WVATS Quarterly Newsletter
Fall 2003

Please note that phone numbers, addresses, websites and e-mail addresses were accurate at time of publication. This information may not be current.

Articles:   [WVATS]   [Resources]   [Tools]   [State]   [National]   [DBTAC]   [AgrAbility]  

Artist Showcase At PATHS

Individuals with disabilities have a positive impact on our society and everyday life in many obvious but sometimes overlooked ways. They are teachers and employers, community leaders and elected officials, neighbors and doctors, and sometimes, artists.

The WV Division of Culture and History and the WV Commission on the Arts, in cooperation with West Virginia Assistive Technology System (WVATS) sponsored an Artist Showcase at PATHS. The two-day exhibit was held in conjunction with the Eighth Annual Partnerships in Assistive TecHnologieS (PATHS) Conference on September 17-18, 2003, at the Charleston Civic Center in Charleston, WV.

The Artist Showcase featured the fine art and craft work of West Virginia artists with disabilities in an effort to show that individuals with disabilities make positive contributions to our communities and workplaces everyday. The Showcase also provided information about how literary, performing and visual arts can expand opportunities for creative expression, as well as employment for individuals with disabilities.

In addition to the art work, there were dozens of free exhibits for visitors to try some of the assistive technology available today to aid individuals with vision, hearing, mobility, and other impairments attain greater independence and improve quality of life. The exhibit hall and conference sessions gave the public, educators, individuals with disabilities and their family members many opportunities to learn about assistive technology and the role it can play in individuals' lives.

WVATS and WVDBTAC offered full day pre-conference sessions to help kick off the conference. The "'Fun' damentals of Assistive Technology" workshop presented the basics of assistive technology and assistive technology services, and presented information about funding available to obtain assistive technology. The interactive "Computer Access Assessment for Cognitive Impairments" workshop focused on computer access needs and allowed individuals to engage in hands-on activities with computers.

Look for more information on the PATHS to Real Choices Conference for adults with disabilities being planned for February 24, 2004, at the Charleston Civic Center.

ADAPT News

From the Front Lines
By Ken Ervin

Everyday persons with disabilities and people who are aging have their lives 'stolen' when they are forced into nursing homes by Medicaid's "institutional bias." Disabled and older Americans, already at risk for forced institutionalization in nursing homes due to this institutional bias in Medicaid, are currently at increased risk. Budget woes in nearly all states have seen state legislatures slash state budgets, especially the Medicaid programs. Under Medicaid, states are not allowed to cut federally mandated services, like nursing homes. First on the budget chopping blocks are the so-called "optional" services, like home and community based attendant services and supports. These "optional" services are the ones that help older and disabled Americans stay in their own homes rather than be forced into nursing homes and other institutions. "Optional" services are at additional risk under the proposed Bush budget, which would cap the amounts states spend for "optional" services while maintaining all currently mandated services (e.g., nursing homes) under Medicaid.

While Congress and the state talk about a program-wide "fix," there is no guarantee that home and community based services will be protected, even though every poll on the subject has overwhelmingly underscored the need and desire for home and community based long-term care rather than institutionalization in a nursing home. There is, though, legislation currently in both houses of Congress to guarantee that disabled and older Americans would have a real choice in where they receive their long-term care services and supports. That legislation, the Medicaid Community-based Attendant Services and Supports Act, also known as MiCASSA, has been introduced several times, is widely supported by disability and aging groups, and has yet to be passed. ADAPT's Free Our People March and the Free Our People Rally were designed to draw the attention needed to pass MiCASSA in 2003.

Camp Gizmo 2003

Camp Gizmo is a week-long hands-on camp where parents, professionals and students learn about how assistive technology can help young children (birth-8) with significant and multiple developmental needs. This year, Camp Gizmo was held July 27th - 31st, 2003, on the campus of the West Virginia Schools for the Deaf and Blind in Romney, West Virginia.

Camp Gizmo offers assistive technology assessments that are open to all members of the family. Many forms of assistive technology (AT) are arranged in lab areas so the AT is available during the families' free time. In 2003, Camp Gizmo had eight lab/assessment areas: a sensory integration lab; an augmentative communication lab; an alternative toy lab; a make-it, take-it lab; a computer access lab; a mobility lab; a feeding and swallowing clinic; and a field for hippotherapy.

