August 2019: AgrAbility PA Project Highlights

AgrAbility PA exhibited at Penn State University’s annual Ag Progress Days event in August. This event is the Super Bowl equivalent for not only Penn State’s College of Agricultural Sciences but for hundreds of vendors, exhibitors, strategic partners, ag researchers, ag educators, ag safety specialist, equipment dealers, and more with over 80+ acres of displays and demonstrations.

AgrAbility PA exhibited inside the Rural Health & Safety Tent where a variety of health screenings were offered -- blood pressure readings, stroke risk assessments, hearing screening, and more. Hands-on demonstrations for assistive technology included Stand ‘N Plant planter, hand safety, back-up camera, and a scooter. AgrAbility PA’s long-time occupational therapist Dwight Heller, who is a certified hand therapist and works with AgrAbility PA farmers, was also available to share information and consult with attendees one-on-one.

Life Essentials, Action Trackchair, and Agri-Speed Hitch exhibited as vendors at the event and demonstrated equipment from power wheelchairs to hands-free hitch connectors to lifts for vehicles and mobility aides.

AgrAbility PA provided an educational “lunch and learn” session for staff and interns at Rodale Institute. The Rodale Institute is a 333-acre certified organic farm near Kutztown, PA. The focus of the farm is research and education about organic farming. They also have a veteran farmer training program that includes a 2-4 month paid internship at the Rodale farm. The educational session included information on AgrAbility and other veteran and disability related resources