Progress 04/15/06 to 04/14/11
Outputs
OUTPUTS: 2010/04 TO 2011/04 Outreach/education activities were conducted for audiences including occupational therapists, physical therapists, rehabilitation counselors, other rehabilitation professionals and occupational therapist students. Four newsletters developed and distributed to clients, former clients, agricultural/health professionals. AAW advisory council representing the WI education, agricultural and health communities was held to obtain feedback about AAW. A monthly email message was distributed to WI extension staff informing them of activities. A DVR/ESW consumer survey was designed to evaluate the relationship in developing and implementing the farmer's plan. 2009/04 TO 2010/04 A meeting of the AgrAbility of Wisconsin (AAW) advisory council representing the WI education, agricultural and health communities was held to obtain suggestions for improving the education and assistance to farmers with disabilities. A monthly email message was distributed to the WI county agricultural extension staff informing them of the activities of AAW including outreach activities taking place in the state. Using the Dillman Method a client satisfaction survey was conducted. AAW has been participating in the National AgrAbility Project Impact Study using the McGill Quality of Life instrument. 2008/04 TO 2009/04 outreach/education activities were conducted for audiences including occupational therapists, physical therapists, rehabilitation counselors, other rehabilitation professionals and occupational therapist assistant students. Four newsletters developed and distributed to clients, former clients, agricultural and health professionals. Former clients who received services volunteered in speakers' bureaus and farmers' networks, host neighbor to neighbor events, and serve on a focus group to improve services. Monthly email messages was distributed to the WI county extension staff informing them of activities. 2007/04/15 TO 2008/04/14 Education activities designed to build service through training programs for health, farm and government services providers on accommodating disabilities and preventing injuries. Presented for occupational and physical therapists programs at the Milwaukee Area Technical College, Western Wisconsin Area Technical College and the University of Wisconsin-Madison; participated in the WI PT Association's and the WI OT Association's annual conferences. Former clients who received services volunteered in speakers' bureaus and farmers' networks, host neighbor to neighbor programs, and serve on focus groups. The AAW advisory council consisting of past clients and representatives from government agencies, agribusinesses and health organizations provided feedback. 2006/04/15 TO 2007/04/14 Presented to occupational and physical therapists programs at the University of Wisconsin-LaCrosse and for occupational therapist assistant program at the Southwest Technical College. Training was also provided to equipment dealers, DVR counselors, county extension staff and other agribusinesses. Former clients who received services volunteered in speakers bureau, farmers network, neighbor to neighbor program, and focus group to improve services. PARTICIPANTS: PARTICIPANTS: Easter Seals Wisconsin staff provides the worksite assessments and has conducted training of the vocational rehabilitation counselors. Staff at the Farm Center in the WI Department of Trade and Comsuer Protection provide a financial anlysis of the farmers in the program, if needed. WI Division of Vocational Rehabilitation purchase the worksite assessment reports from Easter Seals Wisconsin and provide funding for the recommended assistive technology. TARGET AUDIENCES: TARGET AUDIENCES: 1.)Farmers with disabilities, 2.)Volunteers-farmers with disabilities, 3.) Vocational rehabilitation counselors, 4.)Healthcare professions such as occupational and physical therapists PROJECT MODIFICATIONS: Nothing significant to report during this reporting period.
