Regional Training Workshop Reflections
The National AgrAbility Project (NAP) hosts Regional Training Workshops (RTWs) each year, bringing together AgrAbility staff, clients, partners, and collaborators to learn more about various program components. In July 2024, Michigan hosted an RTW in Ann Arbor.
As a new team member since last fall, I found coordinating the meetings and logistics for the event somewhat daunting. However, with support from guest speakers, National AgrAbility Project Coordinator Tess McKeel of Goodwill of the Finger Lakes, and Ned Stoller, an invaluable asset to AgrAbility, the event ran smoothly.
The 2024 summer RTW, titled Assistive Technology Professional Training, attracted 44 professionals from 11 states and Saipan. Sponsorships from the Washtenaw County Farm Bureau and the Rehabilitation Engineering and Assistive Technology Society of North America (RESNA) made the event possible. Over two half-days and one full day, the sessions covered topics ranging from healthcare and occupational therapy to agriculture and smartphone technology for farm assistance.
The workshop began with a session on disability etiquette. With approximately 1 in 6 Americans living with a disability, establishing a baseline understanding was crucial. Kimberly Jeroue from Easterseals MORC and Stephanie Tamminga from Davenport University provided an overview of progressive and non-progressive medical conditions, offering practical examples and considerations for working with clients in clinical and rehabilitative occupational therapy. They emphasized the importance of identifying clients' goals, as well as using both high- and low-tech solutions to enhance independence and remove barriers.
On the second day, Ned Stoller and Seong-Hee Westlake from the University of Michigan Rehabilitation Engineering and RESNA delved into assessments and client interviews. They discussed what practitioners should look for in order to mitigate risks and discomforts at the intersection of work and health. Case studies from the Michigan AgrAbility Project demonstrated the transformative power of assistive technology for those dealing with chronic pain or mobility challenges, enabling them to continue pursuing their passion. That evening, we visited a farm outside Ann Arbor where two AgrAbility clients graciously shared their operations with the group. Ned led an assessment, and because they were already clients who had been through the process, participants were able to witness the impact of that assessment and resulting assistive technology solutions in this real-world scenario. For several of the healthcare professionals who attended, this was their first hands-on experience on a farm, making the visit particularly meaningful, and 100% of evaluation respondents said the content of the farm tour would assist them in understanding client needs or offering valuable information.
Participants at the farm visit, gathered around a demonstration of an adjustable height rolling work chair.
The final morning included demonstrations of assistive technology and smartphone-based aids for daily living. We explored how smart home technology—such as controlling lights, locks, and heating—can be adapted for farm environments, reducing the effort required for certain tasks.
One highlight for me was seeing how many participants had also attended the National Training Workshop in Atlanta earlier that year. It was wonderful to reconnect and witness the dedication of a community willing to travel across states to deepen their knowledge.
Overall, the RTW facilitated a deeper understanding of assistive technology, described the challenges posed by various medical diagnoses, and offered new opportunities for program improvement. All survey respondents (100%) also agreed that the conference content would help them serve clients better, and that time spent at the event was useful. Most importantly, it also strengthened this important national network of colleagues who are passionate about improving the quality of life for farmers and their families.
Samantha Wolfe, MSU Extension
Written for Michigan AgrAbility
wolfesa4@msu.edu
canr.msu.edu/agrability
This work was supported by the AgrAbility Competitive Program of the USDA National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA), grant number 2022-41590-38121.