Source: WEST VIRGINIA UNIVERSITY EXTENSION SERVICE submitted to NRP
WEST VIRGINIA AGRABILITY PROJECT
Sponsoring Institution
National Institute of Food and Agriculture
Project Status
COMPLETE
Funding Source
3D GRANT
Reporting Frequency
Annual
Accession No.
0206759
Grant No.
2005-41590-03182
Cumulative Award Amt.
(N/A)
Proposal No.
2008-01818
Multistate No.
(N/A)
Project Start Date
Apr 1, 2005
Project End Date
Mar 31, 2010
Grant Year
2008
Program Code
[LQ]- AgrAbility
Recipient Organization
WEST VIRGINIA UNIVERSITY EXTENSION SERVICE
PO BOX 6031
MORGANTOWN,WV 26506
Performing Department
SAFETY AND HEALTH EXTENSION
Non Technical Summary
To promote independence for farmers and farm family members who have disabilities resulting from injury, illness, aging, or other causes.
Animal Health Component
100%
Research Effort Categories
Basic
(N/A)
Applied
100%
Developmental
(N/A)
Classification

Knowledge Area (KA)Subject of Investigation (SOI)Field of Science (FOS)Percent
7235310202025%
7236020202025%
8026020202050%
Knowledge Area
723 - Hazards to Human Health and Safety; 802 - Human Development and Family Well-Being;

Subject Of Investigation
5310 - Machinery and equipment; 6020 - The family and its members;

Field Of Science
2020 - Engineering;
Goals / Objectives
Provide education, training, and outreach to rehabilitation professionals, vocational counselors, service providers to assist persons with disabilities and their families who engage in farming and farm-related occupations about farm culture.
Project Methods
Visit farm and rural families and assist in their needs to achieve accessibility.

Progress 04/01/05 to 03/31/10

Outputs
OUTPUTS: Education, training and outreach on farm culture, quality of life issues and injury prevention was provided to 982 PT,OT,VR counselors, social workers and Extension Educators through farm safety assessment, disability accommodation and AT curriculum. Staff provided training to pre-service students through class presentations on these topics and hosted graduate interns. 6,932 professionals from regional and state farm organizations received training at WVU Extension Outreach, FSA Women in Ag programs; State Farm Bureau, Cattlemen's Association, WV Small Farm Conferences and WV State Fair in an effort to increase referrals to AgrAbility. Topics included disability accommodation in farm, home, and recreation settings; and AT. Health & farming materials are posted on the project's web page and in the WV Small Farm, Extension, Market Bulletin, FSA and NRCS newsletters. Monthly listservs are distributed to Extension, NRCS, FSA, and VR staff; and farm families. Annually, 2 - 30 min. TV spots promoting AgrAbility, Green Thumbs, and AT resources is aired statewide. Staff increased awareness of 3,467 healthcare professionals in recognizing farm families in need of services. Trainings included role of AT, safety, disability accommodations, farm lifestyle challenges, arthritis and avoiding secondary injuries at clinics, health fairs, expos and conferences. 649 farmers benefited from collaborations between CED, NWVCIL, FSA, Extension, NRCS, Farm Bureau and WV Youth Safe Farm. Results were services brokered to meet disability, ag and AT needs; and promotion of low cost methods for accommodating disabilities and injury prevention. Partnerships increased accessible gardening for people with disabilities. Through WV Bureau of Public Health's Osteoporosis and Arthritis Education Program, Green Thumbs/Healthy Joints funded 48 mini grants providing accessible gardening at senior centers, rehab facilities and community spaces. Collaborating with WVSU, Therapeutic Gardening Conference highlighted gardening's impact in meeting various needs. Partnering with WVU Extension, a train-the-trainer program on accessible gardening was created. 862 individuals received technical assistance in service availability, AT resources and funding. 643 individuals received I&R services for AT and funding resources. 12 McGill Quality of Life Pre-Surveys were distributed and 7 returned. 42 farm site assessments were completed: 5 received funding from DRS; 10 purchased their own AT. Materials disseminated through education, networking and assistance were: 379 Arthritis in Agriculture Booklets; 8478 WV AgrAbility Brochures; 973 Farmers Connection Guides; 652 WVATS Brochures; 4764 WVATS Newsletters; 3545 Accessible Gardening, 127 ATV Safety, 489 Bridging Horizons, 410 Accessible Cattle Chutes, 235 Easy Ergonomics, 289 Fencing Fact Sheets, 176 Hay Bale Gardening, 342 Remote Controlled Lawnmower, and 1581 Tractor Modification Fact Sheets. Yearly dissemination of AgrAbility articles included in WVATS newsletters was 36,000 (9,000 quarterly). Staff participates in AT, Ergonomic, VR, Marketing, Mental & Behavioral Health, and Evaluation COIs and standing committees. PARTICIPANTS: Individuals: Tom Stockdale, Project Investigator, provided oversight, direction of program; instructional support and outreach activities. Jan Della-Giustina, Project Assistant, provided administrative support. Inetta Fluharty, Program Manager, provided communication and interpretation of project progress, goals and achievements between state and national projects; represented AgrAbility on national and regional committees;acted as liaison between partners;worked with steering committee for direction of program; researched and explored new options to expand agrability with new partners and programs; provided outreach and education to farmers, professionals in agriculture,and professionals in health care. Completed worksite/farm assessments for farmers and provided recommendations and reports to farmer and funding source when appropriate. Jan Derry, represents NWVCIL as non-profit entity; provides grant oversight for that partnership. Jeanne Grimm, represented WVU CED partnership:provided grant oversight.Stacy Miller, Outreach Specialist:worked with steering committee for direction of program; wrote and distributed monthly newsletters, client stories, publications; developed curriculum; researched and explored new options to expand AgrAbility to new partners and programs; provided outreach and education to farmers,professionals in agriculture related business, professionals in the health care field. Mary Slabinski:Rural Health Outreach Specialist:replaced Stacy Miller; worked with steering committee for direction of program; wrote and distributed monthly newsletters, client stories; redesigned publications;developed and adapted curriculum; researched and explored new options to expand agrability with new partners and programs; provided outreach and education to farmers, professionals in agriculture, professionals in health care. Jamie Hayhurst-Marshall:Program Manager for WVUCED: provided grant oversight for that partnership. She replaced Jeanne Grimm. Partner organizations: WVU Agriculture and Natural Resources Extension-assists in rural counties with farm feasibility surveys,setting up training venues; WV State University-assists with Urban and Therapeutic Gardening Programs; WVU Small Farm Center-assists with farm feasibility surveys, marketing for small farm operations; WV Bureau of Public Health's Osteoporosis and Arthritis Education Program-provides grant to WV AgrAbility that provides mini-grants to community gardening organizations assisting with accessible gardening programs; WVU Youth Safe Farm-WV AgrAbility assists with family plan identifing safety hazards and solutions on the farm; WV Department of Agriculture, Farm Service Agencies, Natural Resource Conservation Service, Farm Bureau-assists in identifying and developing solutions to engage farmers in best practices. Training and Professional Development: Rural Rehabilitation-training for physical therapists, occupational therapists and vocational counselors in farm culture and program competencies. Rural Care giving-training for social workers, social service providers and direct service providers in the rural culture and care giving strategies. TARGET AUDIENCES: Nothing significant to report during this reporting period. PROJECT MODIFICATIONS: Not relevant to this project.

