Progress 05/15/12 to 05/14/13
Outputs
OUTPUTS: This has been another productive year for the Mid-Atlantic Agrability Project (MAAP) as we have fine-tuned current programming and outreach and continue to expand into New Jersey and supported NAP. Under the Education Objective we have completed the following: developed the NJ VR brochure, provided regular training for case managers and partners, distributed arthritis and NAP DVD, developed a new fact sheet on using technology, presented at NJ Farm Bureau Annual Meeting, Atlantic Coast Fruit and Vegetable Growers Conference, plus Extension and commodity groups, conducted a webinar on Mental Health First Aid, hosted a regional agrabilitiy networking conference for 8 states in the Northeast, continue to expand the virtual toolkit for Case Managers, quarterly newsletters, and exhibited in many fairs and meetings. We send staff to several professional development meetings such as the NTW, Rochester Vet Workshop, and regional events. Under the Networking Objective we continue to expand the number of partnerships while working hard to strengthen existing partnerships. Accomplishments during this reporting period include the following: collaborating with UMES and Delaware State University (DSU) on the Small Farm Program, serving on the Planning Committee for the NTW, hosting the Northeast Agrability Networking Workshop. Last year a NJ Partnership Tour reached 10 new and existing partners and efforts are underway on the Delmarva Peninsula to do the same. MAAP currently collaborates with 3 land grant institutions (University of Delaware, Rutgers University and the University of Maryland), 3 non-profits (Easter Seals, Centers for Independent Living and Goodwill) and 2 1890 institutions. These partners are active on Advisory Committees which provide ideas and support for expanding and improving the project. These organizations provide significant leadership and form the basis for expanding partnerships to support project objectives. Under the Assistance Objective we continue to effectively service many farmers and their family members. We have fine-tuned the Quality of Life Tool - SF-8 to measure our success in meeting the needs of clients. We continue to develop new partnerships that can help us to more efficiently and comprehensively meet the needs of our clients. Due to retirements we have a new program evaluator and 2 new Case Managers. We have a Ventrac that we loan farmers in wheelchairs and this has proved to be a very effective way to encourage them to invest in this technology. There is a waiting list to try this new technology. Under the Marketing Objective we continue to update and expand the website, have a presence on Facebook and Twitter, are expanding links with partnerships such as eXtension, received the final report on the survey of 1,000 farms in New Jersey to assess the magnitude of disabilities on farms, and increased the outreach, farmers, partners and decision makers on the mailing list for the MAAP newsletter. PARTICIPANTS: Staff who provided leadership on the project included the 6 members of Steering Committee as defined in the grant. They represented the 3 land-grants and the 3 non-profits (Easter Seals, Resources for Independence and Goodwill of New Jersey). Collaborators include vocational rehab, state tech act personnel, Arthritis Foundation, Mid-Atlantic American Lung Association, New Jersey Commission for the Blind and Visually Impaired, Extension personnel, two 1890 institutions, commodity groups ie Delmarva Poultry Industries and Maryland Nursery and Landscape Association, farm equipment dealers, Mental Health associatons, departments of agriculture, farm bureaus, and many others. Training during this period include quarterly staff meetings, the Respiratory Health webinar, staff training for non-profits and Extension, NTW and educational opportunities at farm, extension and commodity organization meeting. These training opportunities focussed on the project, disability and health issues, farm safety, and assistive technologies. TARGET AUDIENCES: In addition to the farmers, professionals and non-profits, we make a concerted effort to collaborate with the Delaware State Univeristy and University of Maryland, Eastern Shore (1890 institutions) to identify and work with small and socially disadvantaged farmers. This effort resulted in 2 Maryland farmers stories being included on the NAP DVD which was released last year. We are also targeting the migrant and Hispanic populations, but find that the transient nature of their work makes it difficult to support them. We are optimistic that efforts with migrants in New Jersey will be productive. We are currently targeting veterans with disabilities returning to farms and feel that new collaborations will continue to yield positive results. We are in the planning stages of offering a workshop on opportunities for veterans and others with disabilities to pursue agricultural vocations. PROJECT MODIFICATIONS: Not relevant to this project.