Impacts
2010/04-2011/04 Education and assistance were provided to 393 farmers with disabilities.AAW conducted 70 worksite assessments for WI DVR for $2,750 per assessment.The AT equipment purchased for these farmers is approximately $38,744 per assessment. 3 neighbor to neighbor meetings were held with 22 in attendance. A meeting of the AAW advisory council representing the education, agricultural/health communities was held to obtain suggestions for improvement.Eight activities were conducted for occupational therapists, physical therapists, rehabilitation counselors, other rehabilitation professionals and students. 2009/04-2010/04 Education and assistance were provided to 440 farmers with disabilities.AAW conducted 103 worksite assessments for WI DVR for $2750 per assessment.The AT equipment purchased by WI DVR for these farmers is about $26, 000 per assessment. Three neighbor to neighbor meetings were held 25 in attendance. A meeting of the AAW advisory council representing education, agricultural/health communities met. 16 activities were conducted for occupational and physical therapists, rehabilitation counselors, other rehabilitation professionals and students.Three former clients hosted neighbor to neighbor meetings on their farms, sharing experiences with 18 farmers.4 newsletters distributed to past/current clients, county extension, DVR staff, AAW advisory counsel members and other agriculture/health organization. 2008/04-2009/04 16 activities were for occupational and physical therapists, rehabilitation counselors, other rehabilitation professionals and students.Three former clients hosted neighbor to neighbor meetings with 18 in attendance.Four newsletters were distributed to past/current clients, extension staff, DVR staff, AAW advisory counsel members and other agriculture/health organizations.88 new clients, 390 continuing and re-opened clients.177 client cases were closed. 102 funded worksite assessments funded at $2500 per assessment. An equipment utilization survey, funded by a US Dept. of Ed.showed:178 consumers received DVR assistance from 2000-2007. 1296 pieces recommended by ESW staff and 1094 pieces were obtained by consumers, funded by DVR.Leading pieces of assistive technology were: tractor steps, utility vehicles, tractor seats, feed carts, milking equipment and skid-steer loaders.A website was established to facilitate exchange of this AT equipment between farmers. 2007/04/15-2008/04/14 AAW staff provided services to 438 clients where 119 new clients and 319 continuing clients from last year.The number of closed cases was 101.AAW developed 123 DVR funded worksite plans.DVR staff reports the average cost of a plan for farmers with disabilities has been $26,000. 2006/04/15-2007/04/14 AAW staff provided services to 403 clients where 143 were new clients and 260 were continuing clients. Worksite visits were completed on 277 farms.Worksite assessments were completed for DVR for 126 farmers.DVR provided an average of $26,000 per farmer for the funding of the assistive technology plans developed by AAW staff. DVR staff report that for each dollar expended for assistive technology the farmer's annual income will increase $2.50.
Publications
- PUBLICATIONS: 2010/04 TO 2011/04 1. Schuler, P. Leverenz, R. Straub, R. Meyer. 2010 Case Study of Dairy Producer with Mobility Limitations. ASABE Paper 1009980.Presented at the 2010 Annual International ASBE in Pittsburg, Pennsylvania. 2. R. Schuler, P. Leverenz, R. Straub, R. Meyer. 2010. Evaluation of the Wisconsin AgrAbility and Vocational Rehabilitation Relationship. ASABE Paper 1009469. Presented at the 2010 Annual International ASABE in Pittsburg Pennsylvania.
- PUBLICATIONS: 2009/04 TO 2010/04: Easter Seals Wisconsin staff provides the worksite assessments and has conducted training of the vocational rehabilitation counselors. Staff at the Farm Center in the WI Department of Trade and Consumer Protection provides a financial analysis of the farmers in the program, if needed. WI Division of Vocational Rehabilitation purchase the worksite assessment reports from Easter Seals Wisconsin and provide funding for the recommended assistive technology.
- PUBLICATIONS: 2008/04 TO 2009/04 1. Schuler, R. T., P. Leverenz and M. E. Novak. 2008. Utilization of the Recommended Assistive Technology on Wisconsin Farms. ASABE Paper 083786. Presented at the 2008 Annual International ASABE in Providence, RI. 2. Schuler, R. T. and M. E. Novak. 2008. Agricultural Assistive Technology Reutilization Web Resource. ASABE Paper 083907. Presented at the 2008 Annual International ASABE in Providence, RI.
- PUBLICATIONS: 2008/04/15 TO 2009/04/14 1. Schuler, R. T., P. Leverenz and M. E. Novak. 2008. Utilization of the Recommended Assistive Technology on Wisconsin Farms. ASABE Paper 083786. Presented at the 2008 Annual International ASABE in Providence, RI. 2. Schuler, R. T. and M. E. Novak. 2008. Agricultural Assistive Technology Reutilization Web Resource. ASABE Paper 083907. Presented at the 2008 Annual International ASABE in Providence, RI.