Impacts
WV AgrAbility served 57 consumers during the funding cycle. Staff advocacy efforts with VR positively impacted VR's view on agriculture as a viable employment option. Previously VR considered farming in WV to be a "hobby." This past year is the first time in WV AgrAbility history that referrals originated with VR. In addition advocacy efforts are increasing VR's awareness of farm culture; in the context that farmers choose not to retire. Three consumers were past the traditional retirement age, and were funded by VR who considered them to be self-employed in agriculture production. Consumers complete a self-assessment to assess their increase or decrease in access to services and functional ability upon initial case opening, at 6 month intervals, and again upon case closure. A ten point Likert scale is used to for consumers to score themselves on ten items. The data over the four year period demonstrates that increases in independence are most pronounced in the areas of accessing assistive technology, access and use of farm equipment and performing daily farm operations. Individuals are surveyed during education, networking, and assistance activities to assist AgrAbility staff in evaluating program goals and outreach efforts. Survey results show that 97% of individuals hear about WV AgrAbility through the trainings and presentations provided while 52% of individuals describe themselves as Farmers with 48% being General Public. The top three areas of Increased awareness are assistive technology, how to continue farming with a disability, and independence in daily. 76% of individuals surveyed state they are highly satisfied with the information they received with 24% satisfied. No one indicated they were not satisfied with the information provided to them.

