Source: OKLAHOMA STATE UNIVERSITY submitted to NRP
OKLAHOMA AGRABILITY PROJECT
Sponsoring Institution
National Institute of Food and Agriculture
Project Status
COMPLETE
Funding Source
Reporting Frequency
Annual
Accession No.
0221533
Grant No.
2010-41590-20754
Cumulative Award Amt.
$684,000.00
Proposal No.
2010-01059
Multistate No.
(N/A)
Project Start Date
Apr 15, 2010
Project End Date
Apr 14, 2015
Grant Year
2013
Program Code
[LQ]- AgrAbility
Recipient Organization
OKLAHOMA STATE UNIVERSITY
(N/A)
STILLWATER,OK 74078
Performing Department
Human Sciences
Non Technical Summary
The state of Oklahoma is ranked 45th in the nation for persons under the age of 65 without health insurance. Further, 26% of agricultural workers report a disability that interferes with their daily life and ability to work. The mission of the Oklahoma AgrAbility Project is to provide education, assistance and support to farmers, ranchers and their families who have a disability or injury that limit the ability to perform essential farm tasks. Oklahoma is a rural state with an aging population of farmers and ranchers who generally prefer to remain in their homes. To promote independent living and safety, AgrAbility staff links farmers, ranchers and their families with appropriate resources about low-cost and safety modifications to the farm, home, and work site. Oklahoma AgrAbility Project is a partnership of land grant Oklahoma State University, Oklahoma Cooperative Extension Service; the non-profit Oklahoma Assistive Technology Foundation with Oklahoma ABLE Tech providing project services on its behalf; and Langston University School of Physical Therapy. Through this partnership of education, direct assistance, and support, Oklahoma AgrAbility conducts professional training to increase the ability of rural community service providers to serve agricultural workers. Oklahoma AgrAbility maintains important relationships with other nonprofit organizations as well as state agencies, including the Oklahoma Department of Rehabilitation Services, which provides funding for needed assistive technologies for identified farmers, ranchers and their families.
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
90360993020100%
Goals / Objectives
Education: Goal-OCES-FCS/4-H Field Staff, AgrAbility staff, volunteers, rehabilitation professionals, students & program partners will increase personal and potential clientele awareness, knowledge, skill & abilities about services through program curricula, continuing education & self-help instruction. Activities-MOUs; increase client competence through education curricula, resource information, hands on demonstration, targeted educational conferences, AT acquisition; mandatory annual education to Rehab counselors. Doctoral PT student education/training. Outputs-# of presentations; # of venues; # of staff, partners, volunteers and professionals educated; % change in awareness, KSAs; % change in post training evaluation; assessed competence; student course evaluation/experience Networking: Goal-Increase service, value and funding capacity to assist farm families using statewide networks. Examples include: DRS Cadre (DRS liaison, VR & VS AT specialists, AgrAbility); OCES & OHCE (partnered statewide continuing education program); VA military veteran outreach; expanded advisory council stakeholders to reflect program initiatives & targeted audiences; program and network partner input & recommendation; legislative outreach; peer support network development; SRAP & NAP affiliation. Activities-MOUs; training & participation in statewide events; outreach VA collaboration; develop with Ministerial Alliance of Churches, a ministerial awareness program to locally identify, assist & build peer support for clientele; donation application development with Council input; annual Day of the Capitol; COI activity. Output-Increased cadre cooperation, VA outreach; ongoing stakeholder advisement; # of legislators educated Direct Assistance: Consult, on-farm assessment, recommendation of product selection & advocacy to obtain AT to potential clientele; access to peer support network; DRS fee-for-services agreement; OCES field staff & FFA chapter on-site farmer assistance projects; demonstrate leadership & targeted accountability. Activities-MOUs; identified assessment; completion/successful closure of DRS clientele; targeted assistance project goals for identified farm clientele; recruitment, maintenance & evaluation of quality personnel, services, activities & outreach. Output-# on-farm assessments, general assistance; case closures; church leader education & direction; # of AT access program applicants; # of youth involvement in targeted projects; assessment of measured program outcomes. Marketing/Outreach & Project Administration: Project will demonstrate statewide leadership, ethics & accountability in efforts to utilize outreach to inform key audiences about the Project's mission, vision, goals, core values, services & impact. Staff will evaluate clientele, families, & caregiver access and utility of program services; promote OCES statewide presence through multi-media outlets. Activities: Create marketing & outreach materials to promote public awareness of education, health wellness information, networking & direct assistance; develop, maintain, & revise as needed evaluation tools to track program activity and outcomes.
Project Methods
Strong Extension Family & Consumer Science/4-H Youth Development Educator involvement with: In-service and training; hands on demonstration; presentation and lesson development; existing curricula and self-help instruction; train-the-trainer methods of educating state-wide; continuing education conferences for health professionals, human service providers and doctor of physical therapy students; outreach (health fairs, county fairs, annual day at the capitol)' Education: training, in-service, lessons, activities and presentations: Measurements: % change in awareness, knowledge, skill and abilities Data collected via: -post survey -satisfaction survey -online evaluation -aggregate data to advisory council and NAP Direct Assistance: % of farmers, ranchers, families reporting success % of farmers, ranchers families acquiring AT resources # of completed youth projects Data collected via: -quantitative measures -qualitative measures - follow-up with personalized attention to specific AT Networking: Attendance at agricultural venues, related agencies/organizations; successful collaboration; % increase in services to AgrAbility eligible clients; % of closed cases; increase in in-kind Data collected via: -quantitative measures (volunteers, advisory council, partners, student clients/families) -qualitative measures (focus groups)