Impacts
The outputs/impacts of the Mid-Atlantic Agrability Project continue to abound because of great partnerships and shared goals. The Steering Committee continues to drive and challenge the partners to reach and service more farmers with disabilities. Under the Education Objective outcomes include educating case managers and clients about risk managements and incorporating risk management techniques into the client intake process, educating VR counselors, training more professionals to increase their knowledge about the project, make over 75 presentations to several thousand farmers and their families, and increase our presence on the web with more resources. We are experiencing an average of over 7,300 hits per month on the website with September being the highest number of hits at 10,413. The impact of this objective is more referrals, better trained staff and ultimately more clients leading productive careers in agriculture. Under the Networking Objective outcomes include increasing the number of partners to support farmers with disabilities, educating our partners, supporting the NAP by serving on the program planning committee and having partners such as the Mid-Atlantic American Lung Association support project objectives. For example the Mid-Atlantic ALA helped sponsor the Respiratory Health webinar and created great synergy in working together to support farmers with disabilities. This year the Maryland Mental Health Association will help us sponsor a webinar. We are also reaching out to youth organizations such as FFA, 4-H, scouts and others to help support clients and others with disabilities. The impact of accomplishing this objective is more partners assisting clients whose needs are met. Under the Assistance Objective outcomes include more partners supporting clients, farmers becoming more productive and independent and case managers being better trained and more efficiently handling the case load. The result of this support is reflected in the number of success stories. MAAP expects to service 33 cases this year. We are conducting pre and post surveys using the SF-8 and hope to measure our success in meeting their needs. Program evaluation continues to be a vital element of this agrability project. We are replacing the current QOL tool - the SF-36 with the SF-8 this year. We are presently planning on publishing a joint paper on program evaluation of the Mid-Atlantic Agrability program. Under the Marketing Objective MAAP is taking a multi-dimensional approach - augmenting existing outreach i.e. expanding the newsletter, e-list and adding the social marketing exposure. Outcomes include providing more resources and timely news information on the web, expanding the number of links from partners and collaborators on the website, creating a presence on Facebook and Twitter, increasing the outreach with the quarterly MAAP newsletter and getting podium time with more farm audiences. Ultimately this means reaching and involving more farmers with disabilities in the project.
Publications
- Jester,R.C. 2012. Fall and Winter, Mid-Atlantic Agrability Newsletter. Semi-Annual. Provides technical information and project updates on MAAP grant.
- Jester,R.C. 2012. Using Technology to Make Farming Easeier, Safer and More Productive. Factsheet
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Progress 05/15/11 to 05/14/12
Outputs
OUTPUTS: OUTPUTS: The outputs are driven by project goals which include education, networking, assistance and marketing. This has been a productive year for the Mid-Atlantic Agrability Project (MAAP) as we have fine tuned current programming and outreach, expanded into New Jersey, expanded the social marketing component, updated the website and supported the NAP and Goodwill in several areas. Under the Education Objective we have completed the following: creating the VR brochure, provided regular training for partners and collaborators, distributed arthritis and NAP DVD and other educational materials, presentations at Dairy Day in Maryland, Atlantic Coast Fruit and Vegetable Growers Conference, plus Extension and commodity groups, conducted our first webinar on Respiratory Health, planning for a regional networking conference for NE projects, continue to expand the virtual toolkit for Case Managers, quarterly newsletters, and exhibits in the project area. Under the Networking Objective we continue to expand the number of partnerships while working hard to strengthen existing partnerships. Accomplishments during this reporting period include the following: collaborating with UMES and Delaware State University on the Small Farm Program, serving on the Planning Committee for the NTW and AARL conference, and involving Goodwill leaders in Delaware and New Jersey. Last year a Partnership Tour in Maryland reached 10 new and existing partners and efforts are underway in New Jersey to do the same. Mid-Atlantic Agrability currently collaborates with 3 land grant institutions (University of Delaware, Rutgers University and the University of Maryland), 3 non-profits (Easter Seals, Centers for Independent Living and Goodwill) and 