Regional Workshop
Hosted by AgrAbility PA
Dates: October 8 - 9, 2019
Location: Days Inn Penn State
This two-day workshop was a great opportunity to learn more about occupational therapy and assistive technology on the farm – working together to keep farmers farming! Thanks to all whom attended! Thanks to JoBeth and Tess from the National AgrAbility Project / Goodwill of the Finger Lakes for your leadership in pulling this workshop together.
Day One: Workshop Sessions
The first day, Oct. 8, included sessions and a farmer panel. Thank you to the many speakers who joined us to share your experiences about working with farmers with disabilities or long-term health conditions.
WORKSHOP SESSION PRESENTATIONS are available to download by clicking on the title:
- About AgrAbility
- Discharge Planning in Agriculture
Discharge Planning Checklist (document) - Occupational Therapy Evaluation in Agriculture
- Assistive Technology on the Farm
- Funding Resources for Assistive Technology
- Assistive Technology & Resources in Pennsylvania
AT Resources (document)
TechOWL ATRC Contact Listing 2019-20 (document) - Resources for Farmers & Farm Families
Photos from the Workshop Sessions
Marci Walborn, OT 
Dwight Heller, OT 
Abbie Spackman, AgrAbility PA Project Assistant 
Assistive Technology demos 
Assistive Technology demos 
Assistive Technology demos 
Assistive Technology demos 
Jaylen, a rockstar farm girl! 
Farmer Panel: Jaylen, Philip, & Andrew 
Farmer Panel & AgrAbility PA staffers 
Tracy Beck, PATF 
Jackie Wardle, right, demos AT 
Janice Mazziti, OVR
Day Two: Farm Tours
On Wednesday, Oct. 9, attendees spent the day touring, learning, and experiencing different types of agricultural operations throughout Pennsylvania, including talking with Jim, a farmer diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis (MS); Testing out Action TrackChairs as a means for mobility around farmland, barns, and more; Rhonda Smith of The Skirted Soldier, a female veteran-owned operation that specializes in hand blended, loose tea; and Hands On Therapeutic Riding Program. Many thanks to everyone who opened their doors -- barns and all -- to us!
Photos from the Farm Tours
Jim, a farmer diagnosed with MS 
Jim's view from his farm lane near State College, PA 
Sheep on Jim's farm 
Sheep on Jim's farm 
Goats on Jim's farm 
Trying out Action Trackchairs as a means of mobility 
Action Trackchair demos 
The Skirted Soldier 
Hands On Therapeutic Riding Program 
Make it a Great Day everyday... 
A horse, of course! 
Therapy skills learned out in the riding ring
More information about AgrAbility PA is available at: (814) 867-5288 or agrability@psu.edu
The National AgrAbility Project staff assists the State/Regional AgrAbility Projects and helps others who do not have a project in their state. If you are unsure if there is a State/Regional AgrAbility Project where you are, check the AgrAbility Contact list or call 1-800-825-4264.