- PUBLICATIONS: 2007/04 through 2008/01 1. Ehle, Cally. 2007. Newsletter Summer 2007- Featuring: AAW Events and Volunteers Make the Difference. Vol. 16, No.1, 4pp. 2. Ehle, Cally. 2007. Newsletter Fall 2007- Featuring: Schmidt to Obtain 100 Years of Success. Vol.16, No. 1, 4pp. 3. Ehle, Cally. 2008. Newsletter Winter 2008- Featuring: Mielke Way Farms Continuation Allows Success of Other Area Farmers. Vol. 16, No.3, 4pp.
- PUBLICATIONS: 2006/04/15 TO 2007/04/14 1. Ehle, Cally. 2006. Newsletter Summer 2006- Featuring: Ogema Farmer is Beating the Odds. Vol. 15, No.1, 4pp. 2. Ehle, Cally. 2006. Newsletter Fall 2006- Featuring: Pankratz Takes Matters Into His Own Hands. Vol.15, No. 1, 4pp. 3. Ehle, Cally. 2007. Newsletter Winter 2007- Featuring: Schuler Hangs Up His Hat. Vol. 15, No.3, 4pp. 4. Ehle, Cally. 2007. Newsletter Spring 2007- Featuring: AgrAbility Helps with Turben's Second Chance. Vol. 15, No. 4, 4pp.
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Progress 04/15/08 to 04/14/09
Outputs
OUTPUTS: 1. 478 farmers with disabilities received education and assistance: 390 continuing and reopened clients and 88 new clients. 2.102 worksite assessments were completed for the WI Division of Vocational Rehabilitation for a fee of $2500 per assessment. The assistive technology equipment purchased by WI DVR for these 102 farmers is about $26,000 per assessment. 3.Sixteen outreach/education activities were conducted for audiences including occupational therapists, physical therapists, rehabilitation counselors, other rehabilitation professionals and occupational therapist assistant students. 4.Four quarterly newsletters were developed and distributed to nearly 2000 clients, former clients, agricultural and health professionals. 5.Three neighbor to neighbor meetings were held with three former clients serving as hosts on their farm, eighteen farmers in attendance. 6.A meeting of the AAW advisory counsel representing the WI education, agricultural and health communities. 7.A monthly email message was distributed to the WI county agricultural extension staff informing them of the activities of AAW including outreach activities taking place throughout the state. 8. Equipment utilization survey of 178 former clients served indicates the equipment has successfully helped in completing chores and is in good condition. 78 of the 1094 pieces obtained are no longer being used and 31 pieces are available to other clients. A web site for reutilizing this equipment was established for farmer to farmer equipment transfer 9. A survey of clients served by AAW and WI DVR indicates they strongly agree or agree the services provided has been successful and the assistive technology equipment recommended and provided has made doing their chores easier. PARTICIPANTS: Easter Seals Wisconsin staff provides the worksite assessments and has conducted training of the vocational rehabilitation counselors. Staff at the Farm Center in the WI Department of Trade and Cosumer Protection provide a financial analysis of the farmers in the program, if needed. WI Division of Vocational Rehabilitation purchase the worksite assessment reports from Easter Seals Wisconsin and provide funding for the recommended assistive technology. TARGET AUDIENCES: 1.)Farmers with disabilities, 2.)Volunteers-farmers with disabilities, 3.) Vocational rehabilitation counselors, 4.)Healthcare professions such as occupational and physical therapists. PROJECT MODIFICATIONS: No major changes were made. PARTICIPANTS: Easter Seals Wisconsin staff provides the worksite assessments and has conducted training of the vocational rehabilitation counselors. Staff at the Farm Center in the WI Department of Trade and Comsuer Protection provide a financial anlysis of the farmers in the program, if needed. WI Division of Vocational Rehabilitation purchase the worksite assessment reports from Easter Seals Wisconsin and provide funding for the recommended assistive technology. TARGET AUDIENCES: 1.)Farmers with disabilities, 2.)Volunteers-farmers with disabilities, 3.) Vocational rehabilitation counselors, 4.)Healthcare professions such as occupational and physical therapists ( PROJECT MODIFICATIONS: Nothing significant to report during this reporting period.