Camp Gizmo is funded by the WV Department of Education, Office of Special Education; the WV Department of Health and Human Resources, Bureau for Public Health, Office of Maternal, Child and Family Health, WV Birth to Three Program, Office of Social Ser-vices, Child Care Program with support from the WV Early Child-hood Training Connections and Resources, the West Virginia Assistive Technology System (WVATS) and the Center for Excellence in Disabilities of WVU at the Robert C. Byrd Health Sciences Center.

Camp Gizmo 2004 will be held July 17th - 21st, 2004 on the cam-pus of the West Virginia Schools for the Deaf and Blind in Romney, WV. For more information on Camp Gizmo, call Ginger Huffman at 304-558-2696.

TechLink Offers Support

TechLink, the WVATS Tech Team based at the Arc of Wood County, has offered their support to a proposal to bring "Medicare Healthy Choices" a program of physical fitness and exercise to the local community. "Medicare Healthy Choices" hopes to improve the physical activity levels of community dwelling Medicare beneficiaries with disabilities, ages 18-64. TechLink has agreed to support this initiative by assisting with recruitment of participants, helping with identifying adaptive fitness equipment, and supplying a person to serve on the program committee.

Kara's Korner: A Week to Remember

By Kara Zirkle

After returning to the office after a week of long hours, cafeteria food and lots of children one would usually say he/she were happy to be back. Yes it is nice to be back in the office and back to a "normal" working schedule; however, you may be asking yourself what it is I was doing that week out of the office. To answer your question it was a week to remember! I had the privilege of attending my first year of Camp Gizmo.

Camp Gizmo is an annual camp held in Romney, West Virginia at the Schools for the Deaf and Blind. This camp is like any other children's camp, you have workshops, play time, swimming, horseback riding and free time. What you may not know is that this camp is not only for the children, the parents attend as well; this camp is designed for children who have special needs and their families. Parents attend workshops to get better educated about services, funding and laws that may benefit their child, while their children are at play time. After dinner there is swimming and free time. I bet you are wondering about the horseback riding; well it's actually called hippotherapy. It is designed to help children with abnormal tone, impaired balance response, coordination, communication, sensorimotor function, postural asymmetry, poor postural control, decreased mobility and many more.

Along with hippotherapy there are many opportunities for both the children and the parents such as a mobility and positioning lab. The lab contains various equipment and devices for mobility and positioning and is run by physical therapists. The computer lab gives the children hands-on opportunities to interact with various hardware and software while the parents receive an awareness of available computer technology.

The alternative augmentative communication (AAC) lab contains a variety of augmentative communication devices that the children may try; it is run by speech pathologists. The library has many videos, books, catalogs and other written materials for early childhood and across the life-span. The sensory lab is a room created for children to allow them the chance to "calm down." By using different lighting, surfaces and texture activities it allows the child to find a comfortable state of mind. The make-it-take-it lab contains a variety of materials and tools for making adaptations on site and provides a chance to try out ideas. A class is usually taught to help parents get ideas or improve old ones. Finally the assistive technology lab contains various assistive technology devices and adaptations such as toys so both the parents and children have the opportunity to find easier and more beneficial ways of playing.

So in closing; know that everyone is welcome at Camp Gizmo; a good time is had by all; and you leave with more friends than when you came. If you are interested in knowing more about Camp Gizmo, call us at 800-841-8436. I hope to see you next year!

GIZMO PLEDGE

    G is for Good Thoughts, Kind Words
    I is for Inclusion in All Activities
    Z is for Zany Times
    M is for Many Friends
    O is for Opening Doors

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Powerful Tools

Video Entry System with Intercom

Do you feel uncomfortable answering an unexpected doorbell? Is it difficult to see who's outside the door?

video entry system with intercom

The Video Entry System can solve this daily concern with state-of-the-art technology. This easy to operate security system is especially useful for elderly individuals and individuals with physical disabilities because it can eliminate unnecessary trips to the door.

The Video Entry System is comprised of two components: the Intercom/Doorbell with TV camera, and the telephone-style monitor. The Intercom/Doorbell has an infrared TV camera that mounts on the front door like a standard doorbell. To gain entrance, visitors push the doorbell, alerting residents with a chime. Residents can use the monitor (above), which is equipped with a four inch black and white video screen and handset to see and talk with visitors.