2 1890 institutions (Delaware State University and University of Maryland - Eastern Shore). These organizations provide significant leadership in the project and form the basis for expanding the other partnerships that support the objectives of MAAP. Under the Assistance Objective we continue to effectively service many farmers and their family members. We are continuing to use and modify the Quality of Life Tool - SF-36 to measure our success in meeting the needs of clients. This year we provided Case Managers individual evaluations of each client. We continue to develop new partnership's that can help us to more efficiently and comprehensively 0meet the needs of our clients. We will service 30 clients during this reporting period. Under the Marketing Objective we are updating and expanding the website, have a presence on Facebook and Twitter, expanding links with partnerships, conduct a survey of 1,000 farms in New Jersey to assess the magnitude of disabilities on farms and also expose farmers to the project, increase the number of clients, farmers, partners and decision makers on the mailing list for the MAAP newsletter. PARTICIPANTS: Individuals who worked on the project included the 6 members of Steering Committee as defined in the grant. They represented the 3 land-grants and the 3 non-profits (Easter Seals, Resources for Independence and Goodwill of New Jersey). Collaborators include vocational rehab, state tech act personnel, Arthritis Foundation, Mid-Atlantic American Lung Association, New Jersey Commission for the Blind and Visually Impaired, Extension personnel, 2 1890 institutions, commidity groups ie Delmarva Poultry Industries and Maryland Nursery and Landscape Association, farm equipment dealers, respective Mental Health associatons, departments of agriculture, farm bureaus, and many others. Training during this period include quarterly staff meetings, the Respiratory Health webinar, staff training for non-profits and Extension, and educational opportunities at farm, extension and commodity organization meeting. These training opportunities focussed on the project, disability and health issues, farm safety, and assistive technologies. TARGET AUDIENCES: In addition to the farmers, professionals and non-profits, we make a concerted effort to collaborate with the Delaware State Univeristy and University of Maryland, Eastern Shore to identify and work with small and socially disadvantaged farmers. This effort resulted in 2 Maryland farmers stories being included on the NAP DVD which was released last year. We are trying to reach out to the migrant and Hispanic populations, but find that the transient nature of their work makes it difficult to support them. We are optimistic that efforts with migrants in New Jersey will be productive. PROJECT MODIFICATIONS: Not relevant to this project.
Impacts
The outputs/impacts of the Mid-Atlantic Agrability Project continue to make a difference because of great partnerships and shared goals. The Steering Committee continues to drive and challenge the partners to reach and service more farmers with disabilities. Under the Education Objective outcomes include educating case managers and clients about risk managements and incorporating risk management techniques into the client intake process, educating VR counselors, training more professionals to increase their knowledge, make over 100 presentations to several thousand farmers and their families, and increase our presence on the web with more resources. We are experiencing over 10,500 hits per month on the website. Under the Networking Objective outcomes include increasing the number of partners to support farmers with disabilities, educating our partners, supporting the NAP by serving on the program planning committee and having partners present papers at the NTW and great synergy in working together to support farmers with disabilities. Under the Assistance Objective outcomes include more partners supporting clients, farmers being more productive and independent and case managers being better trained and more efficiently handling the case load. The result of this support is reflected in an increasing number of success stories. MAAP expects to service 30 cases this year. Under the Marketing Objective MAAP is taking a multi-dimensional approach - augmenting existing outreach i.e. the newsletter and adding the social marketing exposure. Outcomes include providing more resources and timely news information on the web, expanding the number of links from partners and collaborators on the website, creating a presence on Facebook and Twitter, increasing the outreach with the quarterly MAAP newsletter and conducting an agrability survey in New Jersey. We will obtain information about disabilities with the New Jersey Agrability Survey and market agrability at the same time. Program evaluation continues to be a vital element of this agrability project. We are streamlining the current QOL tool - the SF-36 and will be implementing the SF-12 this year. We are currently involved in publishing a joint article on program evaluating of Agrability programs.