Progress 04/15/10 to 04/14/15

Outputs
Target Audience:The Project's targeted audiences included: Farmers, ranchers; Ag workers; Ag family members; Veterans; Women in Ag; Ethnic Ag groups including Asian, Native American, Hispanic & African American. Specific organized groups: Small Farmer Outreach program; Intensive Financial Management & Planning Support, a program for economically disadvantaged Ag workers; Oklahoma Home & Community Education (OHCE), a continuing education organization in partnership with Extension/FCS ; Rehabilitation & healthcare professionals and administration; Cooperative Extension Professionals in 77 counties and their varied network of audiences including community peers, stakeholders & participants in classes, such as Arthritis exercise; Agricultural related markets & AT vendors. Efforts through formal and informal education, the following programs, trainings and outreach were conducted: Langston University School of Physical Therapy utilized a required classroom curriculum based on a 2-week series of clinical education to students to fulfill mandate for serving rural citizens; education seminars were held for OSU College of Osteopathic Medicine Residents to enhance that institution's mandate to practice in rural settings; annual Rehabilitating the Oklahoma Farmer & Rancher conference for healthcare professionals provided continuing education and information about the practice and funding of AT for identified rehabilitation clients; OCES core professional in-services were conducted to introduce educational materials designed to be used with all audiences to continue to raiseProject awareness and boost educator confidence in identifying and providing education, information and referral to OK farmers, ranchers, & families. Co-sponsored and participated in OK Geriatric Education Center Conference on a variety of informational topics for older adults in rural communities. Changes/Problems:Changes in our approach were necessary in peer support network development. The initial plan to develop a ministerial alliance to oversee 'place of worship, e.g. church' as a safe and no cost peer support venue for Ag workers with disabilities was changed due to the inability to form a cohesive group of participating locations. Attempts were made to talk with a local clergy leader: in county visits, the PI broached the topic of using rural churches with appropriate personnel. Efforts to move forward were not productive. This outcome tends to mirror other state projects that have encountered similar difficulties in providing peer support. Instead, the plan for peer support turned to developing materials that would serve the same purpose as peer support: encourage individuals to learn from the challenges and attempt to replicate successes from others in similar situations: e.g. farm accidents and resulting disabilities. "Ag4Life: Keeping Oklahomans Strong", a handy and attractive resource magazine, was written in peer-support language using real-life farm client stories, quotes and solutions along with a website promotion of current and useful resource information designed to help Ag families access resources more efficiently. This website, www.ag4life.okstate.edu is maintained through the efforts of Extension & OK ABLE Tech to remain a viable resource for farm and ranch family peer support. What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided?Three (3) "Rehabilitating the Oklahoma Farmer & Rancher conferences" developed to increase Ag client competence among healthcare professionals in therapeutic settings developed in Tier 1 and Tier 2/Advanced Levels on alternate years with 134 attending professionals and evaluation results: 100% increased knowledge and likelihood of using information in practice. Teaching/in-service, conference reached 139 Extension personnel in 5 OCES trainings & workshops (face to face & web-based) to promote project priorities, referral and improve farmer/rancher client assistance. Evaluation results either strongly agreed or agreed that content was relevant and likelihood of use in programming. Titles: Reaching Ag Families with OK AgrAbility @ OCES/FCS Biennial Conference; Promoting Health and Safety in Agricultural Families@ OCES In-service Project instruction on resources & curriculum; distribute AT tool kits; An Overview of Oklahoma's Aging Agricultural Families: Impact of AT Solutions; Continued Success in Agriculture for Farm-Ranch Families Living with Disability @ OCES in-service on curriculum instruction; AT tool kit distribution; A Project Overview for Assisting Farmers, Ranchers & their Families: OCES in-service curriculum instruction; AT tool kit distribution (conducted twice). Participant evaluation is in the process of becoming available through state level evaluation results. Co-sponsored and presented "Gerontechnology - Assistive Technology for Aging Farm Families" @ "Linking Gerontology & Geriatrics: Ethics, Disasters & Wellbeing" conference; 5 OCES-FCS in-person and web based trainings to promote project priorities, appropriate referrals and improve Extension's response to farm and ranch families living with disabilities; 309 OK Dept. of Rehabilitation Services employees attended annual conferences, new counselor training, VR-AT assessment, intervention, selected AT demonstration and evaluation in DRS Cadre partnership to learn farm culture, farm financial management, assistive technologies, workplace modifications, vendor processes and work incentive programs to enhance assistance to self-employed Ag clients. How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest?Through the statewide presence of OK Extension, all professional educational training and curricula development will be used in local and county Extension audiences, increasing the Project's ability to reach communities of interest across the state. Teaching/in-service, conference reached 139 Extension personnel in 5 OCES trainings & workshops (face to face & web-based) to promote project priorities, referral and improve farmer/rancher client assistance.Additional educational presentations were made to 12, 387 at 87 events including: master gardeners, hospital rehab professionals, OSU School of Medicine, community services clubs, etc. Results have regularly and consistently been disseminated through face-to-face in-services, trainings, webinars, presentations to community members, including farm and ranch families and the professionals who serve them. Through Print on Demand system, OCES personnel have access to project materials for audience dissemination. Resource materials have been disseminated via a fully accessible website designed to update current listings and improve access to available services 24-7. Memos of Understanding (MOU) with key 4 agencies (OK Dept. of Career & Technology Education; OK Dept. of Rehabilitation Services; OK Extension; OK ABLE Tech) were executed to strengthen partnerships, leverage Project efforts and serve as sustainability partners to continue to serve Ag families with disabilties. An MOU collaboration between Arthritis Foundation and OK Extension Service was executed to improve sustainable Project education on arthritis management in Ag work and family life Annual Reports were distributed to state legislators; Extension; OSU Ag Dept.; project partners (e.g. DRS, Career Tech/FFA, Arthritis Foundation, Advisory Council, NAP/SRAP) to provide transparency to yearly accomplishments. Maintained fully accessible resources including TTY and website with Ag related agencies, tips, educations @ www.ag4life@okstate.edu. The well-represented Advisory Council was charged with materials and information to disseminate to their audiences and constituents. Council representation included: Julie Griffin/Bill Inman, OK Career Tech; Lori Coates, OK Agritourism; Debbie Davenport, Choctaw Nation of OK; Melinda Fruendt, OK Dept. of Rehabilitation Services; Charles Rohla, Samuel Roberts Noble Foundation; Michael Oakley, OK farmer; Sharon Burnett, USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service; Val Shott, OK Health Information Exchange Trust; Andy Fosmire, NW Health Education Center/Rural Projects; William Pettit DO, OSU Center for Rural Health; Keith Boevers, OK Extension; Phyllis Holcomb, OK Farm Bureau; James Kuhn, OK Farmers Union. What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals? Nothing Reported