Impacts
Sixteen outreach/education activities were conducted for audiences including occupational and physical therapists, rehabilitation counselors, other rehabilitation professionals and occupational therapist assistant students. Three former clients hosted neighbor to neighbor meetings on their respective farms. They shared their experiences with 18 farmers who were in the early stages receiving AgrAbility services. Four quarterly newsletters were published and were distributed to past and current clients, county extension staff, WI Division of Vocational Rehabilitation (DVR) staff, AAW of advisory counsel members and other agriculture and health organization with an interest in farmers with disabilities. A meeting of the AAW advisory counsel representing the WI education, agricultural and health communities. A monthly electronic update was distributed to the WI county agricultural extension staff informing them of the activities of AAW including outreach activities taking place throughout the state. Eighty-eight new clients were identified and started the AgrAbility process. There were 390 continuing and re-opened clients, for a total of 478 clients. Of these 177 client cases were closed. 102 funded worksite assessments were completed and funded at $2500 per assessment. Data from an equipment utilization survey, funded by a US Dept. of Ed., were analyzed. This survey was administered by phone by the UW Survey Lab successfully to 178 consumers who received DVR assistance from 2000 through 2007. These consumers had 1296 pieces of assistive technology recommended by ESW staff and 1094 of these pieces were obtained by the consumers, primarily funded by DVR. The leading pieces of assistive technology were: tractor steps, utility vehicles, tractor seats, feed carts, milking equipment and skid-steer loaders. The survey results indicate 95.4 % of this equipment is in excellent or good condition and 95.4 % of this equipment helps a lot or quite a bit with completing chores. 78 pieces of equipment are no longer is use. 31 of these 78 pieces are available for reutilization by other farmers with disabilities. A website with a craigslist format was established to facilitate the exchange of this assistive technology equipment between farmers with disabilities. A DVR/ESW consumer survey was designed to evaluate the relationship between ESW staff and DVR staff in developing and implementing the farmer's plan. The 178 respondents from this survey had assessments completed from Oct. 2005 through Sept. 2008. The results were 1.) 96 % strongly agree ESW staff understood disability issues, 2.) 94 % strongly agree ESW staff listened to their needs and concerns, 3.) 85 % were satisfied with their involvement in the plan implementation process, 4.) 87 % indicated DVR staff and ESW staff worked as a team, 5.)82 % indicated some or complete control to change and add information to the plan, 6.) 78 % indicated the DVR permitted flexibility in purchasing decisions and 6.) 82 % agree/strongly agree chores and tasks around the farm are easier to complete.
Publications
- Schuler, R. T., P. Leverenz and M. E. Novak. 2008. Utilization of the Recommended Assistive Technology on Wisconsin Farms. ASABE Paper 083786. Presented at the 2008 Annual International ASABE in Providence, RI.
- Schuler, R. T. and M. E. Novak. 2008. Agricultural Assistive Technology Reutilization Web Resource. ASABE Paper 083907. Presented at the 2008 Annual International ASABE in Providence, RI.