Publications

  • No publications reported this period


Progress 04/01/08 to 03/31/09

Outputs
OUTPUTS: 04/01/08 - 03/31/09 Gave presentations & demos of ergonomic tools, adaptive farm equipment & assistive technology in classrooms at WVU's Div. of Physical Therapy & Occupational Therapy, the WV Aquaculture Conference, WV County Extension Agents Assoc. Meeting, Farmers Short Courses, Lawn & Garden Expo, County Fairs & Farm Days, FSA District Supervisors, NRCS Staff meetings, Beef Expo, WV Assoc. of Vocational Agriculture Teachers, WV Grange meetings, WV State Fair, & CEOs regional/state meetings. Presentation topics: "Job Accommodations for Farm Service Workers Losing Sight", "Assistive Technology for Farmers' Recreation", ADA Level III Training for Farm Survey & Assessment", "Using AT After an Injury;" "Using AT on the Farm - Accommodations & Safety"; "Using AT to Work Easier & Avoid Secondary Injuries", "Tractor Modifications" & "Arthritis & Agriculture Often Go Hand in Hand". Presentations on "WV Agriculture, Arthritis & Secondary Injury" & demos of ergonomic, adaptive tools & assistive technology were conducted for health care related organizations: Grant County Com.on Aging, Health South Rehab. Hospital, Putnam Co. Hospital, Lincoln Co. Rural Physicians Assoc., Monroe Co. Health Care Providers Group, WVU Depts. of Family Medicine & Rural Health, WV Rural Health Conference, WV Public Health Conference, WV Occupational Therapy Assoc. & WV Osteoporosis & Education Council. WV AgrAbility received 3rd round grant funding ($40,000) from WV Bureau of Public Health for Green Thumbs Healthy Joints accessible gardening project. WV AgrAbility received merit-based $25,000 special funding for Green Thumbs & funded 20 projects in 18 counties. Funding sites included: VA Med. Center (Martinsburg), senior residential sites & adult day habilitation sites, & ongoing Master Gardener community projects. State level: WV AgrAbility provides tech. assistance through info & referral (phone & Internet-based), loans of ergonomic tools & other adaptive farm devices & through its listserve. WV AgrAbility provides tech. assistance on farming with arthritis, secondary injury, ergonomic tools & farm modifications to the WV Osteoporosis & Arthritis Ed. Council, WV Arthritis Coalition, WV Occupational Therapy Assoc., WV State Dept. of Ag., WV Farm Bureau and WV AgrAbility Steering Committee. National level: The Health Care Working Group & Impact Study for Choosing a Quality of Life Tool. WV AgrAbility disseminated to an audience of 265,140 (without webpage) through AgrAbility pages in WVATS quarterly newsletters (each issue 11,000), annual segment on CED's "Access for All" 30 min. monthly television show, English/Spanish brochures, Green Thumbs, Bridging Horizons Youth Community Projects, Farmer's Connection Guide (4th ed. 2009), monthly "AgrAbility Updates" sent to a listserve of 130 extension agents, WVU Ag faculty members, farmer clients & Steering Committee members, & info briefs: "Tractor Modifications" & "Accessible Gardening". WV AgrAbility webpage containes: program description, Steering Committee members, success stories, video clips, links to "Access for All" TV show, national & state ag organizations & archives of the AgrAbility sections of the WVATS Newsletter. PARTICIPANTS: Nothing significant to report during this reporting period. TARGET AUDIENCES: Nothing significant to report during this reporting period. PROJECT MODIFICATIONS: Nothing significant to report during this reporting period.

Impacts
04/01/08 - 03/31/09 - Direct Service is handled by West Virginia AgrAbility's community-based disability organization, the Northern West Virginia Center for Independent Living (NWVCIL), which makes farm visits and provides assessments and recommendations for farmers, farm families and farm workers. From April 1, 2008 through March 31, 2009, WV AgrAbility had 20 active clients, closed nine cases and opened four new cases. Of the nine closed cases, five completed goals by finding alternate methods of task completion; four were unable to fund funding to implement changes, but are still operating their farms. Clients complete a self-assessment before AgrAbility services begin, at six months of services, and then at 12 months or the end of services. The following reflect the average scores on ten items using a ten point Likert scale for the six month assessment and the one year or end of services assessment. Independent Living-Related Impacts were: Community integration & participation, at six months 3.57 % increase, at 1 year or end of service, 7.14% increase. Access to Transportation, 0.714% decrease and 1.49% increase. Access to health care, 2.14% increase and 12.14 increase. Access to assistive technology, 16.43% increase, 27.9% increase. Access to employment, 8.57% increase and 13.57% increase. Overall independence, 6.45% increase and 11.43 % increase. Farm-Related Impacts, Mobility on and around farm, 7.86 % increase at 6 months and 13.57% increase at one year or end of service. Maintenance and upkeep of farm and/or farm equipment, 12.14 % increase, 17.14% increase. Daily farm operations, 10.71% increase and 15.71% increase. WV AgrAbility impacts from presentations, displays, information & referral and technical assistance evaluations: How did you hear about us 90% displays/presentations, 4% social service agencies, 3% farm-related agencies and 3% word of mouth, publications and health care providers. Describe Yourself. 36% farmers, 19% general public, 12% professionals, 10% person with a disability, 8% educators/extension, 6% paraprofessional, 4% student, 3% policy maker, 2% parent/family member. Areas of Increased Awareness 37% ways to continue farming, 24% ways to maintain or increase independence, 23% assistive technology available, 12% community resources, 3% other- recreational AT, 1% laws affecting persons with disabilities - Fair Housing, IDEA. Level of satisfaction (with AgrAbility presentations, displays, etc.) 77% highly satisfied, 22% satisfied and 1% somewhat satisfied.

