Arkansas AgrAbility Conference

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Learn about practical tools and methods to help farmers with injuries, illnesses or disabilities to remain productive. High-tech solutions such as exoskeletons and low-tech plans for improved tractor steps will be discussed and demonstrated. This will be a great educational opportunity for occupational therapists and agricultural professionals who want to know how to improve services to farmers throughout the west south-central region.

This “meeting of the minds” from both agriculture and physical rehabilitation professionals will increase the likelihood of success for farmers dealing with aging and other medical conditions.

Join us for this hands-on learning and planning opportunity.

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*Continuing Education Units (CEUs) will be offered for RESNA assistive technology professionals. CEUs are awarded once the attendance is confirmed, student passes the post-test, and completes the session evaluation. At the end of the session a post-test will be provided for CEU’s. It will include a session evaluation and 15 multiple choice questions based on learning objectives for that session. A score of 80% is needed for each section to earn credits for that session. The following sessions will be eligible for continuing education credits:

Tools and Resources for Farmers with Disabilities in Arkansas (3 hours on Wednesday, February 18) This assistive technology session will explore the process of conducting an agricultural worksite assessment, the selection of AT and modifications, and funding sources of AT and modifications.  The session will also cover the contents of the updated Agricultural Worksite Assessment Tool for Farmers and Ranchers with Disabilities.  .3 RESNA CEU will be awarded following a post test based on the learning objectives. The learning objectives are:

1. Define assistive technology.
2. Common causes for abandoned assistive technology.
3. The Human, Activity, Context, Assistive Technology (HAAT) Model
4. Learn where to find assistive technology options.

Livestock Farm assessment interview and observations practical (1 hour on Thursday, February 19) This session will demonstrate how to do an assistive technology worksite assessment for workers with medical conditions onsite at a livestock farm. Arthritis, back injury, and amputation will be considered as they restrict farmers from completing necessary tasks. Functional limitations include mobility climbing equipment, bending over to make repairs, lifting feed bags, gripping hand tools, walking long distances. Learn how to evaluate a worker’s needs and make suitable recommendations for their farm work. We will use observations from this assessment to research assistive technology options.  .1 RESNA CEU will be awarded following a post test based on the learning objectives. The learning objectives are:

1. Practice interviewing the farmer.
2. Practice making observations of the farm.
3. Discuss potential assistive technologies with the farmer.

Crop Farm assessment interview and observations practical (1 hour on Thursday, February 19) This session will demonstrate how to do an assistive technology worksite assessment for workers with medical conditions onsite at a crop farm. Brain injury and paralysis will be considered as they restrict farmers from completing necessary tasks. Functional limitations include mobility climbing equipment and operating controls. Learn how to evaluate a worker’s needs and make suitable recommendations for their farm work. We will use observations from this assessment to research assistive technology options.  .1 RESNA CEU will be awarded following a post test based on the learning objectives. The learning objectives are:

1. Practice interviewing the farmer.
2. Practice making observations of the farm.
3. Discuss potential assistive technologies with the farmer.

The trainer for these sessions is Ned Stoller, National AgrAbility Project. Ned Stoller has a BS in agricultural and biological engineering from Purdue University (1997) and is a RESNA-certified Rehabilitation Engineering Technologist/Assistive Technology Professional and agricultural engineering consultant for Michigan AgrAbility, National AgrAbility, Michigan Rehabilitation Services and Fulfilling Life Ministries. Since beginning his assistive technology career at Purdue University in 1998, Ned’s mission has been to encourage people with disabilities that they are loved by God and have great value and can find dignity in work.