According to the company, installation is simple and should only take 30 minutes. The system allows up to three additional monitoring stations so users may place one near the front door, one in the kitchen and another in a distant room. If you have an electronic door lock already installed, it can be wired into the Video Entry System allowing the door to be unlocked from the monitoring station.

The Video Entry System contains:

The system allows residents to maintain constant video and audio surveillance of entryways without visitors knowing they are being observed and operates in almost total darkness

The maximum distance the camera can be from the monitor is 300 feet. The Video Entry System has a one-year limited warranty. Video Entry System-DL2040 - $249.99, additional monitor- DL2041-$159.99

For more information, call 888-940-0605 toll-free.

The EasyStand Magician
The EasyStand Magician is a standing system that can be positioned anywhere between sitting and standing. It is adjustable to grow with a child for many years. A variety of support options accommodate many children in a multi-user setting. The mobile Magician offers children independent mobility while standing. For more information on the EasyStand Magician, call 800-342-8968 or visit www.easystand.com

The ThirdArm
The ThirdArm is a patent pending, hands free new way to attach an open umbrella to your wheelchair, further enhancing your enjoyment of outdoor activities and protecting you from the sun and rain.
For more information call 866-373-2766 or visit www.wheelchairumbrellaholder.com

Zoom Zoom
Ai Squared has just released ZoomText 8.0, the newest version of its screen magnifier and screen reader software. New features include a redesigned toolbar with "intuitive" icons; an AppReader function, designed to provide continuous reading of documents, web pages, and e-mail within application programs; increased support for Internet Explorer and Microsoft Office; a mouse echo; an expanded typing echo that speaks every key on a standard QWERTY keyboard; and a setup program with an automatic installation feature. A free trial version is available at: www.aisquared.com/Products/ZoomText8/Z8FreeTrial/Z8Beta.htm
A single-user license for ZoomText 8 Magnifier and Screen Reader is $595; upgrades range in cost from $199 to $249. For more information, call Ai Squared at 802-362-3612.

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State News

The West Virginia Human Rights Commission Is Making Strides

According to Tausha Stigall of the West Virginia Human Rights Commission, there are many areas in which the Commission strives to provide adequate and beneficial services to the citizens of West Virginia. One of its main goals is to provide quality and timeliness in the investigations of discrimination claims.

Another goal for the West Virginia Human Rights Commission is outreach. Staff members at the West Virginia Human Rights Commission feel too many individuals are unaware of the Commission and what it can do for West Virginians. Investigators and other staff members travel the state to speak and attend meetings. The Commission is a partner with Goodwill Industries and Job Corps of West Virginia. According to Stigall, the Commission strives to inform every citizen in West Virginia, not only that discrimination is illegal, but that they have a place to bring such claims and that they will be dealt with quickly and fairly based on the law.

The Commission has worked to reduce case load and turnaround time. As a result, they now have 160 cases under investigation as opposed to the 500 plus that were under investigation three years ago. The average age of the cases is 100 days, as opposed to the 365 plus days of three years ago. Stigall states that "the mediation program is 68% successful, saving the Commission vast amounts of time and funds since a trial is not necessary, but the complaint is still vindicated." As a result of all of this, the Commission feels it is providing a better service to the citizens of West Virginia because the case load is more manageable.

The Commission now has interpreters available for many different languages and the hearing impaired, a TDD line, and much, if not all of their literature available in Braille. The Commission has a web page with the complaint form and instructions available to the citizens of West Virginia any time of the day or night.

The West Virginia Human Rights Commission handles all forms of discrimination. Commission staff also conduct investigations related to housing, public accommodations and places of employment.

For more information or to file a complaint, call 888-676-5546 or 304-558-2616.

Capitol Commission Approves Wheelchair Entrance

Construction of a new wheelchair-accessible entrance to the West Virginia Capitol should begin in the spring of 2004. Commission members approved construction of a ramp to the east wing of the Capitol that will be constructed on the east side entrance, adjacent to Department of Administration offices.

The design will resemble the west wing entrance ramp, currently the only Capitol entrance that complies with federal Americans with Disabilities Act standards. A second wheelchair entrance, located on the northeast side of the main Capitol building, is too steeply sloped to meet ADA standards.

Penney Hall, state ADA Coordinator, said "the west wing entrance is inconvenient since it is a considerable distance away from handicapped parking spaces on California Avenue." The east wing entrance is also the closest to the bus stop on California Avenue.