Impacts
What was accomplished under these goals? Activities Teaching/in-service, conference reached 139 Extension personnel in 5 OCES trainings & workshops (face to face & web-based) to promote project priorities, referral and improve farmer/rancher client assistance. Evaluation results either strongly agreed or agreed that content was relevant and likelihood of use in programming. Titles: Reaching Ag Families with OK AgrAbility @ OCES/FCS Biennial Conference; Promoting Health and Safety in Agricultural Families@ OCES In-service Project instruction on resources & curriculum; distribute AT tool kits; An Overview of Oklahoma's Aging Agricultural Families: Impact of AT Solutions; Continued Success in Agriculture for Farm-Ranch Families Living with Disability @ OCES in-service on curriculum instruction; AT tool kit distribution; A Project Overview for Assisting Farmers, Ranchers & their Families: OCES in-service curriculum instruction; AT tool kit distribution (conducted twice). Participant evaluation is in the process of becoming available through state level evaluation results. Provided educational presentations to 12, 387 at 87 events including: master gardeners, hospital rehab professionals, OSU School of Medicine, community services clubs, etc. Conducted three (3) Rehabilitating the Oklahoma Farmer and Rancher Conferences (Tier 1 and Tier 2/Advanced Levels) on alternate years with 134 attending professionals and evaluation results: 100% increased knowledge and likelihood of using information in practice. Surveyed 19 clients as part of the National AgrAbility Project Evaluation Committee's Independent Living & Operating Survey (ILOS) & McGill Quality of Life (QOL) study to determine client effectiveness of AgrAbility. Served with 14 other SRAPs to provide pre and post assessment from clients on a voluntary basis. Conducted 3 educational sessions to 87 attending veterans at Riata Center's National Veterans Entrepreneur Program with outreach, education and networking opportunities; NIDRR training was coordinated with OKDRS and visiting WI AgrAbility. Services: 98 short term loans provided by OK AT Foundation (OkAT), the Project's nonprofit disability partner. Provided 176 AT demonstrations. Conducted 126 on-farm assessments with recommendations. Responded to 377 Information & Referral inquiries. Fee for Service Contract was implemented through a networking relationship with OK Dept. of Rehabilitation Services (DRS) to further enhance a caseload of co-shared clients. Events Three (3) "Rehabilitating the Oklahoma Farmer & Rancher conferences" developed to increase Ag client competence among healthcare professionals in therapeutic settings; Co-sponsored and presented "Gerontechnology - Assistive Technology for Aging Farm Families" @ "Linking Gerontology & Geriatrics: Ethics, Disasters & Wellbeing" conference; 5 OCES-FCS in-person and web based trainings to promote project priorities, appropriate referrals and improve Extension's response to farm and ranch families living with disabilities; 309 OK Dept. of Rehabilitation Services employees attended annual conferences, new counselor training, VR-AT assessment, intervention, selected AT demonstration and evaluation in DRS Cadre partnership to learn farm culture, farm financial management, assistive technologies, workplace modifications, vendor processes and work incentive programs to enhance assistance to self-employed Ag clients. Provided 3 sessions with 87 veterans at Riata Center's National Veterans Entrepreneur Program to discuss disability and agriculture in career context. Products: Memos of Understanding (MOU) with key 4 agencies (OK Dept. of Career & Technology Education; OK Dept. of Rehabilitation Services; OK Extension; OK ABLE Tech) were executed to strengthen partnerships and leverage Project efforts. MOU collaboration between Arthritis Foundation and OK Extension Service was executed to improve sustainable Project education on arthritis management in Ag work and family life Annual Reports were distributed to state legislators; Extension; OSU Ag Dept.; project partners (e.g. DRS, Career Tech/FFA, Arthritis Foundation, Advisory Council, NAP/SRAP) to provide transparency to yearly accomplishments. Maintained fully accessible resources including TTY and website with Ag related agencies, tips, educations @ www.ag4life@okstate.edu.

Publications

  • Type: Journal Articles Status: Published Year Published: 2014 Citation: Wilhite, C.S., & Jaco, L. (2014). Continuing education in physical rehabilitation and health issues of agricultural workers. Journal of Agromedicine 19 (3), 325-332. DOI: 10.1080/1059924X.2014.916641
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2011 Citation: Johnston, J. & Jeffries, L. (2011) Linking Community Partners to Improve Services for Agricultural Families. AgrAbility National Workshop Refereed Presentation; Indianapolis, IN


Progress 04/15/13 to 04/14/14

Outputs
Target Audience: Farmers, ranchers; Ag workers; Ag family members; Farm Employees, Veterans; Women in Ag; Ethnic Ag groups including Asian, Native American, Hispanic and African American. Changes/Problems: Nothing Reported What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided? Fourty-oneDRS personnel received workshop training to identify comparable benefits and resources to improve impact on farmers. One poster session conducted at NTW. Coordinated with OKDRS to organize NIDRR training in May 2013. Twelve additional OCES Educators certified by the National Arthritis Foundation for total of 49 certified. Provided 77 OCES Educators and 4 District Specialists with AT kits of low-tech devices along with outreach notebooks containing AgrAbility brochures, fact sheets and desktop banners. Provided hands on education and resources on rehab work with farmers/ranchers with disabilities in Langston U PT Clinical Ed Seminar to 2nd year PT doctoral students. How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest? Education efforts continued to clarify rehab technology and identify comparable benefits and resources to improve impact on farmers. NAP/NTW activities: poster and booth. Hosted AgrAbility Day at Capitol, focused on educating state legislators about value and impact on the lives of Ag producers with disabilities. Exhibits and demonstrations showcasing services and accomplishments were available. Quarterly newsletter distributed to 2,900 individuals statewide, showcasing success stories of clients. Through trade shows, fairs, conferences disseminated brochures, fact sheets and resource lists to general public, vendors and professionals. Staff presented and exhibited at 53 disability and Ag related events and trade shows as well as media materials impacting 188,534 people. What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals? Education: Maximize statewide OCES involvement to increase awareness, access and general project education through piloting and evaluating project specific education targeting OCES Health, Safety, Employment Issue Teams to determine effective outputs related to increased physical activity; reduced hazards and improved safety; and job readiness among rural families. Encourage usage of tabletop Project Poster and provided notebook of relevant outreach material (fact sheets, brochures, resource guide, etc.) for demonstration and increased awareness of state resources to each of the 77 counties to use at presentations, fairs, booths, etc. Conduct requested sessions to encourage OCES personnel to incorporate AT education, materials and resources to impact their work performance in meeting Issue Team objectives. Produce a comprehensive Resource Guide for website publication with condensed version made available Ag families. This Guide covers an array of resources to provide peer-support in assisting the farm family for continued production and quality of life despite disabling conditions. Official MOU with SCR-Arthritis Foundation and OCES will strengthen OCES programming, FCS certification compliance and overall communication. Will complete and distribute an OCES curriculum featuring Managing Chronic Conditions in Rural Life. Networking: Continue efforts to reach VA personnel to improve veterans’ access to resources by providing information to regional VA clinic personnel on vets with disabilities and Ag work. Continue to provide outreach, education to and networking opportunities with annual Veterans Entrepreneurship Program. Create Rural Resource Guide written in peer-support language to Ag producers and their families impacted by disability/injury, illness or chronic normative aging. Direct Assistance: continue to assist identified clients through information and referral; DRS co-shared case continuation and Fee for service contract. Maintain membership on National AgrAbility Project Evaluation Committee headed by Bob Fetsch using McGill and ILOS Survey to track state and national Project impact all through April 2014, duration of the grant period.

