS. IHDD has numerous state and federally-funded grants and contracts, including projects focusing on employment, family support, self-advocacy, document translation, community supports, training of the judicial system, child care training and ADA training. Andy Carter is a service coordinator for the Agrability in Georgia project. Andy makes site visits, sets up displays and farming events, and makes presentations for trainings. Andy is a former farmer and has extensive experience with the farming community. DeWayne Dales is a technician who develops assistive technologies for agrability clients. Myrtice Atrice, Therapy Manager at Shepherd Center, helped conduct full day technical trainings around the state in conjunction with the AgrAbility in Georgia staff. The specialized trainings (CEU eligible) built the capacity of health care providers, including physical and occupational therapists, to better serve the agricultural community. In addition to conducting trainings, the Shepherd Center will assist in developing outcomes for AgrAbility customers, write articles for the project newsletter, and refer patients to the AgrAbility program nationwide. Dr. Therese Willkomm is nationally and internationally known for her work in the area of rural rehabilitation technology and farming with a disability. She holds a Ph.D. in Rehabilitation Technology from the University of Pittsburgh and has over 24 years experience in providing/managing assistive technology services. During the past four years, Dr. Willkomm has worked closely with the AgrAbility in Georgia project. In addition to conducting technical trainings, she has assisted with customer site visits and training staff. Shepherd Center is a private not-for-profit catastrophic care hospital devoted to the medical care and rehabilitation of people with spinal cord injury and disease, acquired brain injury, multiple sclerosis and other neuromuscular problems. Many AgrAbility customers were at one time Shepherd Center patients. Arthritis Foundation GA Chapter is a member of the Arthritis Foundation national network. The Arthritis Foundation is the only national not-for-profit organization that supports people with more than 100 types of arthritis and related conditions. Ayana Charleston, Director of Education & Outreach at the Arthritis Foundation GA Chapter, has a strong background in working with not-for-profit and community health programs. She has contributed to articles and training materials for agrability. TARGET AUDIENCES: The majority of people with disabilities who work or live in agricultural settings want to continue an agricultural way of life. AgrAbility in Georgia, funded as a new AgrAbility project in 2005, has taken a multi-faceted approach in serving agricultural customers in the state. Through utilizing volunteers, engaging students, and accessing the services of professional agencies; customers have been able to successfully continue in their chosen profession. In addition to direct assistance to agricultural workers, AgrAbility in Georgia has developed a series of interactive technical workshops that have increased the capacity of professionals to better serve the agricultural community. These trainings have proven to be a vital link to build strong relationships with state vocational rehabilitation staff. Vocational rehabilitation professionals frequently play a key role in assisting agricultural workers to return to their jobs. These trainings have also served occupational and physical therapists who work with farmers with disabilities. Following the estimation protocol outlined by Deboy et al. (2008) and applying the protocol to Georgia, it can be estimated that between 7,748 and 16,645 Georgians with disabilities are members of the agricultural workforce and that an additional 8,678 to 18,642 individuals with disabilities are members of agricultural households. In Georgia, this creates an overall estimate of between 16,426 and 35,228 people with disabilities who are a part of the agricultural population in the state. These are our primary target audience for direct assistance to their needs. Other primary targets are county extension personnel, Farm Bureau offices, agricultural teachers in middle schools and high schools and NRCS personnel. It was also our objective to provide information to the general public about farmers with disabilities. PROJECT MODIFICATIONS: Project was extended for one year to complete project objectives.