Donna Lipscomb, administration executive coordinator, said the department will put out a request for bids for the construction of the entrance. She said, "the Capitol needs at least two wheelchair entrances to comply with the ADA law, which requires at least 50 percent of public entrances to be ADA accessible." Capitol Protective Services is in the process of locking down Capitol complex buildings, restricting the number of public entrances to buildings and requiring visitors to pass through metal detectors. She said it has not been decided whether the Capitol will have three or four public entrances when it is secured. "The department is also replacing wheelchair lifts in the east and west wings of the Capitol, and will be adding lifts to make the galleries in the House and Senate accessible," Lipscomb said.
Information obtained from the Charleston Gazette, October 1, 2003

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The Resource Section

In the Workplace: AT and Older Workers

Changes are occurring in the workplace regarding older workers that will lead to even more profound shifts in the next 5-10 years. Currently, over 16 million Americans over 55 are working or actively seeking employment. By 2015, the number of employees over 55 will reach a record 31.9 million, compared to 18.4 million in 2000. It is not uncommon to know of workers in their upper 60s and 70s in most segments of the workplace. Financial need, longer life expectancy and a desire to remain working are reasons that the workforce of individuals aged 55 and older continues to grow.

Matching a person's capabilities and interests with job demands and requirements is important for workers of any age. Reasonable accommodations and the application of assistive technology (AT) can aid older workers in functioning more effectively in their jobs. Many of the solutions used to accommodate workers with disabilities can also solve work-related problems of older workers.

Older workers with vision, hearing, dexterity, memory, attention, standing and/or sitting impairments may encounter difficulties on the job. There are a variety of AT aids and other useful products available to address the issues that older workers may experience. Strategies and adjustments to the environment may also be beneficial to the older worker. For more information, please call WVATS at 1-800-841-8436 or look to some of these resources for more information:

The American Association of Retired Persons (AARP) covers the full spectrum of issues affecting older Americans www.aarp.org

"Discrimination Cases Against Employers Up" taken from the New England ADA and Accessible IT Center www.newenglandada.org/discrim_cases_up.php

Experience Works is a national, nonprofit organization that provides training and employment services for mature workers. Established in 1965 as Green Thumb, and renamed Experience Works in 2002, the organization reaches more than 125,000 mature individuals in all 50 states and Puerto Rico each year. www.experienceworks.org

Go 60.com provides a broad range of resources and information for older Americans who are interested in working. www.go60.com/go60work.htm

"Myths and Realities of Older Workers" by Susan Imel (1996)

"Older Workers are Staying on the Job for Economic Reasons" taken from Voices of Experience: Mature Workers in the Future Workforce, Research Report #1319-02-RR, The Conference Board. www.conference-board.org/publications/describe.cfm?id=604

Finding eBooks on the Internet

Finding eBooks on the Internet by Anna Dresner is a book that will help you to locate sites where eBooks can be viewed and purchased. The book sells for $14 and is readily available in Braille and large print. For more information, visit www.nbp.org

The U.S. Department of Transportation's Hotline for Air Travelers with Disabilities

The hotline can help you:

Call the toll-free hotline 7 a.m. to 11 p.m. EST, 800-778-4838 (Voice)   800-455-9880 (TTY)

Assistive Technology Products for Individuals Who Are Blind or Visually Impaired

"To have every visually impaired person respected and accepted as a self-sufficient individual by attaining their desired level of independence."

The Seeing Hand Association was founded in 1936 and has provided services to the Wheeling area for over 50 years. The Seeing Hand's vision is "To have every visually impaired person respected and accepted as a self-sufficient individual by attaining their desired level of independence." The Seeing Hand is pleased to announce it is a re-seller for Freedom Scientific and Telesensory products.

Freedom Scientific offers a complete line of software and hardware products for individuals who are blind, visually impaired and sensory disabled - from JAWS to the Braille Blazer embosser.

Telesensory video magnifier products can be helpful for many people with low vision to maintain their visual independence such as reading books, newsprint and prescription bottles, and writing checks.

Telesensory products offer: easy to use design; various magnification levels; horizontal and vertical line markers and highlighting; true color; color setting selection; brightness and contrast control; various screen types and sizes; easy to use controls; auto focus and computer compatibility on some models; and also lightweight portable size models.