Impacts
What was accomplished under these goals? Twenty-sixsite assessments. AT Provision and Accommodation costs: non-profit disability partner, OkAT and DRS-Department of Rehab Service, and, I&R delivered to 73 people in 30 OK counties. Fee-For-Service Contract maintained with DRS. Contribution to NAP marketing initiatives: photos, quotes, articles and video of OK farmers/ranchers with disabling conditions. MOUs used: OK Dept. of Career and Technology Education; DRS; ABLE Tech and OK Extension Srv. Collaborations: NAP McGill QOL nationwide including AR, CO, KS, ME, MN, MO, NC, NE, OH, TX, UT, VA, WI, WV. Disseminated Annual Report to Oklahoma Legislators, OCES Extension, DRS, Advisory Council, and all partnering organizations. Maintained fully accessible website and TTY for easy access to program. Maintained quarterly Advisory Council meetings for advice and assistance. Maintained AT inventory and added additional AT.

Publications


    Progress 04/15/12 to 04/14/13

    Outputs
    OUTPUTS: Thirty two site assessments. AT Provision & Accommodation costs: non-profit disability partner, OkAT ($8,475), OEE ($9,948), DRS-Dept of Rehab Service ($65,171), & VA ($11,000). I&R delivered to 82 people in 33 OK counties. 77 DRS personnel received training. Fee-For-Service contract maintained with DRS; revised contract & SOP to improve project delivery of service. Education efforts continued to clarify rehab technology, & identify comparable benefits & resources to improve impact on farmers. NAP/NTW activities: workshop planning, 3 NTW sessions, poster & booth. Contribution to NAP marketing initiatives: photos, quotes, articles, & video of OK farmers/ranchers with disabling conditions. MOUs used: OK Dept. of Career & Technology Education; DRS; ABLE Tech & OK Extension Service. Conducted Rehabilitating OK Farmer & Rancher conference providing healthcare professionals with hands-on information & resources on farm culture, disabling conditions, AT funding, etc. 19 attending. CEUs available to PT,PTA,OT,COTA,CRC,ATP. Proceeds from conference used by OkAT to provide grants to buy client AT. Collaborations: NAP McGill QOL nationwide include AR, CO, KS, ME, MN, MO, NC, NE, OH, TX, UT, VA, WI, WV. Co-sponsored the 2nd OK Geriatric Education Center Conference, Linking Geriatrics and Gerontology addressing ethics, disasters and wellbeing in rural areas. 18 OCES Educators certified by the National Arthritis Foundation for total of 37 certified. Provided OCES in-service with 41 Educators on train-the-trainer curriculum on health, safety & jobs/employment, providing AT kits & appropriate project referral to strength education. Provided hands on education & resources on rehab work with farmers/ranchers with disabilities in Langston University PT Clinical Ed Seminar to 2nd year PT doctoral students. Hosted AgrAbility Day at Capitol, focused on educating state legislators about value & impact on the lives of Ag producers with disabilities. Exhibits and demonstrations showcasing services and accomplishments were available. Disseminated annual report to Oklahoma Legislators, OCES Extension, DRS, Advisory Council, and all partnering organizations. Maintained fully accessible website and TTY for easy access to program. Quarterly newsletter distributed to 4,420 individuals statewide, showcasing success stories of clients. Annual calendar created, depicting farmers/ranchers success with AT; distributed to OK Legislature and key stakeholders. Through trade shows, fairs, conferences disseminated brochures, fact sheets & resource lists to general public, vendors & professionals. Staff presented and exhibited at 98 disability & Ag related events and trade shows as well as media materials impacting 81,948 people. Maintained quarterly Advisory Council meetings for advice and assistance. Created AT inventory. PARTICIPANTS: PI/Co-Director: Overall leadership of fiscal & priority goals; Project integration into OCES Issue Teams: in-service, evaluation, networking; supervised Program Coordinator & GRA. Presented at OK fall conference. Co-Director 2: Directed Non-profit Disability; direct service; networking; partner MOUs; DRS fee-for-service contract; OkAT initiatives/Arthritis, Day at Capitol, Advisory Council meetings; solicit external funds. Co-Director 3: Provided Clinical oversight for education priority; classroom curriculum on farmers with disabilities; presented at OK fall conference. Presented AgrAbility poster at APTA in FL. Program Manager: Managed Case Manager & Program Assistant. Oversight of tracking database, DRS co-shared clients; AT vendors; OkAT funding recipients. Case Manager: Provided direct assistance to identified clientele with on site assessment to successful case closure; worked with Program Manager on tracking database, co-shared clients, vendors & OkAT funding recipients. Assisted in COI, networking & education. Accepted in 2-yr OK Agricultural Leadership Program. Program Coordinator: Produced outreach efforts & staffed outreach events; assisted in development of materials. Program Assistant: Responsible for I&R; staffed outreach events; assisted with programs as identified. Conducted AT Research; provided fiscal support of budgetary expenses to confirm accurate monthly reports. Tracked database and McGill surveys. Graduate Research Assistant: Worked directly with Project PI to carry out assignments: educational outreach materials; lit reviews; data collection & analyses. Internship: 1 student from Creighton University completed internship at NAP NTW. Partner Organizations: DRS; Career & Technology Education; FFA; OK ABLE Tech; OkAT; OCES (FCS, Ag, 4-H/Youth); OHCE; Noble Research Foundation; Arthritis Foundation; Natural Resource Conservation Service; Veterans Admin.; Native American VR Prog.; OK Dept of Ag/Ag-Tourism; Farm Bureau; Farmers Union; Langston Extension; OK Health Inform. Exchange Trust; OSU Center for Rural Health; NW Health Ed. Center/Rural Projects; OSU/Engineering, Architecture & Technology, Mechanical Engineer Technology, Collaborators/Contacts: OSU Department of Ag Econ, Ag Communication, Animal Science, Horticulture & Landscape Architecture, Human Development & Family Science, Nutritional Sciences, Dept of Design, Housing, & Merchandising, OSU Department of Wellness, OHCE, WI AgrAbility/Easter Seals, WI Dept of Workforce Development, National AgrAbility Project. Training or Professional Development: OTs, PTs, OTAs, PTAs, Rehab. Counselors, DRS Counselors, Program Managers, Division Administrators, AT Specialists, VA Counselors, Veterans Entrepreneur, OCES/FCS, Ag, 4-H, OHCE, OSU/Osteopathic Med./Prog for rural Residents, Rehab Hospital, OSU/HDFS graduate student, OSU/Engineering, Architecture & Technology/Mechanical Engineer Tech., SRAPs on SOPs, Prog. Dev., Marketing, Adv. Council, Collaborate/VR, AT Vendors, Ag producer/families on safety, AT acquisition & reducing barriers, Youth (safety - Progressive Farm Days; 4-H Round Up), Horticultural Groups, and Therapeutic Recreation therapists. TARGET AUDIENCES: The target audiences included: Farmers; ranchers; Ag workers; Ag family members; farm employees; Veterans; Women in Ag; Ethnic Ag groups including Asian, Native American, Hispanic & African American; specific organized groups including Small Farmer Outreach program, Intensive Financial Management & Planning Support, a program for economically disadvantaged Ag workers; Oklahoma Home & Community Education (OHCE), a continuing education organization with over 5,000 members statewide; rehabilitation & healthcare professionals and administration; Cooperative Extension Professionals in 77 counties and their varied network of audiences including community peers, stakeholders & participants in classes, such as arthritis exercise; agricultural related markets & AT vendors. Efforts through formal and informal education, the following programs, trainings and outreach were conducted: Langston University School of Physical Therapy continued to utilize a required classroom curriculum based on a 2-week series of clinical education to students to fulfill mandate for serving rural citizens. Education seminars were held for OSU College of Osteopathic Medicine Residents to enhance the institution's mandate to also practice in rural settings. Annual Rehabilitating the Oklahoma Farmer & Rancher conference for healthcare professionals provided continuing education and information about the practice and funding of AT for identified rehabilitation clients. OCES core professional in-services were conducted to introduce educational materials designed to be used with all audiences to continue to raise project awareness and boost educator confidence in identifying and providing education, information and referral to OK farmers, ranchers, & families. Co-sponsored the 2nd Oklahoma Geriatric Education Center Conference on the prevalence Ethics, Disasters, and Wellbeing in rural Oklahoma with a focus on older adults in rural communities. PROJECT MODIFICATIONS: Not relevant to this project.