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Progress 04/15/07 to 04/14/08
Outputs
OUTPUTS: From April 15, 2007 through April 14, 2008, 429 farmers with disabilities received education and assistance where 161 farmers were new referrals and 268 farmers were continuing clients. Cases for 127 farmers were closed during the year. Worksite assessments were completed on 153 farms by Easter Seals Wisconsin staff, our funded partner. Wisconsin Division of Vocational Rehabilitation (WDVR) requested and funded 106 of these worksite assessments. Surveys: 1.) annual client satisfaction survey of closed cases, 2.) WDVR/AgrAbility survey two months after the worksite assessment farm visit, and 3.) impact survey being conducted by National AgrAbility and directed by Colorado AgrAbility. Training was provided to occupational therapists and physical therapists/students at the Wisconsin Occupational Therapists Conference and in classes at Western Technical College, Milwaukee Area Technical College and the University of Wisconsin-Madison. The Easter Seals Wisconsin staff maintains an extensive list of farm equipment dealers who market equipment to farmers through WDVR. Purchases are based on the AgrAbility developed worksite assessment. Training was provided for extension staff through a monthly email update and two conferences each year. To involve past clients, three neighbor to neighbor meetings were held, and a farmer's network and a speaker's bureau were maintained. The neighbor to neighbor meetings are hosted by farmers who have been served by AgrAbility and were attended by 20 farmers who were receiving or waiting to receive assistance. Members of the farmer's network have volunteered to share their experiences with farmers entering the program. A network farmer's name is provided to each famer who enters the program. Members of the speaker's bureau volunteer to staff exhibits at conferences and farm shows. At their annual meeting sixteen advisory council members provided their views on improving AgrAbility's assistance to farmers with disabilities. Twenty farmers attended a AgrAbility Assistive Technology awareness day and eight service providers had exhibits and information. To increase public awareness of AgrAbility, a quarterly newsletter, Plowing Ahead, was published and distributed to current and past clients, health care providers, agribusinesses, extension staff, and state news media. The AgrAbility of Wisconsin brochure was reviewed and distributed at conferences and farm shows. An exhibit was updated and displayed at seven farms shows, two extension conferences, and four healthcare conferences. PARTICIPANTS: Partner organizations was Easter Seals Wisconsin. Wisconsin Division of Vocational Rehabilitation collaborates with worksite assessment and approves funding for qualified farmer. The wisconsin Center at the WIsconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection provides financial analysis support. TARGET AUDIENCES: Target audience is farmers with disabilities. Other target audiences for awareness purposes are healthcare providers, agribusinesses, general farm population, and extension staff. PROJECT MODIFICATIONS: Not relevant to this project.
Impacts
A survey was administered to the 127 farmers whose cases were closed during 2007-08, with a 47 percent response rate. The results were: 72 percent do a better job of farming as a result of assistance received from AgrAbility, 65 percent continued farming, and 22 percent live independently. For each of the 106 worksite assessments for WDVR, Easter Seals Wisconsin received $2,500. Each assessment requires about 40 person-hours plus travel and other related expenses. WDVR staff indicates that they provide an average of $26,000 for assistive technology on each farm served. A survey of farmers two months after their worksite assessment was conducted to determine the effectiveness of the staff and the workplan. Results from seventy-six completed surveys (response rate was 60 percent)include: 1.) 95 percent strongly agree or agree the AgrAbility staff understands their disability related issues, 2.) 93 percent strongly agree or agree the AgrAbility staff listens to their concerns, 3.) 81 percent strongly agree or agree their farm tasks are easier to complete, 4.) 84 percent strongly agree or agree the AgrAbility and WDVR staffs work as a team, 5.) 81 percent strongly agree or agree their plan is working. Impact data collection for the National AgrAbility survey was initiated and the number of responses is too small to draw any conclusions. Data collection will continue.
Publications
- PUBLICATIONS (not previously reported): 2007/04 through 2008/01 1. Ehle, Cally. 2007. Newsletter Summer 2007- Featuring: AAW Events and Volunteers Make the Difference. Vol. 16, No.1, 4pp. 2. Ehle, Cally. 2007. Newsletter Fall 2007- Featuring: Schmidt to Obtain 100 Years of Success. Vol.16, No. 1, 4pp. 3. Ehle, Cally. 2008. Newsletter Winter 2008- Featuring: Mielke Way Farms Continuation Allows Success of Other Area Farmers. Vol. 16, No.3, 4pp.