Please contact Bob Hicks at 304-232-4810 or student@ovis.net for additional details on Freedom Scientific products. You may contact Joyce Britt at the Seeing Hand at 304-232-4810 or seehand@ovis.net for additional details on Telesensory products.

Adult Child Benefits

If you have an adult son or daughter with a disability, he or she may be eligible for either Supplemental Security Income (SSI) or Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) regardless of your income or assets. Both of these programs provide money to people with disabilities who are not capable of "substantial gainful activity," defined as the ability to have earned income of up to $800 per month or $1330 per month for individuals who are blind.

For more information call 800-772-1213 or check your telephone book for the listing of the Social Security office nearest you.

Air Travel with an Assistance Dog

The International Association of Assistance Dog Partners (IAADP) has developed a section of their web site to enable persons with disabilities who want to travel with a guide, hearing or service dog to become more familiar with government rules and policies governing the transportation of service animals in the plane cabin.

In addition to providing a link to relevant government documents, the site features an interesting article, "The Real Scoop," for those taking their first flight and those who want the latest available information governing a team's interactions with security screeners, gate agents and flight attendants. You can visit the site at www.iaadp.org/Scoop.html

IDEA Practices

For those interested in federal legislation pertaining to individuals with disabilities, the IDEA Practices web site provides a full text version of the law and regulations, a free newsletter and professional development resources. Parents or professionals seeking to investigate the legal provision of IDEA may find this site helpful. Visit this site at www.ideapractices.org

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WV DBTAC News

Peirce College Online

For more than 137 years, Peirce College has made it possible for many people to achieve their educational and career goals. Continuing this tradition, Peirce Online, the College's Internet mediated distance learning program, provides a new realm of convenience for students who are blind and visually impaired to fulfill their aspirations of earning a college degree. Through Peirce Online, individuals can complete entire associate and bachelor degree programs in Business Administration, Information Technology and Paralegal Studies, as well as certificate programs, over the Internet. There is no set class attendance schedule since course work is available anytime, anywhere. There are no residency or commuting requirements since all work can be completed through the Internet.

The college offers 24-hour help desk support. A program advisor is assigned to assist with all aspects of the educational experience. Students can get online support services such as tutoring, library research and career counseling. Students can take accelerated, seven-week courses. Year-round enrollment is available with sessions starting every month. Most importantly, through the work of Peirce College and its strategic partner, eCollege, Peirce Online courseware, and its web site, www.peirceonline.net are Section 508 compliant. This means that it meets the standard of basic level usability for students who are blind and visually impaired.

The College is accredited by the Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools. Its Paralegal Studies program is approved by the American Bar Association, and its business programs are accredited by the Association of Collegiate Business Schools and Programs. For more details, contact Patricia A. Rucker, Ed.D., Chief Academic Office and Dean, 1420 Pine Street, Philadelphia, PA 19102-4699; 215-670-9282.

Web Accessibility Contest

Can you create an accessible, creative web site? If so, you and your school could win a fabulous prize!

4 Categories:

Sponsored by: Mid-Atlantic Consortium on Accessible Information Technology in Education through its West Virginia affiliate WVDBTAC

Contact WVDBTAC for more information at 800-841-8436 or jhayhurst@hsc.wvu.edu

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FrogPad

FrogPad one-handed keyboard

FrogPad is a one-handed keyboard that works with most USB compatible devices. This includes all desktops, laptops, tablets, wearable PC's and gaming applications.

FrogPad offers:
     Simple practical design
     Support for all languages
     Type up to 40 wpm
     Full size keys

For more information call 713-690-9611 or visit www.FrogPad.com

Learn How to Make Tables Accessible

A new free tutorial is now available! Created by Macromedia and Usablenet, this tutorial explains how to make a complex table accessible. The tutorial shows you where to add headers to your tables and how the fix wizard in LIFT for Dreamweaver can make creating accessible tables a very quick process. The tutorial is in a flash format and takes only a few seconds to download: www.macromedia.com/resources/special/quicktips/

TestTalker

TestTalker is a software solution to help individuals be more successful with test taking, worksheet completion and with study materials. It can also help people complete forms electronically. TestTalker provides a computerized version of a test, worksheet or other form that can talk.