Impacts
AgrAbility in Georgia has a strong record of growth and accomplishment. Although Georgia has a very strong Extension network actively involved with the agricultural workforce and Georgia has strong programs in place to support individuals with disabilities, the two worlds have remained quite separate. Before 2005, when AgrAbility in Georgia was first funded, Georgia had no organized efforts to support agricultural workers with disabilities. Thus, AgrAbility in Georgia as a start-up program had strong networks to build upon, but no infrastructure and no history of AgrAbility-type services or collaborations. Thus, AgrAbility in Georgia had to build a program and a network from the ground up. In its first four years, AgrAbility has achieved an impressive record of accomplishments. Since 2005, AgrAbility in Georgia has served 1,257 agricultural workers, farm families and professionals around the State of Georgia through direct service and technical trainings. Technical trainings are focussed on developing skills for occupational and physical therapists to better understand the needs and culture of farmers with disabilities. These trainings have received consistently high evaluations from the trainees. Another 578,612 people are estimated to have heard the AgrAbility message through displays at fairs, presentations and media exposure. Over 1,400 continuing education hours have been awarded through AgrAbility in Georgia trainings. AgrAbility in Georgia has made 56 site visits. Thirty-five agricultural workers have directly benefited from worksite accommodations, accessible farm plan design, benefit counseling and business plan development. AgrAbility in Georgia has been featured in over 25 television, radio and print mediums. AgrAbility in Georgia has collaborated with organizations to enhance services to AgrAbility customers. These relationships helped leverage AgrAbility funds. Partners have included Vocational Rehabilitation, Shepherd Center, the Governors Council on Developmental Disabilities, 4-H, FFA, Farm Bureau and many more. Community members and students have volunteered 1,800 hours to assist AgrAbility customers. They have assisted with everything from pruning blueberry bushes to working at local farmers markets on behalf of a customer. The valuable contributions made by these volunteers have given many AgrAbility customers a much needed boost in order to stay profitable during a period of transition.
Publications
- 1. Brightwell, B, Forbes, J, Rains, G. 2006. Partner Update, Agrability in Georgia Newsletter, Vol. 1 issue 1.
- 2. Brightwell, B, Forbes, J, Rains, G. 2006-2010. www.farmagain.com website of meetings, resources and information.
- 3. Rains, Glen C, and Paul E. Sumner. 2007. Corn Production Safety and Health for Farmers, University of Georgia, Georgia Extension Bulletin No. 1333.
- 4. Rains, Glen C. 2010. Chain Saw Safety Tips. University of Georgia, Georgia Extension Bulletin No. 1364.
|
Progress 04/01/08 to 03/31/09
Outputs
OUTPUTS: During the fourth year, AgrAbility in Georgia demonstrated a strong record of growth and accomplishment. The program served 325 agricultural workers, farm families and professionals around the State of Georgia through direct service and technical trainings. Over 1,400 continuing education or contact hours were awarded to build the capacity of professionals to better serve the agricultural community. Community members and students volunteered 396 hours to directly assist AgrAbility customers. The AgrAbility in Georgia program was featured in 19 television, radio and print mediums. Over 218,000 people heard the AgrAbility message through displays at fairs, presentations and media exposure (based on 16% reach rate of total attendance). The state project's website received approximately 1,200 unique IP site visits each month. Over 1,300 print materials were disseminated during the year. In addition, the program created an assistive technology demonstration farm located in Tifton, GA. The farm showcases the latest technologies that can assist agricultural workers to continue working after obtaining a disability or chronic health condition. PARTICIPANTS: Dr. Rains, the Principal Investigator for AgrAbility in Georgia, is the Farm Safety specialist for the State of Georgia as recognized by the USDA CSREES Farm Safety Program and is an Assistant Professor in Biological and Agricultural Engineering at the University of Georgia. He has maintained training programs to improve the response of emergency responders to agricultural accidents, to educate Georgia youth and the farming community on how to prevent injury by following safe