- Schuler, R. T. and M. E. Novak. 2007. Liability issues related to assitive technology for farmers with disabilities. ASABE paper 075114. Presented at the 2007 International ASABE Meeting, Minneapolis, MN.
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Progress 04/15/06 to 04/14/07
Outputs
AgrAbility of Wisconsin (AAW) staff addressed all three objectives of education, networking, and assistance to farmers with disabilities in partnership with Easter Seals Wisconsin. Additional collaboration involved the Farm Center at the WI Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection and the WI Division of Vocational Rehabilitation (DVR). Education activities were designed to build service through training programs for health, farm and government services providers on accommodating disabilities and preventing secondary injuries. Educational programs were developed and presented for occupational and physical therapists programs at the University of Wisconsin-LaCrosse and for occupational therapist assistant program at the Southwest Technical College. Training was also provided for equipment dealers, DVR counselors, county cooperative extension staff and other agribusiness populations. Networking activities were designed to encourage sharing of information
and resources among and securing the services and/or funds from individuals or organizations not employed by AAW. Former clients who received AAW services volunteered to participate in a speakers bureau, farmers network, neighbor to neighbor program, and focus group to improve services. A quarterly newsletter was produced as one of the many methods of sharing information. An advisory council consisting of past clients and representatives from government agencies, agribusinesses and health organizations was established to provide information and recommendations to better meet the needs of farmers with disabilities. In additions AAW staff developed display of assistive technology which was exhibited at a number of farms shows and healthcare provider programs. The technical and consultative assistance provided to farmers with disabilities was designed to increase the likelihood that they and their farming operation experience be a success. AAW staff provided services to 403 clients where
143 were new clients and 260 were continuing clients from last year. Worksite visits were completed on 277 farms. Worksite assessments were completed for WI DVR for 126 farmers. DVR provided an average of $26,000 per farmer for the funding of the assistive technology plans developed by AAW staff. DVR staff report that for each dollar expended for assistive technology the farmer's annual income will increase $2.50. The total impact of AAW is more than $3 million of assistive technology provided to Wisconsin farmers and the estimated additional increase in their annual income is about $7.5 million. In addition many of the farmers being served were able to return to their previous employment, farming. In annual survey of farmers who had their cases closed during the year (97 surveys mailed with a response rate of 45 percent), 68 percent of the respondents indicated they do a better job of farming after the services were provided. Fifty-two percent indicate they continue my/our farming
operation in part or whole without that help I/we would not have been able to do so.
Impacts
AAW staff provided services to 403 clients where 143 were new clients and 260 were continuing clients from last year. Worksite visits were completed on 277 farms. Worksite assessments were completed for WI DVR for 126 farmers. DVR provided an average of $26,000 per farmer for the funding of the assistive technology plans developed by AAW staff. DVR staff report that for each dollar expended for assistive technology the farmer's annual income will increase $2.50. The total impact of AAW is more than $3 million of assistive technology provided to Wisconsin farmers and the estimated additional increase in their annual income is about $7.5 million. In addition many of the farmers being served were able to return to their previous employment, farming. In annual survey of farmers who had their cases closed during the year (97 surveys mailed with a response rate of 45 percent), 68 percent of the respondents indicated they do a better job of farming after the services were
provided. Fifty-two percent indicate they continue my/our farming operation in part or whole without that help I/we would not have been able to do so.
Publications
- Ehle, Cally. 2006. Newsletter Summer 2006- Featuring: Ogema Farmer is Beating the Odds. Vol. 15, No.1, 4pp.
- Ehle, Cally. 2007. Newsletter Spring 2007- Featuring: AgrAbility Helps with Turben's Second Chance. Vol. 15, No. 4, 4pp.
- Ehle, Cally. 2006. Newsletter Fall 2006- Featuring: Pankratz Takes Matters Into His Own Hands. Vol.15, No. 1, 4pp.
- Ehle, Cally. 2007. Newsletter Winter 2007- Featuring: Schuler Hangs Up His Hat. Vol. 15, No.3, 4pp.
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