    Impacts
    Changes in knowledge, action & conditions of program participants were a result of a variety of outputs made possible by the ongoing successful network of area agencies, services, Ag related individuals and OK AgrAbility staff. Such change included the direct assistance that provided 32 on-site assessments resulting in a combined total of $94,594 (DRS, VA, OkAT & OEE) in AT/accommodations, AT related services for Oklahoma farmers/ranchers with disabilities providing them with successful employment outcomes and a high degree of consumer satisfaction on follow up surveys completed by clients. Information and referral services for 82 individuals across 33 OK counties provided clients with statewide private and public funding resources. 23 training events were provided to 8,167 individuals. 16 Langston School of Physical Therapy Doctoral students received hands-on information and resources about how to rehab farmers/ranchers with disabilities. The National Arthritis Foundation Life Improvement Series in Arthritis Exercise certified 18 additional OCES educators for a programmatic total of 37 educators. OCES faculty conducted in-service for 41 Educators, using developed project educational materials to be used with OCES varied audiences. Deliverables included updated 5-lesson project curriculum (Overview, Caregiving, Safety, Preparedness, Gardening/Health); hands on learning, AT kits, referral information & state resources. Integration into OCES issue teams (health, jobs, safety, agri-science) with 20 modules in development covering topics related to AgrAbility. 19 professionals attended Annual Rehabilitating the OK Farmer and Rancher Conference, receiving CEUs and the knowledge and skill for improving the access - thus changing the conditions - for many Ag families who live in rural areas with limited rehab resources. Maintained an increased efficiency of database to improve access to client information. Staff presented & exhibited at 98 disability and Ag related events and trade shows as well as media materials impacting 81,948 people. Developed more diverse Advisory Council to include tribal, VA, thus continuing to improve the program's infrastructure and ability to outreach to the underserved. Long standing MOU relationship with DRS has resulted in many successful collaborations, which is best measured by a continuing fee for service contract as well as shared national presentations, collaboration with WI AgrAbility/Easter Seals, WI Dept of Workforce Development. Through the DRS fee-for-service contract, OkAT receives payment for on-site assessments for co-shared client cases. MOUs were an important element in the program's outcomes/impact of participants including those with: 1)OK Dept of Career & Technology Education and DRS that resulted in a statewide FFA Contest to identify barriers to Ag production with youth designed viable solutions for farmers with disabling conditions. Funds provided through OkAT. 2)ABLE Tech provided access to AT for farmers; 20 AT demonstrations & 32 short-term loans were provided. AT inventory was made available on website.