practices while operating equipment and working around farm animals. Rebecca Brightwell, who serves as the Project Director with AgrAbility in Georgia, has an extensive background in finance and marketing. She also has experience in video production, graphic design and 3D modeling. In her current role at IHDD, she serves as the Associate Director working on a wide variety of issues that impact people with disabilities. With the project, she oversees the day to day management of activities and staff. Andy Carter, who serves as the Service Coordinator with AgrAbility in Georgia, has a strong agricultural and business background. Previously he worked with one of the largest cotton gins in the state. He also has worked with global positioning and agricultural pesticide companies. He is experienced with business plan development and 3D modeling including Google Earth applications. In his role with the project, he will be responsible for conducting customer site visits, developing business plans, designing accessible farm and ranch layouts. DeWayne Dales, who serves as a Service Coordinator with AgrAbility in Georgia, has worked in an agricultural research capacity for many years with UGA. He has extensive fabrication experience and is experienced with a variety of 3D modeling software programs. He also conducts trainings for fire, rescue and EMS personnel. In his role with the project, he assists with customer site visits and fabrication design and execution. Jessica Forbes, who serves as the Project Coordinator with AgrAbility in Georgia, has previously worked with College of Agriculture at UGA and is very familiar with the vast extension resources in the state. She has experience working in the disability field. In her role with the project, she oversees the customer intake process, develop and execute media plans, update the website and oversee data collection and reporting. She also assists with customer site visits as needed. The primary funded partners were as follows: 1) Shepherd Center - the nation's leading rehabilitation hospital specializing in the medical treatment, research and rehabilitation for people with spinal cord injuries, acquired brain injuries, multiple sclerosis, chronic pain and other neurological conditions; and 2) Dr. Therese Willkomm - International expert on agricultural worksite accommodations and assistive technology. TARGET AUDIENCES: Agricultural workers and their families, students, professionals, community members and the press were target audiences of the AgrAbility in Georgia program. Special efforts were conducted to attract racial and ethnic minorities and those who are socially, economically, or educationally disadvantaged were targeted for the program. In year four, efforts included providing the following educational opportunities: 1) Informational Sessions - In these sessions, staff present for 30 minutes or longer on the AgrAbility program and services. We had 230 people attended the informational sessions; 2) Displays - By attending fairs, festivals and expos, the AgrAbility has promoted both the state and national project. Over 218,000 people are estimated to have seen or heard an AgrAbility message at these events (based on 16% reach rate of total attendance); 3) Technical trainings on work-site accommodations and low cost fabrication techniques. The program awarded 1,400 continuing education hours to professionals around the state; 4) Volunteer opportunities also greatly contributed to the program outcomes. Community members and students volunteered 396 hours to directly assist AgrAbility customers; and 5) Thirty-seven agricultural workers directly benefited from worksite accommodations, accessible farm plan design, benefit counseling and business plan development. PROJECT MODIFICATIONS: Nothing significant to report during this reporting period.
Impacts
The service capacity of health, farm and service professionals was increased by providing technical training on accommodating disabilities and preventing secondary injuries in persons with disabilities engaged in production agriculture. The integration of collaborative partners and complimentary services were improved to enable them to share resources and expand the effectiveness of the agricultural disability network of services. The likelihood that agricultural workers would be successful in their employment venture was increased. There was increased awareness of the AgrAbility in Georgia project to diverse audiences, including agricultural workers and the general public. Overall, farmers with disabilities were better served and experienced increased ability to farm effectively.
