AgrAbility workshop to show how to cope with disabilities

Having a physical disability does not necessarily mean you must become less active in doing agriculture-related work.

Continuing to work is often just a matter of learning how to make adjustments and getting special equipment you need.

Representatives of local, state and federal agencies have scheduled a free AgrAbility seminar to show how to do those things Wednesday, March 9, at On My Own at 428 E. Highland St., which is taking reservations at (417) 667-7007 and (800) 362-8852.

The event will start with a light breakfast from 9-9:30 a.m. and continue with a review of "The Who, What, Where and How of AgrAbility" by Co-Project Director Karen Funkenbusch of the University of Missouri Extension in Columbia.

Willard Downs, Extension director of assistive technology in Columbia, will discuss "Farm Assessments" from 10-10:30 a.m. before Missouri Arthritis Foundation Regional Director Margaret Lindsey of Springfield describes "Farming with Arthritis" from 10:30-11.

"A Farmer's Story" will be told from 11 a.m. to noon with Extension Ag Business Specialist Bob Kelly detailing adaptive equipment and Nodaway County farmer Dennis Schmitz relating his experience with a serious farming accident.

After a free catered barbecue sandwich lunch, Vocational Rehab District Director Ray Drake of Nevada and area U.S. Farm Service Agency Loan Manager Barbara Hedges will discuss their specialties, followed by reviews of rehabilitation services for the blind and the "Pharm Dog Program" by Extension Rural Outreach Specialist Jackie Allenbrand and dog-assisted farmer Sandy Rickey.

On My Own spokeswoman Stacey Wilson said Tuesday that her non-profit agency wanted to host the seminar because many ag workers could stay active with the right kind of help. "Local farmers of all ages are encouraged to attend along with anyone with an interest in agriculture," Wilson said.

"The AgrAbility Project assists people involved in agriculture who work both on small and large operations. Please come join us for an informative workshop and see what AgrAbility can do for you."

On My Own provides services to disabled people in Bates, Cedar, St. Clair, Hickory and Vernon counties. "This is a whole new ballgame for us," Wilson said.

"The speakers will show how people can get hurt and how dogs can lead people with visual impairment. You don't have to be an on-land consumer to attend.

"It can be anyone who works in agriculture or has a family member who does. It can also be FFA students."

Extension Research Aide Don Schuster of Columbia said services are available to any ag worker with an amputation, arthritis, back pain, vision impairment, cancer, cardiac problems, cerebral palsy, hearing impairments, diabetes, mental retardation, multiple sclerosis, muscular dystrophy, post-polio syndrome, respiratory problems, spinal cord injury, stroke or a traumatic brain injury.

Schuster said AgrAbility provides on-site technical assistance on adapting and using farm equipment and tools, modifying farm operations and buildings, education to help prevent further injury and disability and training for Extension educators and other rural professionals.