    Publications

    • No publications reported this period


    Progress 04/15/11 to 04/14/12

    Outputs
    OUTPUTS: 33 site assessments. AT Provision & Accommodation costs: non-profit disability partner, OkAT ($2,999) & DRS-Dept of Rehab Service ($234,732). I&R delivered to 84 people in 39 OK counties & 4 states: IN, KS, ME, NE. 113 DRS personnel received training. Fee-For-Service Contract maintained with DRS; revised contract & SOP to improve project delivery of service. Selected by WI as 1 of 5 SRAPs to participate in Agricultural Assistive Technology Training, National Institute on Disability and Rehabilitation Research Grant. Purpose was to work with state VR programs to review and propose policy changes to support farmers with disabilities. Education efforts continued to clarify rehab technology, identify comparable benefits & resources to improve impact on farmers. NAP/NTW activities: Workshop Planning, 2 NTW sessions, poster & booth. Contribution to NAP marketing initiatives: photos, quotes, articles & video of OK farmers/ranchers with disabling conditions. MOUs used: OK Dept of Career & Technology Education; DRS; ABLE Tech & OK Extension Srv. Conducted Advanced Level Tier 2 Rehabilitating OK Farmer & Rancher conference providing healthcare professionals with hands-on information & resources on farm culture, disabling conditions, AT funding, etc. 20 attending received CEUs. Proceeds from conference use by OkAT to provide grants to buy client AT. Collaborations: KS/OK AgrAbility, KS/OK/IN, NAP Arthritis Found. to offer Ag &Arthritis Workshop to farmers/ranchers, rehab counselors, OCES. Co-sponsored the 1st OK Geriatric Education Center Conference on falls, accidents & occupational concerns focusing on older adults in rural areas. 3 OCES Educators and 1 AgrAbility staff certified by the Nat'l Arthritis Found for total of 19 certified, impacting 145 participants. Provided OCES In-service with 18 Educators on train-the-trainer curriculum on health, safety & jobs/employment, providing AT kits & appropriate project referral to strength education. Provided hands on education & resources on rehab work with farmers/ranchers with disabilities in Langston U PT Clinical Ed Seminar to 2nd year PT doctoral students. Hosted AgrAbility Day at Capitol, focused on educating state legislators about value & impact on the lives of Ag producers with disabilities. Exhibits and demonstrations showcasing services and accomplishments were available along with AT and adapted farm equipment. Disseminated Annual Report to Oklahoma Legislators, OCES Extension, DRS, Advisory Council, and all partnering organizations. Upgraded fully accessible website and maintained TTY for easy access to program. Quarterly newsletter distributed to 11,490 individuals statewide, showcasing success stories of clients. Annual calendar created, depicting farmers/ranchers success with AT; distributed to OK Legislature and key stakeholders. Through trade shows, fairs, conferences disseminated brochures, fact sheets & resource lists to general public, vendors & professionals. Staff presented & exhibited at 59 disability & Ag related events and trade shows as well as media materials impacting 417,178 people. Maintained quarterly Advisory Council meetings for advice and assistance. PARTICIPANTS: Individuals: PI/Co-Director: Overall leadership of fiscal & priority goals; Project integration into OCES Issue Teams: in-service, evaluation Networking; Supervised Program Coord. & GRA. Co-Director 2: Directed Non-profit Disability; direct service; networking; partner MOUs; DRS fee-for-srv contract; OkAT initiatives/Arthritis, Day at Capitol, Advisory Council mtgs; Solicit external funds. Co-Director 3: Provided Clinical oversight for education priority; classroom PT curriculum on farmers with disabilities; Participated in OK fall conference. Program Manager: Managed Case Mgr. & Program Asst. Oversight of tracking database, DRS Co-shared clients; AT vendors; OkAT funding recipients. Case Manager: Provided direct assistance to identified clientele with on site assessment to successful case closure; Worked with Prog. Mgr. on tracking database, co-shared clients, vendors & OkAT funding recipients; Obtained National ATP Certification. Assisted in COI, networking & education Program Coordinator: Produced outreach efforts (newsletter, website, brochures) & staffed outreach events; assisted in development of materials: e.g. Project Curriculum used across statewide OCES health, safety and job initiatives; Assisted the PI in providing education in a variety of venues Program Assistant: Responsible for I&R; Staffed outreach events; Assisted with programs as identified. Conducted AT Research; Provided fiscal support/justification of budgetary expenses to confirm accurate monthly reports. Graduate Research Assistant: Worked directly with Project PI to carry out assignments: educational outreach materials; lit reviews; data collection & analyses. Partner Organizations: DRS; Career & Technology Education; FFA; OK ABLE Tech; OkAT; OCES; OHCE; Noble Research Foundation; Arthritis Foundation; Nat'l Resource Conservation Service; Veterans Admin.; Native American VR Prog.; OK Dept of Ag/Ag-Tourism; Farm Bureau; Farmers Union; Langston Extension; OK Health Inform. Exchange Trust; OSU Center for Rural Health; NW Health Ed. Center/Rural Projects; OSU/Engineering, Architecture & Technology/Mechanical Engineer Technology Collaborators/Contacts: Interdepartmental/interdisciplinary partners included: OSU Departments of Ag Econ; Ag Communication; Animal Science; Horticulture & Landscape Architecture; Human Development & Family Science; Nutritional Sciences; Dept of Housing/Merchandising & OSU Campus Recreation and Wellness; OHCE WI AgrAbility/Easter Seals, WI Dept of Workforce Development Training or Professional Development: OTs; PTs; OTAs; PTAs; Rehab. Counselors; DRS counselors/Techs, Program Managers, Division Administrators; AT Specialists; VA Counselors; Veterans Entrepreneur. Prog; OCES/FCS, Ag, 4-H; OHCE; OSU/Osteopathic Med./ Prog for rural Residents; Rehab Hospital; OSU/HDFS grad stud.; OSU/Engineering, Architecture & Technology/Mechanical Engineer Tech.; SRAPs on SOPs, Prog. Dev., Marketing, Adv. Council, Collaborate/VR, Contracts, Networking; AT Vendors; Ag producer/families on safety, AT acquisition & reducing barriers; Youth (safety - Progressive Farm Days; 4-H Round Up); Horticultural Groups. TARGET AUDIENCES: The Project's targeted audiences included: Farmers, ranchers; Ag workers; Ag family members; Veterans; Women in Ag; Ethnic Ag groups including Asian, Native American, Hispanic & African American; Specific organized groups including: Small Farmer Outreach program; Intensive Financial Management & Planning Support, a program for economically disadvantaged Ag workers; Oklahoma Home & Community Education (OHCE), a continuing education organization with over 5,000 members statewide; Rehabilitation & healthcare professionals and administration; Cooperative Extension Professionals in 77 counties and their varied network of audiences including community peers, stakeholders & participants in classes, such as Arthritis exercise; Agricultural related markets & AT vendors. Efforts through formal and informal education, the following programs, trainings and outreach were conducted: Langston University School of Physical Therapy continued to utilize a required classroom curriculum based on a 2-week series of clinical education to students to fulfill mandate for serving rural citizens; education seminars were held for OSU College of Osteopathic Medicine Residents to enhance that institution's mandate to also practice in rural settings; annual Rehabilitating the Oklahoma Farmer & Rancher conference for healthcare professionals provided continuing education and information about the practice and funding of AT for identified rehabilitation clients; OCES core professional in-services were conducted to introduce educational materials designed to be used with all audiences to continue to raise Project awareness and boost educator confidence in identifying and providing education, information and referral to OK farmers, ranchers, & families. Co-sponsored the 1st Oklahoma Geriatric Education Center Conference on the prevalence of falls, accidents and other occupational concerns in rural Oklahoma with a focus on older adults in rural communities. PROJECT MODIFICATIONS: Not relevant to this project.