Publications

  • 2. West Virginia AgrAbility (2008) Green Thumbs Awards Six Mini Grants WVATS Newsletter, Spring 2008, Volume 17, No. 1, Morgantown, WV: Center for Excellence in Disabilities.
  • 5. West Virginia AgrAbility (2008) Successful Bale Gardening. WVATS Newsletter, Fall 2008, Volume 17, No. 3, Morgantown, WV: Center for Excellence in Disabilities.
  • PUBLICATIONS (not previously reported) 04/01/2008 - 03/31/2009 1. West Virginia AgrAbility (2008) Arthritis and Agriculture Often Go Hand in Hand. WVATS Newsletter, Spring 2008, Volume 17, No. 1: Morgantown, WV: Center for Excellence in Disabilities.
  • 3. West Virginia AgrAbility (2008) Accessible Gardening Made Easy: Bale Gardening How To. WVATS Newsletter, Summer 2008, Volume 17, No. 2: Morgantown, WV: Center for Excellence in Disabilities.
  • 4. West Virginia AgrAbility (2008) Green Thumbs and Ergonomic Tools. WVATS Newsletter, Summer 2008, Volume 17, No. 2, Morgantown, WV: Center for Excellence in Disabilities.
  • 6. West Virginia AgrAbility (2008) Arthritis in Agriculture. WVATS Newsletter, Fall 2008, Volume 17, No. 3: Morgantown, WV: Center for Excellence in Disabilities.
  • 7. West Virginia AgrAbility (2008) Green Thumbs Greenbrier Valley project. WVATS Newsletter, Fall 2008, Volume 17, No. 3: Morgantown, WV: Center for Excellence in Disabilities.
  • 8. West Virginia AgrAbility (2009) Accessible Gardening for People with Physical Disabilities. WVATS Newsletter, Winter 2009, Volume 18, No. 1: Morgantown, WV: Center for Excellence in Disabilities.
  • 9. West Virginia AgrAbility (2009) Green Thumbs, Healthy Joints Project Profiles: Ohio County, Potomac Area/Grant County. WVATS Newsletter, Volume 18, No. 1: Morgantown, WV: Center for Excellence in Disabilities.
  • 10. West Virginia AgrAbility (2009) West Virginia Farmers Connection Guide Fourth Edition: Morgantown, WV: Center for Excellence in Disabilities.
  • 11. West Virginia AgrAbility (2009) Rural Rehabilitation: Agriculture Assessment and Accommodation Brochure 2nd ed. Elkins, WV: Northern West Virginia Center for Independent Living.
  • 12. West Virginia AgrAbility (2008) Bridging Horizons in West Virginia: Youth Community Projects Brochure 3rd ed. Morgantown, WV. Center for Excellence in Disabilities.


Progress 04/01/06 to 03/31/08

Outputs
1a - Rural Rehab: Ag. Assessment & Accommodation Training 5/18-19/07. 9 PTs, 2 OTs, 4 ag prof. completed training co-sponsored by WVU Division of PT&OT Assoc. & presented to WVU PT students -3 WVU PT students created Common Hand Injuries in Farm Environments curric. -Met with 2 WVU Engineering faculty to establish AgrAbility-related student design projects 1b -Exhibited/demoed: Farm Safety Days-4 counties, WV State Fair, WV Beef Expo, WV Farm Bureau Conf., Jefferson Co. Farm Day, Wood Co. Farm Day, Appalachian Grazing Conference, WV Farm Bureau, Extension & USDA -Demoed crutching frame, Ventrac 300, remote controlled lawnmower, etc. for WVU Organic Research Farm hosting OT/PT training in May 07 -Disseminated The Toolbox CD to 55 Extension offices -Discussed AgrAbility's future with Dean of WVU College of Ag 1c - Client success story published in National Rural Health Assoc. newsletter -Developed/disseminated 1052 copies of Tractor Modifications for Changing Lives a 4 page info brief, with related article in the WV Farm Bureau News, 353 copies-Resources for Green Thumbs, 4 page accessible gardening info brief -Presented Green Thumbs, Healthy Joints to WV Osteoporosis & Arthritis Advisory Council -Ag. Assess. training article with participant interviews, published in regional newspaper -9 I&Rs from health care providers -Partnered with WVU PT faculty-facilitated pre-service experience for 3 students 2a - Maintained monthly e-mail updates-175 Extension, local USDA, & service providers -Promoted Bridging Horizons in WV program through Extension offices & HS VoAg teachers -Applied/managed $10,000 grant from WVDHHR for Green Thumbs, Healthy Joints accessible gardening program-stipends, assistive tools, and tech. assist. for Master Gardeners -7 master gardener groups selected-progress promoted to Extension -Secured $22,000 grant from WVDHHR for 2007 & 2008 Green Thumbs program -249 copies of Simple Solutions: Ergonomics for Farmworkers (NIOSH), 97 copies of Easy Ergonomics: A Guide to Selecting Hand Tools (NIOSH) & 190 copies of Bridging Horizons in WV brochure/interest forms disseminated 2b - Received $400 donation from HealthSouth for AT Fund for Farmers with Disabilities-WVAG staff developed policies/applications. Project partnering with State Farm Bureau to oversee future fund management/development -Developed/submitted grant proposal to establish AT Fund for Farmers. Not funded-encouraged to resubmit -CED grad. asst. worked with WVU Extension on research using Fetsch and Myers' 2002 instrument. comparing WVAG clients to overall farm pop.on quality of life indicators 3a - Access for All (30 min. talk show), aired statewide promoting WV AgrAbility & Green Thumbs, Healthy Joints with 30 sec. WV AgrAbility ad -Sent materials for statewide Community Ed. & Outreach Service conference -Presented accessible gardening & AT to 45 Monongalia CEOS 3b - 79 phone/e-mail I&Rs-11 farm-related AT loans -8 demos/15 presentations to farmer audiences -13 farm site visits -Loaned remote controlled lawnmower/other devices -With DNR sponsoring accessible hunts -Technical assistance individuals with disabilities