Publications
- PUBLICATIONS (not previously reported): 2010/04 TO 2011/03 1. Newsletters: Jester, R.C., Summer 2011, Mid-Atlantic Agrability Newsletter. Semi-Annual. Provides technical information and project updates on MAAP grant. 2. Jester, R.C., Winter 2012, Mid-Atlantic Agrability Newsletter, Semi-Annual. Provides technical information and project updates on MAAP grant
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Progress 05/15/10 to 05/14/11
Outputs
OUTPUTS: The outputs are driven by project goals which include education, networking, assistance and marketing. This has been a productive year for the Mid-Atlantic Agrability Project (MAAP) as we have fine tuned current programming and outreach, expanded into New Jersey, expanded the marketing component, updated the website and supported the NAP and Goodwill in several areas. Under the Education Objective we have completed the following: redesigned and distributed the new program and risk management brochure, designed and reviewed the VR brochure, provided regular training to county agents, vocational counselors, service and health care providers, and partners, Steering Committee training, distributed arthritis DVD and other educational materials, presentations at Delaware Farm Bureau, NJ Vegetable Growers, NTW, and Goodwill in Virginia, developed a virtual toolkit for Case Managers, quarterly newsletter to clients and partners, multiple exhibits in the 3-state project area and a focus group in New Jersey. Under the Networking Objective we continue to expand the number of partnerships while working hard to strengthen existing partnerships. Accomplishments during this reporting period include the following: collaborating with UMES and Delaware State University on the Small Farm Program, serving on the Planning Committee for the NTW and AARL conference, involving Goodwill leaders in Delaware and New Jersey, using Advancing Opportunities in New Jersey to support workplace assessments and offering a focus group in New Jersey to solicit and involve more partners. Mid-Atlantic Agrability currently collaborates with 3 land grant institutions (University of Delaware, Rutgers University and the University of Maryland), 3 non-profits (Easter Seals, Centers for Independent Living and Goodwill) and 2 1890 institutions (Delaware State University and University of Maryland - Eastern Shore). These organizations provide significant leadership in the project and form the basis for expanding the other partnerships that support the objectives of MAAP. Under the Assistance Objective we continue to effectively service as many farmers and their family members in the project area. We are continuing to use and modify the Quality of Life Tool - SF-36 to measure our success in meeting the needs of clients. This year we provided Case Managers individual evaluations of each client. We continue to develop new partnership's that can help us to more efficiently and comprehensively meet the needs of our clients. We project that in the project period we will service 40 clients. Under the Marketing Objective we are updating and expanding the website, have a presence on Facebook, expanding links with partnerships, developed and aired a 30 sec spots on the Delmarva Peninsula and scheduling exposure in Western Maryland and New Jersey, conducting a survey of 1,000 farms in New Jersey to assess the magnitude of disabilities on farms and also expose farmers to the project, increasing the number of clients, farmers, partners and decision makers on the mailing list for the MAAP newsletter. PARTICIPANTS: Partner organizations include Easter Seals of DE & MD Eastern Shores; Resources for Independence; University of Maryland TARGET AUDIENCES: Farmers with disabilities; Case workers PROJECT MODIFICATIONS: Not relevant to this project.
Impacts
The outputs/impacts of the Mid-Atlantic Agrability Project continue to be significant because of great partnerships and shared goals. The Steering Committee continues to drive and challenge the partners to reach and service more farmers with disabilities. Under the Education Objective outcomes include educating case managers and clients about risk managements and incorporating risk management techniques into the client intake process, educating VR counselors about farmers and agrability via a new brochure and joint meetings resulting in better understanding of the VR intake process and agricultural workplace, training more professionals about farmers with disabilities to increase their knowledge and enhance the intake process and follow-up, make over 100 presentations to more several thousand farmers and their families, and increase our presence on the web with an updated website and more resources. We are experiencing over 5,000 hits per month. Under the Networking Objective outcomes include increasing the number of partners helping us to support farmers with disabilities, educating our partners - increasing their knowledge of agriculture and the farm culture so they can better service our clients, supporting the NAP by serving on the program planning committee and having partners present papers at the NTW (4 MAAP sponsored presentations at the most recent NTW), and great synergy in working together to support farmers with disabilities. Under the Assistance Objective outcomes include more partners supporting clients, farmers being more productive and independent and case managers being better trained and more efficiently handling the case load. The result of this support is reflected in an increasing number of success stories and should be quantified in Quality of Life parameters later this year. MAAP expects to service 35 cases this year. Under the Marketing Objective MAAP is taking a multi-dimensional approach - augmenting existing outreach i.e. the newsletter and adding the social marketing exposure. Outcomes include creating a more attractive web site by providing more resources and timely news information, expanding the number of links from partners and collaborators to our website, creating a presence on facebook, increasing the outreach with the quarterly MAAP newsletter using the multiplier effect and conducting an agrability survey in New Jersey. We will obtain information about disabilities in New Jersey farming communities (will include 1000 farms), but also market agrability at the same time. Program evaluation continues to be a vital element of this agrability project. We are streamlining the current QOL tool - the SF-36 and will be implementing the SF-12 this year. We have made presentations at the NTW, sent individual client evaluations to Case Managers, and are pilot testing the SF-12. The MAAP program evaluator is also providing leadership in validating the farm questions currently being used by states (8-10 states) involved in testing QOL tools. We are currently involved in publishing a joint article on evaluating Agrability programs and studying organizational dynamics.
Publications
- Newsletters: Jester, R.C., Spring 2010, Mid-Atlantic Agrability Newsletter. Semi-Annual. Provides technical information and project updates on MAAP grant.
- Jester, R.C., Winter 2011, Mid-Atlantic Agrability Newsletter, Semi-Annual. Provides technical information and project updates on MAAP grant.
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