    Impacts
    Changes in knowledge, action & conditions of program participants were a result of a variety of outputs made possible by the ongoing successful network of area agencies, services, Ag related individuals and OK AgrAbility staff. Such change included the direct assistance that provided 33 on-site assessments resulting in a combined total of $240,731(DRS, VA and OkAT) in AT/Accommodations, AT Related Services for Oklahoma farmers/ranchers with disabilities providing them with successful employment outcomes and a high degree of consumer satisfaction on follow up surveys completed by clients. Information and Referral services for 84 individuals across 39 OK counties provided clients with statewide private and public funding resources. 38 Training events were provided to 2,537 individuals. 13 Langston School of Physical Therapy Doctoral students received hands-on information and resources about how to rehab farmers/ranchers with disabilities. The National Arthritis Foundation Life Improvement Series in Arthritis Exercise certified 3 more OCES Educators and 1 AgrAbility staff for a programmatic total of 19 Educators and staff who have impacted 145 participants statewide. OCES faculty conducted In-service for 18 Educators, using developed Project educational materials to be used with OCES varied audiences. Deliverables included 5-lesson Project curriculum (Overview, Caregiving, Safety, Preparedness, Gardening/Health); hands on learning, AT kits, referral information & state resources. 20 professionals attended Annual Rehabilitating the OK Farmer and Rancher Conference, receiving CEUs and the knowledge and skill for improving the access - thus changing the conditions - for many Ag families who live in rural areas with limited rehab resources. Maintained an increased efficiency of database to improve access to client information. Staff presented & exhibited at 59 disability and Ag related events and trade shows as well as media materials impacting 417,178 people. Developed more diverse Advisory Council to include OCES, Dept of Ag/Agri-tourism, thus improving the program's infrastructure and ability to outreach to the underserved. Long standing MOU relationship with DRS has resulted in many successful collaborations, which is best measured by a continuing fee for service contract as well as shared national presentations, collaboration with WI AgrAbility/Easter Seals, WI Dept of Workforce Development. Through the DRS fee-for-service contract, AgrAbility receives payment for on-site assessments for co-shared client cases. MOUs were an important element in the program's outcomes/impact of participants including those with: 1)OK Dept of Career & Technology Education and DRS that resulted in a statewide FFA Contest to identify barriers to Ag production with youth designed viable solutions for farmers with disabling conditions. Funds provided through OkAT. 2)ABLE Tech provided access to AT for farmers;18 AT demonstrations and 33 short-term loans were provided.

