2007 AgrAbility Articles
Back to Articles Main MenuFrom the WVATS Fall 2007 Newsletter
HealthSouth Mountain View Donates to Assistive Technology Fund
On September 18th, Inetta Fluharty and Stacy Miller joined Morgantown's HealthSouth Mountain View Rehabilitation Hospital in a special celebration of National Rehabilitation Week. The event honored 'Rehab Champions' - former patients who have excelled and are invited back to receive an award. In addition, the Hospital's Spinal Cord Team focused its fundraising efforts on helping to establish the West Virginia Assistive Technology Fund for Farmers with Disabilities.
At a luncheon that celebrated September as National Spinal Cord Injury Awareness Month, the team presented AgrAbility with a $400 check. Physical therapist, Bryanna Ordiway, who helped lead the fundraising effort, was one of the 15 therapists who attended the Rural Rehabilitation Training sponsored by WV AgrAbility in Spring 2007. "When I attended the training," she said, "it really opened my eyes to potential clients in need throughout the state. I proposed the idea of focusing our fundraising effort to assist farmers who might not be able to afford the devices they need to keep working. Everyone seemed to agree that it was a good idea".
The fund will be maintained by the Northern West Virginia Center for Independent Living (NWVCIL). Inetta Fluharty, Field Operations Manager for West Virginia AgrAbility, said she was "overjoyed at the generosity" exhibited by the HealthSouth staff, and hopes to begin making eligible AgrAbility clients aware of the new potential funding source.
If you are interested in making a tax-deductible contribution to the West Virginia Assistive Technology Fund for Farmers with Disabilities, call the Northern West Virginia Center for Independent Living at 866-262-2875.
From the WVATS Summer 2007 Newsletter
Agricultural Assessment Training a Success
On May 18th and 19th, a group of 20 physical therapists, occupational therapists and agricultural educators attended "Rural Rehabilitation: Agricultural Assessment and Accommodation," a two-day training in Morgantown. Designed to provide therapists with tools to provide relevant treatments to farmers, the ten hour interactive workshop used first-hand client stories, video clips, hands-on assistive technology fabrication and on-farm clinical exercises.
The participants were provided with 'case study' farmers, for whom they conducted assessments and provided recommendations for modifications to equipment, tools and facilities.
According to workshop evaluations, most trainees felt that the highlight of the training was its hands-on emphasis.
In addition to the instruction provided by Therese Willkomm Ph D, Lewis County Extension Agent, Bruce Loyd, conducted a session on farm culture, and Disability Program Navigator, Jennifer Shaffer, provided an overview of the many funding and other resources available for rural clients with disabilities.
If you would like to be contacted about future agricultural assessment training opportunities, call 304-293-4692 ext. 1185 or e-mail agrability@hsc.wvu.edu
New Tractor Modification Fact Sheet Available
If you think that having a physical limitation means that you need to stay out of the driver's seat on your tractor, think again. West Virginia AgrAbility is proud to announce the availability of a new four page fact sheet, 'Tractor Modifications for Changing Lives' that provides an overview of the many potential machinery accommodations available for farmers with physical limitations.
To receive a copy of the fact sheet, please call 800-841-8436, or e-mail agrability@hsc.wvu.edu
Reduce Vibration and Fatigue
If you find your wrists aching after using an electric drill, saw or other power tool, your hands might be trying to tell you something. The newest additions to West Virginia AgrAbility's list of items available for loan are all designed to reduce fatigue when working with power tools. Viscolas Black Maxx Vibration Dampening Gloves are coated with pods of lightweight cellular polyurethane to absorb and dissipate vibration from pneumatic and impact tools, reducing fatigue to hands, arms and shoulders.
The Orthex Grip Kit, also available through the loan library, offers an alternative to gloves, by applying a protective layer directly to the tool handle. This design gives full flexibility of hand movement, and can be applied quickly to power tools.
