About the Communities of Interest
AgrAbility Communities of Interest (COIs) are member-driven groups that discuss topics related to disability in agriculture. Communities normally have conference calls or web meetings, and structure of these meetings may include open discussion, case studies, and presentations from outside experts. AgrAbility COIs are open to those not employed by AgrAbility Projects, including consumers and professionals.
Contact the individual COI leaders for information on conference calls.
Current Communities of Interest
International AgrAbility Network
Leader: Ned Stoller
Description: The International AgrAbility Network collaborates to identify low-tech assistive technology that will improve a farmer’s likelihood of success after a disabling injury or illness. Low-tech assistive technology is made with readily available parts, simple to use with minimal training, inexpensive to create, and practical for farm use. This COI hosts quarterly web meetings and shares an e-newsletter on topics such as vegetable production with a leg impairment and animal chores after a hand injury.
Marketing and Media
Leader: Paul Jones
Description: The Marketing and Media Community discusses issues faced by AgrAbility staff members in promoting their programs. Topics include social media, public awareness events, branding, publication design, and storytelling. This COI meets quarterly via conference call or web meetings.
Veterans Outreach and Support
Leader: Cindy Chastain
Description: The Veterans Outreach and Support Community of Interest was developed to provide an opportunity for AgrAbility staff members, veterans, organizations that support veterans, farming veterans or those that desire to become farmers, and other interested individuals to network and discuss topics of interest or concern regarding our country's veterans and their families.
Veterans Outreach and Support Archived Meetings
Past Communities of Interest
Arthritis and Agriculture
Description: The Arthritis and Agriculture Community of Interest was developed to provide an opportunity for agricultural professionals, AgrAbility staff, Arthritis Foundation staff, rural health care professionals, and the general public to network and discuss topics of interest or concern regarding the affects of arthritis on farmers, other agricultural workers, and their families and how to provide help in those situations.
Arthritis Archived Meetings
Assistive Technology
Description: The Assistive Technology Community of Interest met via conference call to learn and discuss issues relating to assistive technology for the farm. Topics included funding of assistive technology, professional certification for AT professionals, case studies, and brain-storming sessions.
Assistive Technology Archived Meetings
Mental/Behavioral Health
Description: The Mental/Behavioral Health Community of Interest met bi-monthly to learn more about recognizing and responding to the needs of clients with mental/behavioral health disorders. Participants learn more about how professional mental/behavioral health organizations can help clients and where to refer them for professional treatment.
Mental/Behavioral Health Archived Meetings