    Publications

    • No publications reported this period


    Progress 04/15/10 to 04/14/11

    Outputs
    OUTPUTS: Thirty-four site assessments were conducted. One hundred and thirty-eight people in 32 counties received I&R. MOU maintained with DRS provided enhanced rehabilitation services. 24 DRS personnel received training. Developed Standard Operating Procedures (SOP) to streamline priorities to improve service. Participated in NAP Workshop Planning; conducted NAP session. Worked with DRS to propose policy change that would clarify the definition of "comparable benefits" by stating it is services provided by Federal, state or local public agencies, health insurance or employee benefits. Therefore, DRS counselors will not expect AgrAbility funds to be available as comparable benefits. Input occurred into needed changes to annual DRS policy on self-employment to reduce barriers to farmers reaching successful closure. Annual Rehabilitating the OK Farmer and Rancher conference occurred providing health care professionals (OTs & PTs) and rehab counselors with hands-on information and statewide resources about AT and funding. 50 professionals received CEUs. Provided 2 OCES in-services on information & referral to the project, providing curriculum, AT kit & display posters for education. Disseminated 76 national Arthritis DVDs to OCES/FCS educators. MOUs were facilitated with OK Dept of Career & Technology Education; DRS; ABLE Tech and OK Cooperative Extension Serv. (OCES). Conducted annual Langston U PT Clinical Ed Seminar; second year PT doctoral students were provided hands-on information and resources about how to rehab farmers/ranchers with disabilities. 18 AgrAbility staff and OCES Educators were certified by the National Arthritis Foundation in Self-Help Arthritis and Land Exercise with 42 reported classes/60 participants at this time. Hosted AgrAbility Day at Capitol event providing opportunity to educate state legislators on the employment program and the positive impact on the lives of Ag producers with disabilities. Exhibits and demonstrations showcasing services and accomplishments were available along with AT and adapted farm equipment. Continued to actively seek ongoing public awareness opportunities. Accessible Website maintained and TTY for easy access to program. Quarterly newsletter distributed to 2,300 individuals statewide, showcasing success stories of clients. Annual calendar created, depicting farmers/ranchers success with AT; distributed to OK Legislature and key stakeholders. Through trade shows, fairs, conferences disseminated brochures, fact sheets & resource lists to general public, vendors & professionals. Through Print-on-Demand, provided OCES personnel access to project materials. Staff presented & exhibited at 32 disability and Ag related events and trade shows. Maintained quarterly Advisory Council meetings for advice and assistance. PARTICIPANTS: PI/Co-Director 1: Provided overall leadership of fiscal and priority goals; Directed education priority providing in-service and train-the-trainer curriculum to OCES educators & District Program Specialists; Identified networking opportunities; Supervised Program Coordinator & student Graduate Research Assistant. Co-Director 2: Directed Non-profit Disability efforts; Provided direct service oversight; Identified networking opportunities. Co-Director 3: Provided Clinical Therapeutic Oversight for education priority; Identified networking opportunities Program Manager: Managed the work of Case Manager & Program Assistant. Oversight of tracking database; co-shared clients with DRS; onsite assessment; identified AT vendors & worked with OkAT funding recipients. Program Coordinator: Coordinated outreach efforts (newsletter, website, brochures); staffed outreach events; developed and maintained education materials for OCES personnel & their audiences; Assisted the PI in providing education in a variety of venues. Program Assistant: Responsible for I & R; Staffed outreach events; Assist with special programs as identified Partner Organizations: Program partners included: DRS, Career & Technology Education; OK ABLE Tech; OkAT; OCES; Oklahoma Home & Community Education; Noble Research Foundation; Arthritis Foundation; National Resource Conservation Service; Office of Rural Health; Veterans Administration; Native American VR Program; Migrant & Seasonal Farm Worker Program; Farm Bureau, Farmers Union; Langston University Extension Collaborators/Contacts: Interdepartmental/interdisciplinary partners included: OSU Departments of Ag Econ; Ag Communication; Animal Science; Horticulture & Landscape Architecture; Human Development & Family Science; Nutritional Sciences; Dept of Design, Housing and Merchandising & Seretean Wellness Center. OHCE, a social education program & OK Dept of Ag/Ag-Tourism Training or Professional Development: Professional development for: Occupational Therapists; Physical Therapists; OTAs; PTAs; Rehab. Counselors; DRS counselors; Veteran Counselors; OCES/FCS, Ag & 4-H Educators; OHCE members; OSU/College of Osteopathic Medicine/ Program for Residents in rural placement; Rehab Hospital Personnel; OSU master's gerontology student; SRAPs on SOPs, Contracts, Networking; AT Vendors; Farmers, ranchers & families on safety, AT acquisition & reducing barriers. TARGET AUDIENCES: The Project's targeted audiences included: Farmers, ranchers, Ag workers; Ag family members; women in Ag; ethnic Ag groups including Asian, Native American, Hispanic & African American. Specific organized groups: Small Farmer Outreach program; Migrant Seasonal Farm Worker program; Intensive Financial Management & Planning Support, a program for economically disadvantaged Ag workers; Rehabilitation & healthcare professionals and administration; Cooperative Extension Professionals and their varied network of audiences including their peers & participants in Self-Help Arthritis classes; Agricultural related markets & AT vendors. Efforts Through formal and informal education, the following programs were conducted: Langston School of Physical Therapy continued to utilize a curriculum of 2 week required series of clinical education to students to fulfill mandate for serving rural citizens; education seminars were held for OSU College of Osteopathic Medicine Residents to enhance that institution's mandate to also practice in rural settings; annual Rehabilitating the OK Farmer & Rancher conference for healthcare professionals provided continuing education and information about the practice and funding of AT for identified rehab. clients; OCES core professional development in-services were conducted to raise awareness, improve access to AT & related resources and provide general outreach to OK farmers, ranchers & families throughout the state. Various educational programs were provided to professionals of: Rehab hospitals, SRAPs, College of Osteopathic Medicine/DO Resident in rural placement, Rehab Counselors and staff of Horticultural groups. PROJECT MODIFICATIONS: Not relevant to this project.

    Impacts
    Changes in knowledge, action and conditions of program participants were a result of a variety of outputs made possible by the ongoing successful network of area agencies, services, Ag related individuals and OK AgrAbility staff. Such change included: the direct assistance that provided 34 on-site assessments for Oklahoma farmers/ranchers with disabilities providing them with successful employment outcomes and a high degree of consumer satisfaction on follow up surveys completed by clients. Information and Referral services for 138 individuals across 32 Oklahoma counties provided clients with statewide private and public funding resources. Nine AT demonstrations and 20 short-term loans were also provided. Training was provided to 695 individuals across numerous venues including: 24 DRS new counselors; 14 Langston School of Physical Therapy Doctoral students, who were provided with pre and post assessments to measure change in knowledge; Arthritis Self-Help & Land Exercise Classes training for 18 OCES educators & AgrAbility staff with 42 classes and 60 participants to date. Provided 2 OCES in-services on information & referral to the project, thus raising awareness to front line personnel. Fifty professionals attended Annual Rehabilitating the OK Farmer and Rancher Conference, receiving CEUs and the knowledge and skill for improving the access - thus changing the conditions - for many Ag families who live in rural areas with limited rehab resources. Further, 22,704 people attended various statewide events with a high degree of satisfaction, with emphasis on reaching those who live in rural areas. Created database to improve access to client information. Public Awareness materials were mailed to over 4,632 with media coverage including press, program newsletters & Web. Developed more diverse Advisory Council to include Veterans, OCES, Native American, thus improving the program's infrastructure and ability to outreach to the underserved. Long standing MOU relationship with DRS has resulted in many successful collaborations. DRS AgrAbility worked with DRS to propose policy change that would clarify the definition of "comparable benefits" by stating it is services provided by Federal, state or local public agencies, health insurance or employee benefits. Therefore, DRS counselors will not expect AgrAbility funds to be available as comparable benefits. MOUs were an important element in the program's outcomes/impact of participants including those with: 1)OK Dept of Career & Technology Education that resulted in an FFA Contest to identify barriers to Ag production and design viable solutions; 2)ABLE Tech that gave AT access to farmers; & 3) OCES that utilized their statewide locations to provide education and maximize networking.

    Publications

    • No publications reported this period