Impacts
On April 1st, 2007, WV AgrAbility had 17 active clients, subsequently closing seven cases and opening one more before the end of the calendar year. Of the seven cases closed, four completed goals by finding alternate methods of task completion. The other three did not get devices due to a lack of available funding, but are nevertheless still in operation. Clients complete a self-assessment upon opening, at six intervals, and again upon case closure. The following reflect the average post-test scores on ten items using a ten point Likert scale (with average percentage increase from the pre-test in parentheses): Community Integration and Participation: 7.71 (3.15% increase) Access to Transportation: 7.11 (0% increase) Access to Health Care: 8.41 (2.14% increase) Access to Assistive Technology: 5.41 (50.82% increase) Employment: 5.53 (4.96% increase) Overall Independence: 7.59 (6.61% increase) Mobility on and Around Farm: 5.76 (14.0% increase) Access and Use of Equipment: 5.06 (37.5% increase) Maintenance and Upkeep of Farm Equipment: 4.82 (41.4% increase Daily Farm Operations: 5.76 (28.9% increase) This data demonstrates that increases in access and independence are most pronounced in the areas of assistive technology, farm equipment, and daily farm operations. Among the cases active in 2007, one consumer is waiting for DRS funding to complement Muscular Dystrophy Association and Medicaid, while one consumer purchased his own squeeze chute and another purchased their own quick hitch and chipper. One on-going client is working with AgrAbility to investigate a greenhouse milking parlor (to reduce energy costs), and has already devised an alternative method of goat milking for one arm. One is currently receiving record management and skills training, and yet another has received an on-farm demonstration of hand-clutch options and will be purchasing it on his own shortly. One client received a scholarship to the NTW in Sacramento and was able to try various all-terrain wheelchair devices.