Publications
- No publications reported this period
|
Progress 04/01/07 to 03/31/08
Outputs
During the third year of the AgrAbility in GA project, we developed a strong network around the state and increased awareness of the program. Significant project achievements include: 1) 79 people received technical assistance about how to farm with a disability. TA included hands-on demonstrations, case studies and application of technical information; 2) 1411 people received information on AgrAbility in GA services through individualized presentations. Presentations focused on AgrAbility's history, services and examples of farmers receiving services. 3) Exhibited at 33 fairs, festivals, and markets, including the Sunbelt Expo, with a possible reach of over 216,000 4) 8,617 materials were distributed around the State to promote the AgrAbility in GA program; and 4) Over 225,000 people potentially learned about AgrAbility in GA through TV, radio and publication features. Other noted outcomes based on our work plan include: Provided training for approximately 39
Agriculture Extension agents in the Southeast districts at their annual regional training; Held 4 "Lunch & Learn" sessions in the Southeast region, targeting local extension agents, health and disability providers, farm bureau agents, farm families, and interested others; include information on disability awareness, assistive technology in the context of farming, and resources available through the AgrAbility in Georgia project; Developed and maintained partnership networks in communities/clusters of counties. Partners include ANR, 4-H, and FACS extension agents, disability service providers and advocacy groups, assistive technology providers, health providers, farm bureau agents, agricultural educators in the high schools, members of farm families, government representatives, members of the faith community, and interested citizens; Identified and partnered with local Latino organizations in order to better outreach to Latino farm families with members who have disabilities. On-going
partner with the Latino Farm Labor Forum in GA.
Impacts
OUTCOMES [O]/IMPACT [I] -1) [O]:Health professionals have increased awareness of farming with a disability and increased knowledge of farm culture.[I]: 11 Health professionals received TA training. 2) [O]: Community and professional groups have increased knowledge regarding how to farm with a disability. [I]:18 presentations were given with 318 attendees. 3) [O]: Community members have gained skills to fabricate low tech assistive technology solutions. [I]:46 individuals received TA training. Participants rated presentations 97% Excellent / 3% Good. 4) [O]: Clients have a better understanding of how their environment could be adapted through assistive technology. [I]: 33 farmers contacted the program for information and assistance. Staff spent 192 TA hours working with referrals. 5) [O]: Farmers with disabilities have a better understanding how to implement a business plan. [I]:1 farmer received assistance in writing a business plan. Staff and students spent 9 hours
working with clients on their business plans. 6) [O]: Farming public gain increased access to program information. [I]: 8,617 products distributed. 7) [O]: Media has increased awareness in the needs of farmers with disabilities. [I]: Known features include 1 TV news channel, 5 news publications and 3 websites.
Publications
- Rains, Glen C, and Paul E. Sumner. 2007. Corn Production Safety and Health for Farmers, University of Georgia, Georgia Extension Bulletin No. 1333.
- Brightwell, Rebecca L, Forbes, Jessica R, Rains, Glen C, and Willkomm, Therese. 2007. AgrAbility in Georgia Bulletin Issue 1, published by AgrAbility in Georgia.
|
Progress 04/01/06 to 03/31/07
Outputs
During the second year of the AgrAbility in GA project, we developed a strong network around the state and increased awareness of the program. Significant project achievements include: 1) 165 people received technical assistance about how to farm with a disability. TA included hands-on demonstrations, case studies and application of technical information; 2) 685 people received information on AgrAbility in GA services through individualized presentations. Presentations focused on AgrAbility's history, services and examples of farmers receiving services. 53 people in attendance were seasonal and migrant farm workers; 3) UGA students provided over 652 hours working on projects that directly benefited farmers with disabilities in Georgia. Students were involved through internships, class work and volunteer opportunities; 4) 7,371 materials were distributed around the State to promote the AgrAbility in GA program; and 5) Over 115,000 people potentially learned about
AgrAbility in GA through TV, radio and publication features. Two prominent features included a segment on FOX evening news and a full page article in the Southeast Farm Press. Other noted outcomes based on our work plan include: Provided training for approximately 73 Agriculture Extension agents in the Northeast and Southwest districts at their annual regional trainings; Held 8 Lunch & Learn sessions in the Northeast and Southwest region, targeting local extension agents, health and disability providers, farm bureau agents, farm families, and interested others; include information on disability awareness, assistive technology in the context of farming, and resources available through the AgrAbility in GA project; Developed 3 articles on agricultural safety/disability issues; Developed and maintained partnership networks in communities/clusters of counties. Partners include agricultural, 4-H, and FACS extension agents, disability service providers and advocacy groups, S.W. Georgia
Easter Seals, assistive technology providers, health providers, farm bureau agents, agricultural educators in the high schools, members of farm families, government representatives, members of the faith community, and interested citizens; Identified and partnered with local Latino organizations in order to better outreach to Latino farm families affected by disabilities. On-going partner with the Latino Farm Labor Forum in GA; Redesigned website to give more comprehensive information regarding farming with a disability. Included video, articles and resources available. Website is currently getting 1,700 unique visitors a day; Distributed AgrAbility in GA Bulletin newsletter to over 2,000 rural households in Georgia; and Filmed the stories of two farmers that will be included in a video for year three.