With mandated requirements for standardized testing and accountability, this is an option that teachers and students will find welcome and useful. TestTalker maintains the integrity of the written test by not modifying the test. TestTalker is an accommodation tool that provides a bimodal presentation of the unmodified written information.

TestTalker has two modules: the Teacher Edition, a test-creating module designed for teachers; and the Student Edition, a test-taking module. The Teacher Edition scans pre-printed tests and allows teachers to configure them so students can complete the tests electronically. The Student Edition reads the test aloud and allows students to answer the questions. Teachers and students can print the blank or completed tests if they wish.

TestTalker supports True/False, Multiple Choice, Fill-in and Extended Answer tests. The product includes a PDF (Adobe(r) Portable Document Format) converter so teachers can simply open a PDF file in TestTalker without needing to scan.

TestTalker can help students become better prepared for test-taking. TestTalker enables students to become familiar with specific testing formats. It provides a bimodal approach, which enhances learning for many students and helps empower students to feel successful. TestTalker also better prepares students for taking tests on the computer. Considering the increasing popularity of this method of test delivery, it serves as a tool for individuals to practice completing tests by computer.

For more information on TestTalker call 888-223-3344 or e-mail wynn@freedomscientfic.com

Read Braille Files with E-Book Reader

Electronic Braille files can be read on a screen reader or refreshable Braille display, with WB-View 1.0. This software is designed to read electronic Braille files. WB-View is also compatible with plain text files. Developed with funding by the National Literacy Service, WB-View's features include automatic return to the last line read, support for up to 10 bookmarks, auto-read with custom speed settings and support for "find" commands. The cost is $69. For more information, please contact Computers and Assistive Technologies by phone at: 772-546-8950 or 772-546-2473.

Computing that Grows with You

Mobile Assistant V brings the power and functionality of a state-of-the-art desktop computer from the back of the classroom to the student's backpack, by putting the tools they need within reach.

XyberKids provides instant access to computing. The package includes a backpack, powerful speakers and the Mobile Assistant V with an all-light readable flat panel display. Various software programs allow the Mobile Assistant V to be customized for students' specific needs, allowing the product to grow with the students as they learn.

To better communicate and participate in classroom activities, many students can benefit from fully-functional computers at their sides to assist them. The XyberKids product is a multi-component solution for students with a disability, allowing them to have powerful computers with them everywhere they go.

For more information on XyberKids call 703-654-3614 or visit www.xybernaut.com

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West Virginia Agrability

Do you belong to an organization whose members might want to know more about West Virginia AgrAbility? Please call to arrange an AgrAbility presentation. We would like to share information with your organization about the AgrAbility Project and how it helps farmers and their families.

1-800-841-8436 or assist@sunnyelkins.com

A STRAP-ON STOOL FOR FIELD WORK

Stoop labor is unavoidable on berry and vegetable farms, since at times the plants and soil need to be tended by hand. If you spend too much time stooping, kneeling or squatting, you may experience fatigue, muscle soreness or injuries. One alternative is to use an adjustable, strap-on stool that lets you sit while you work.

HOW DOES IT WORK?
The one-legged stool features a nylon belt that fastens around your waist, and has straps extending from the belt to the seat of the stool that adjust to fit your body. Once you have fastened the belt and adjusted the straps, the stool moves with you and is easy to sit down on again in a new location. The seat is made of durable hard plastic, and the single metal leg is adjustable to three different heights for performing a variety of tasks. The lightweight stool features a spring-like base, so that you do not sink into the ground.

STRAP-ON STOOL BENEFITS:

Less fatigue and discomfort. Prolonged stooping or kneeling to harvest and weed are some of the activities which put vegetable and berry growers in one of the highest risk groups for occupational injuries. If you do these tasks while sitting, you eliminate knee strain and lessen strain on your back, hamstrings and torso. Your body doesn't get tired as quickly and you can comfortably work for a longer time.

  Harvest posture analysis for picking strawberries   Without stool With stool
Time spent in unacceptable postures 82% 65%
Time spent in marginal postures 16% 34%
Time spent in acceptable postures 2% 1%

Postural analysis was compiled in Finland by the Work Efficiency Institute using the Ovaco Work Analysis System (OWAS).