Publications

  • West Virginia AgrAbility.(2007). Green Thumbs Projects Gain Recognition. West Virginia AgrAbility Web site, hosted by the Center for Excellence in Disabilities. http://www.cedwvu.org/programs/agrability/agrabilitynews.html#greenth umbs
  • West Virginia AgrAbility.(2007). National AgrAbility Workshop 2007. West Virginia AgrAbility Web site, hosted by the Center for Excellence in Disabilities. http://www.cedwvu.org/programs/agrability/agrabilitynews.html#worksho p2007 Fact Sheets and Resource Guides to Date
  • West Virginia AgrAbility.(2007). Tractor Modifications for Changing Lives [Fact sheet]. Morgantown, WV: Center for Excellence in Disabilities.
  • West Virginia AgrAbility.(2007). Accessible gardening: Tools and resources for all green thumbs [Fact sheet]. Morgantown, WV: Center for Excellence in Disabilities. Available on-line at: http://www.cedwvu.org/programs/wvats/factsheets/factsheet19.html
  • West Virginia AgrAbility.(2007). Green Thumbs, Healthy Joints Master Gardeners Making a Difference [Brochure]. Morgantown, WV: Center for Excellence in Disabilities. Available on-line at http://www.cedwvu.org/programs/agrability/greenthumbsbrochure.html
  • West Virginia AgrAbility.(2007). Rural rehabilitation: Agricultural assessment and accommodation [Brochure]. Elkins, WV: Northern West Virginia Center for Independent Living. Available on-line at: http://www.cedwvu.org/programs/agrability/assessmentworkshop.html
  • West Virginia AgrAbility. (2007). Green Thumbs, Healthy Joints Awards Announced. West Virginia Assistive Technology Systems Newsletter. Spring 2007 (Volume 16, No. 1). Morgantown, WV: Center for Excellence in Disabilities.
  • West Virginia AgrAbility. (2007). Rural Rehabilitation Workshop Scheduled for May West Virginia Assistive Technology Systems Newsletter. Spring 2007 (Volume 16, No. 1). Morgantown, WV: Center for Excellence in Disabilities.
  • West Virginia AgrAbility. (2007). Caddy Makes Trimming Grass Easier West Virginia Assistive Technology Systems Newsletter. Spring 2007 (Volume 16, No. 1). Morgantown, WV: Center for Excellence in Disabilities.
  • West Virginia AgrAbility. (2007). New Bridging Horizons Brochures Available West Virginia Assistive Technology Systems Newsletter. Spring 2007 (Volume 16, No. 1). Morgantown, WV: Center for Excellence in Disabilities.
  • West Virginia AgrAbility. (2007). Agricultural Assessment Training a Success. West Virginia Assistive Technology Systems Newsletter. Summer 2007 (Volume 16, No. 2). Morgantown, WV: Center for Excellence in Disabilities.
  • West Virginia AgrAbility. (2007). New Tractor Modification Fact Sheet Available. West Virginia Assistive Technology Systems Newsletter. Summer 2007 (Volume 16, No. 2). Morgantown, WV: Center for Excellence in Disabilities.
  • West Virginia AgrAbility. (2007). Reduce Vibration and Fatigue. West Virginia Assistive Technology Systems Newsletter. Summer 2007 (Volume 16, No. 2). Morgantown, WV: Center for Excellence in Disabilities.
  • West Virginia AgrAbility. (2007). Accessible Picnic Table Dedicated. West Virginia Assistive Technology Systems Newsletter. Summer 2007 (Volume 16, No. 2). Morgantown, WV: Center for Excellence in Disabilities.
  • West Virginia AgrAbility. (2007). AgrAbility Helps Blind Plant Lover Become Nursery Owner. Great American Agriculture Magazine.
  • Hildreth, K. (2007). AgrAbility Helps Blind Plant Lover Become Nursery Owner. Great American Agriculture Magazine, Vol. 1, No. 1, 129.
  • Wilcox, L. (2007). Rural Rehabilitation workshop to expand horizons of therapists. Exponent-Telegram.
  • Miller, S. (2007). Tractor Modifications for Changing Lives. West Virginia Farm Bureau News, Vol. 15, No. 5.
  • West Virginia AgrAbility Project. (2007) Master Gardener chapters receive grants. Braxton Citizen News.
  • Miller, S. (2007). Green Thumbs, Healthy Joints Awards Announced. Developments (The Newsletter of the Center for Excellence in Disabilities), Vol. 7, Issue 2, 6-7.
  • West Virginia AgrAbility.(2007). Tractor Modification Fact Sheet Available. West Virginia AgaBility Web site, hosted by the Center for Excellence in Disabilities. http://www.cedwvu.org/programs/agrability/agrabilitynews.html#tractor modification
  • West Virginia AgrAbility.(2007). Rural Rehabilitation: Agricultural Assessment and Accommodation Training. West Virginia AgrAbility Web site, hosted by the Center for Excellence in Disabilities. http://www.cedwvu.org/programs/agrability/agrabilitynews.html#trainin g2007
  • West Virginia AgrAbility.(2007). Bridging Horizons in West Virginia: Youth Community Projects [Brohcure, 2nd ed.]. Morgantown, WV: Center for Excellence in Disabilities. Available on-line at: http://www.cedwvu.org/programs/agrability/horizons.html
  • West Virginia AgrAbility.(2007). Is arthritis, injury, or other physical limitation keeping you out of the drivers seat In West Virginia Beef Expo program.


Progress 04/01/05 to 04/01/06

Outputs
Highlights by workplan objective: 1a - Attended OT/PT Train-the-Trainer workshop in Oklahoma; coordinated training scheduled for May 18-19, 2007. - Recruited Division of Rehab Services District Supervisor for WVAG Steering Committee - Developed partnerships with WVU Division of Physical Therapy and the WV Occupational Therapy Association. Attended WVOTA annual conference. - Conducted presentation to Easter Seals staff - Made visits and presentations to health clinics in five counties 1b - Developed new banner-stand displays - Exhibited/demonstrated at Farm Safety Days in five counties, State Fair, Lawn and Garden Expo, WV Beef Expo, Disability Day at the Legislature, and several other events - Presented to WV Grange, Appalachian Grazing Conference, WV County Agents Association, Summer Institute for Agricultural Education, Agricultural Institute for Teachers, WVU Organic Farm Field Day and to various other Extension and USDA personnel - Disseminated publications to Southern States, other equipment dealers and Ext offices in several counties - Continued to disseminate Spanish brochures to service providers in Eastern Panhandle - Updated program brochure to include photographs of new clients 1c - Client success story published in National Rural Health Association newsletter - Conducted poster presentation at Association of University Centers on Disabilities - Presented to 29 WVU Physical Therapy students and 30 Workforce WV staff - Met with regional Birth to Three Coordinator to discuss partnerships 2a - Maintained monthly e-mail updates to 170 Extension, local USDA, and service providers - Facilitated quarterly Steering Committee meetings - Presented to WV USDA professionals - Presented at 4-H Leader Conference - Launched Bridging Horizons in WV program, distributed via partners in FFA and 4-H - Created third edition of West Virginia Farmers' Connections Guide - Secured $10,000 grant from for Green Thumbs, Healthy Joints accessible gardening program, providing stipends and assistive tools, and technical assistance for Master Gardeners 2b - Secured approximately $600 in donations of greenhouse supplies for client undergoing chemotherapy - Began developing grant proposals for establishment of AT fund for clients - Recruited two WVU faculty to Steering Committee who will assist with research efforts in '07-'08 - Met with Extension staff to discuss data collection strategies 3a - Filmed two Access for All' 30 minute TV shows, aired statewide - Disseminated publications at other conferences via other CED staff - Client success stories featured in CED brochures, as well as in CED and WVATS newsletters - Sent materials for statewide Community Education and Outreach Service conference - Two success stories added to web page - Developed plan to hire part-time veteran outreach staff member 3b - Responded to 50 phone or e-mail I&Rs and made 11 loans of farm-related AT - Partnered with DNR to sponsor accessible hunts - Provided technical assistance to more than 200 consumers, clients, and professionals; conducted 30 AT demonstrations to farmers and eight farm visits - Mailed The Toolbox CDs and Farmers' Connections Guides to 55 county Extension offices