Impacts
OUTCOMES [O]/IMPACT [I] - 1)[O]:Health professionals have increased awareness of farming with a disability and farm culture.[I]:OT/PT training was held. Participants gave a 100% excellent satisfaction rating; 2)[O]: Community and professional groups have increased knowledge regarding how to farm with a disability. [I]:18 presentations were given with 685 attendees. 3)[O]:Community members have gained skills to fabricate low tech AT solutions. [I]:165 individuals received TA training. Participants rated trainings 93% Excellent/7% Good. 4)[O]:Students will report increased awareness of how to serve individuals with disabilities and farm culture. [I]:4 students spent 652 hours working on projects to assist clients. 5)[O]: Clients have a better understanding of how to adapt their environment through AT. [I]:41 farmers contacted the program for information and assistance. Staff spent 526 TA hours working with referrals. 6)[O]:Farmers with disabilities grasp how to
implement a business plan. [I]:2 farmers received assistance in writing a business plan. Staff and students spent 25 hours with them working on business plans. 7)[O]:Farming public gain increased access to program information. [I]:7,371 products distributed. 8)[O]:Media has increased awareness in the needs of farmers with disabilities. [I]:Known features: 1 TV news spot, 6 publications and 5 websites. 58 press kits distributed. 9)[O]:Policy makers and politicians are more aware AgrAbility and the needs of farmers with disabilities. [I]:Met with GA Agricultural Commissioner. Mailed newsletter to GA legislators.
Publications
- No publications reported this period
|
Progress 04/01/05 to 04/01/06
Outputs
Presented to 35 Extension agents to educate them on AgrAbility services. Partnered with Vocational Rehabilitation who presented an overview of assistive technology as it relates to agriculture. Worked closely with 5 different people with disabilities referred to the project to determine solutions to keep them employed in Agriculture. Tasks included site assessments, plan development, and working with various agencies to implement plans. The beginning of our first year was focused on getting the word out. Referrals came late in year and most activity around the referrals are taking place in year two. We hired at the end of year our Peer Coordinator for the NE and NW regions of Georgia. The individual is a farmer with a disability and is well connected within the farming communities. One of their primary responsibilities is to develop a 'Neighbor to Neighbor' program in NE and NW Georgia in order to bring farmers together. This network of volunteers will grow in year
two. Developed a brochure that provides an overview of AgrAbility in Georgia. Distributed materials in NE GA through Cooperative Extension district office, local feed stores, veterinary clinics, presentations, fairs and State Farmer's Markets in NE Georgia region. Developed a Partner's newsletter to keep our primary partner's informed of the grant activities.
Impacts
The program successfully increased awareness in Georgia of people with disabilities that are employed in agriculture production. The AgrAbility in Georgia project has built strong partnerships with critical agencies such as Vocational Rehabilitation. These strong partnerships have been instrumental in reaching large audiences to educate them on AgrAbility services. We have worked extensively with three clients and have completed business plans, work shops and assitive technologies for each.
Publications
- Brightwell, B, Forbes, J, Rains, G. 2006. Partner Update, Agrability in Georgia Newsletter, Vol. 1 issue 1.
- Brightwell, B, Forbes, J, Rains, G. 2006. www.agrabilityinga.com website of meetings, resources and information.
|
|