You can learn more about these products by visiting www.viscolas.com, or calling 800-548-2694. To borrow either product, contact the Loan Library at 800-841-8436 or wvats@hsc.wvu.edu
Accessible Picnic Table Dedicated
On Sunday, May 20th, Master Gardeners with the Durbannah Garden Club gathered to celebrate progress toward their goal of making gardening accessible to individuals with disabilities in Morgantown. With the help of the Board of Park and Recreation Commissioners (BOPARC) and the Green Thumbs, Healthy Joints program, Master Gardeners are helping transform Jack Roberts Park by paving the area around the water fountain and installing a wheelchair accessible picnic table.
The group is constructing wheelchair accessible raised beds around the perimeter of the newly paved area. Ergonomic and assistive gardening tools provided to the group through Green Thumbs, Healthy Joints will be demonstrated at the park and in the community.
"Progress is gradual," says Kay Beamer, who coordinates the project, "but we we're so excited to be seeing real accessibility improvements to the park. People of all ages and abilities should feel welcome here."
New Ergonomic Digging Tools Available
NRG RadiusT recently unveiled a line of seven stainless steel mid-length tools, including spades, forks, shovels, weeders and planters. All of these tools have large, cushioned circular handles that allow a greater range of natural hand positions, with enough space for both hands. The steps are larger, higher set and slightly offset from the shaft, which provides the user with a wider step for more secure foot placement.
To learn more, visit www.radiusgarden.com. The tools can be purchased from Lee Valley Tools, as well as from some garden stores around the state.
From the WVATS Spring 2007 Newsletter
Rural Rehabilitation Workshop Scheduled for May
Partnering with the West Virginia Occupational Therapy Association and the Division of Physical Therapy at WVU, West Virginia AgrAbility is hosting a training for therapists and rehabilitation specialists on May 18th and 19th, 2007, at the Euro-Suites Hotel in Morgantown. "Rural Rehabilitation: Agricultural Assessment and Accommodation" will provide participants with the tools necessary to work with farmers with injuries and disabilities, featuring sessions on farm culture, environment, hazards, site assessment, treatment solutions and equipment modifications. The training will feature an on-farm evaluation of equipment, small-scale livestock facilities, tools and farm-related assistive technology at the West Virginia University Organic Farm.
The ten hour training will also feature hands-on lessons from Dr. Therese Willkomm, PhD, O.T., on creating inexpensive, effective modifications that can be custom-made from everyday materials by therapists to meet an individual's needs. Training is limited to the first 40 registrants, and discounts are available for full-time students. For additional information about the upcoming training, or to receive a training brochure and registration form, please call 800-841-8436 or e-mail agrability@hsc.wvu.edu
Caddy Makes Trimming Grass Easier
In honor of National Arthritis Month in May, AgrAbility is featuring a gadget that reduces strain on the back, shoulders, arms and wrists. The Kwik Whip Cart can make using a gas-powered string trimmer much easier, as it rides on a pair of large cushioned wheels and has an L-shaped metal tube which clamps the trimmer at two different points.
The cart's anti-vibration technology reduces the risk of injury and allows one to trim under trees and other hard-to-reach places while bearing less weight and reducing the need to bend. The Kwik Whip Cart, manufactured by Cameo Industries, works with most types of gas and electric string trimmers. Learn more by contacting James and Shirley Olson at lukeo@tds.net
New Bridging Horizons Brochures Now Available
West Virginia AgrAbility is recruiting youth groups who would like to work with farmers (and members of farm families) with disabilities or injuries in their communities. AgrAbility staff can assist in identifying a community member in need, researching various modifications or tools, or offering design advice.
Project ideas might include using existing plans to construct a tool or coordinating a fundraising campaign to help a farmer purchase a device that will help them continue working with a disability. If you would like to receive copies of the new brochure for distributing to youth groups, or to receive assistance in identifying a farmer in need in your community, please call 800-841-8436 or e-mail agrability@hsc.wvu.edu