Impacts
At the start of the year, WV AgrAbility had 30 active clients, subsequently closing 13 cases between April 1 and March 31. In that same period, seven new client cases were opened, with all open clients completing a self-assessment every six months, and again upon case closure. In 38.6% of both old and new open cases, clients experienced an increase in control or access involving daily farm operations, with a similar percentage (38.8%) claiming that their overall independence had increased after working with WV AgrAbility. More than 40% had increased access to assistive technology. These percentages are much higher in new cases opened within the year and evaluated after six months, indicating that clients undergo the greatest improvements in access within the first six months of services. As a result of demonstrations and loans, seven consumers purchased assistive technology, and one AgrAbility client is purchasing an Ag Cam after a device loan. Another program client is working with VR, Medicaid, and the Muscular Dystrophy Assoc. to purchase an all-terrain wheelchair, while another built additional tractor steps. Other clients are following through with various recommendations.

Publications

  • West Virginia AgrAbility (2006). Partnerships, Persistence Pay Off for Vegetable Farmer. West Virginia Assistive Technology Systems Newsletter. Fall 2006 (Volume 15, No. 3). Morgantown, WV: Center for Excellence in Disabilities.
  • West Virginia AgrAbility (2006). New Tool Available to Compare Utility Tractors. West Virginia Assistive Technology Systems Newsletter. Fall 2006 (Volume 15, No. 3). Morgantown, WV: Center for Excellence in Disabilities.
  • West Virginia AgrAbility (2006). AgrAbility Travels the State, Plans Training for Therapists. West Virginia Assistive Technology Systems Newsletter. Fall 2006 (Volume 15, No. 3). Morgantown, WV: Center for Excellence in Disabilities.
  • Green thumbs, healthy joints brings accessible gardens to senior centers, parks. (March 2007). WVU Today. Available on-line at http://wvutoday.wvu.edu/news/page/5538/.
  • Articles featured in West Virginia Assistive Technology Systems (WVATS) Newsletter (available at www.cedwvu.org/programs/wvats/newsletter/) West Virginia AgrAbility (2006). 4-H is for Everyone. West Virginia Assistive Technology Systems Newsletter. Spring 2006 (Volume 15, No. 1). Morgantown, WV: Center for Excellence in Disabilities.
  • West Virginia AgrAbility (2006). FFA Members Present at AgrAbility Meeting. West Virginia Assistive Technology Systems Newsletter. Spring 2006 (Volume 15, No. 1). Morgantown, WV: Center for Excellence in Disabilities.
  • West Virginia AgrAbility (2006). Welcome to AgrAbility Steering Committee . West Virginia Assistive Technology Systems Newsletter. Spring 2006 (Volume 15, No. 1). Morgantown, WV: Center for Excellence in Disabilities.
  • West Virginia AgrAbility (2006). Spring into Action (with Assistive Gardening Devices). West Virginia Assistive Technology Systems Newsletter. Spring 2006 (Volume 15, No. 1). Morgantown, WV: Center for Excellence in Disabilities.
  • West Virginia AgrAbility (2006). Business Planning and Enterprise Budget Guides for Farming. West Virginia Assistive Technology Systems Newsletter. Spring 2006 (Volume 15, No. 1). Morgantown, WV: Center for Excellence in Disabilities.
  • West Virginia AgrAbility (2006). Gardening for Life. West Virginia Assistive Technology Systems Newsletter. Spring 2006 (Volume 15, No. 1). Morgantown, WV: Center for Excellence in Disabilities.
  • West Virginia AgrAbility (2006). Ventrac 300 Available for Demonstration. West Virginia Assistive Technology Systems Newsletter. Summer 2006 (Volume 15, No. 2). Morgantown, WV: Center for Excellence in Disabilities.
  • West Virginia AgrAbility (2006). Access for All Talk Show Interviews AgrAbility. West Virginia Assistive Technology Systems Newsletter. Summer 2006 (Volume 15, No. 2). Morgantown, WV: Center for Excellence in Disabilities.
  • West Virginia AgrAbility (2006). AgrAbility Demonstrates Assistive Technology at Farm Safety Days. West Virginia Assistive Technology Systems Newsletter. Summer 2006 (Volume 15, No. 2). Morgantown, WV: Center for Excellence in Disabilities.
  • West Virginia AgrAbility (2006). Tablet Computer Provides Options. West Virginia Assistive Technology Systems Newsletter. Summer 2006 (Volume 15, No. 2). Morgantown, WV: Center for Excellence in Disabilities.
  • West Virginia AgrAbility (2006). Vision Blooms Into Reality for West Virginia AgrAbility Client. West Virginia Assistive Technology Systems Newsletter. Summer 2006 (Volume 15, No. 2). Morgantown, WV: Center for Excellence in Disabilities.
  • Martin, K. (2006, July). Opportunities bloom for AgrAbility client. Rural Roads (The Quarterly Magazine of the National Rural Health Association), Vol. 4, No. 2, 4-6.
  • Master gardeners receive grant. (2007, April 10). Braxton County Citizens News.
  • Miller, S. M. (2007, Winter). Partnerships, persistence pay off for vegetable farmer. Developments (The Newsletter of the Center for Excellence in Disabilities), Vol. 4, Issue 1, 9.
  • Miller, S. M. (2006, August). Vision blooms into reality for AgrAbility client. The West Virginia Risk Manager, p. 11.
  • West Virginia AgrAbility (April 2007). Is arthritis, injury, or other physical limitation keeping you out of the drivers seat? In West Virginia Beef Expo program.
  • Miller, S. M. (2006, Summer). Vision blooms into reality for AgrAbility client. Developments (The Newsletter of the Center for Excellence in Disabilities), Vol. 6, Issue 2, 6-7.
  • Miller, S. M. (2006, June 4. Contest aims to get kids to help farmers with disabilities. The Dominion Post, p. 7-E.
  • Opportunities bloom for AgrAbility client (2006, Fall). AgrAbility Quarterly, 1-2, 8. Available on-line at: http://www.agrabilityproject.org/newsletter/fall_2006/
  • Partnerships, persistence pay off for vegetable farmer (2006, November). The Market Bulletin, 5.
  • Project feature: West Virginia AgrAbility project (2006, Fall). AgrAbility Quarterly 7(1), 6-7. Available on-line at: http://www.agrabilityproject.org/newsletter/fall_2006/
  • Vision blooms into reality. (2006, June). The Market Bulletin, pp. 2 and 12.
  • West Virginia FFA (2006). WV AgrAbility Project Offers Assistance West Virginia FFA News. Vol. 53, Issue 2. Charleston, WV: West Virginia Department of Education.
  • WVU grant will assist farmers with disabilities (2006, May 28). The Dominion Post.
  • West Virginia AgrAbility. (2007). Accessible gardening: Tools and resources for green thumbs [Fact sheet]. Morgantown, WV: Center for Excellence in Disabilities. Available on-line at: http://www.cedwvu.org/programs/wvats/factsheets/factsheet19.html
  • West Virginia AgrAbility. (2007). Rural rehabilitation: Agricultural assessment and accommodation. Elkins, WV: Northern West Virginia Center for Independent Living. Available on-line at: http://www.cedwvu.org/programs/agrability/assessmentworkshop.html
  • West Virginia AgrAbility (2006). West Virginia Farmers Connections Guide (3rd ed.) [Guide, 90 pages]. Morgantown: Center for Excellence in Disabilities. Available on-line at: http://www.cedwvu.org/programs/agrability/connections/
  • West Virginia AgrAbility. (2007). Bridging Horizons in West Virginia: Youth Community Projects (2nd ed.). Morgantown, WV: Center for Excellence in Disabilities. Available on-line at: http://www.cedwvu.org/programs/agrability/horizons.html
  • West Virginia AgrAbility. (2007). Green Thumbs, Healthy Joints: Master Gardeners Making a Difference. Morgantown, WV: Center for Excellence in Disabilities. Available on-line at http://www.cedwvu.org/programs/agrability/greenthumbsbrochure.html
  • West Virginia AgrAbility. (2007). West Virginia AgrAbility project: Serving West Virginia farmers and farm families [Brochure]. Morgantown, WV: Center for Excellence in Disabilities.
  • West Virginia AgrAbility (July 2006). Is arthritis, injury, or other physical limitation keeping you out of the drivers seat? In West Virginia Farm Bureau News, p. 7.