Lets you change positions. Using a strap-on stool lets you move from sitting to standing, and then back to sitting, and then forward-leaning sitting, and then to kneeling. If you change your position often, you can alleviate muscle stress and prevent pain. The strap-on stool lets you give your knees or back a rest. Customers at Pick-Your-Own (PYO) farms might enjoy using strap-on stools. They might find the harvest experience more fun and comfortable with a stool, and possibly pick for a longer time in the process.

Both hands free. Some growers sit on an upturned five-gallon plastic bucket or use a padded kneeling stool to give their backs and knees a break. The disadvantage of these types of seats is that every time you move to a new place in the bed or row, you need to pick up your seat and reposition it. Since the strap-on stool fits snugly to your body and moves with you, you have both hands free to harvest, weed, or carry your harvest container.

Affordable. The price for a strap-on stool ranges from $22-$38. If the stool saves you the cost of just one visit to the chiropractor, or enables a handful of U-Pick customers to stay in your fields for longer, then it will pay for itself very quickly.

HOW CAN I GET A STRAP-ON STOOL?
The strap-on stool we describe here is designed for milking cows. It is manufactured by Kruuse, a Dutch company, and is called the Port-A-Stool, Texas Milking Stool, or Strap-On Milk Stool. You can also build or modify your own stool to fit your needs. This strap-on milking stool or similar ones can be obtained from:

These references are provided as a convenience for our readers. They are not an endorsement.

TIPS FOR CHOOSING AND USING A STRAP-ON STOOL.
When choosing strap-on stools for field use, look for a stool that is lightweight, has a base that is wide enough to prevent you from sinking in soil, has adjustable straps from belt to stool, and does not have any parts that would be harmed by weather, dirt or grit.

Make sure that you adjust the straps so that the stool is tight, not wobbly. Then give yourself a few minutes to get accustomed to having a stool follow you around, and to feel comfortable enough to rely on it to support all your weight. If you position your feet so that your knees form a 90 degree angle, you'll have less knee strain.

You'll find that the stool gives you many posture options. You can sit upright, or let it support you while you sit and lean forward, or sit and lean to the side. If you feel like kneeling or standing for a while, the stool will not be in your way (although it may look a bit strange!).

If you are working in very sandy or in loose, wet soil, you may wish to attach a solid base such as a piece of wood or metal to the spring at the base of the stool.

Material is not copyrighted. Feel free to reproduce; please mention source: University of Wisconsin Healthy Farmers, Healthy Profits Project, Oct. 2001; Second Edition.

Senior Farmer's Market Nutrition Program Expanded

The Senior Farmer's Market Nutrition Program will be expanded to cover all of West Virginia in 2004, West Virginia State Agriculture Commissioner Gus R. Douglass announced recently.

"Thanks to funding provided by the United States Department of Agriculture, we can now expand this program to all 55 counties and provide West Virginia grown fresh fruit and vegetables to more than 35,000 seniors," Commissioner Douglass said. "West Virginia has the oldest population in the nation per capita, and many of our seniors live on fixed incomes. For many of them, this program provides them the ability to add healthy foods to their diets."

Through the program, eligible seniors will receive ten, $2 coupons per household to be used for the purchase of the fruits and vegetables at any of the state's farmers; markets or independent stands that have been approved for the program.

The West Virginia Department of Agriculture (WADA) currently operates markets in Charleston, Logan and Linwood. A complete list of the independent markets can be found on line at www.wvagriculture.org

Interested persons should contact their local senior center for information on how to register for the program.

For more information about the Senior Farmer's Market Nutrition Program, contact the WADA's Marketing and Development Division at 304-558-2210.

2003 WV Farmer's Connection Guide

The "WV Farmer's Connection Guide" is now available! The Guide is an endeavor of the West Virginia AgrAbility Project to serve as a resource for farmers and farm families in West Virginia. This guide contains contact information for both state and national resources related to agriculture.

This is the first edition of the "WV Farmers' Connections Guide." We intend to update this agriculture resource each year to provide West Virginia's farmers with the most accurate and current information possible. Much of the information contained in the "WV Farmer's Connections Guide" was obtained and adapted from the web sites of the organizations described in the Guide.

WV AgrAbility project staff members will be updating the material for a second edition in 2004. In the interest of continual improvement, we ask that if you know of any resource that should be listed in this guide or any corrections that need to be made, please call 1-800-841-8436

Program Will Help Farmers

Adapted from article in the Tyler Star News, Sept. 17, 2003

USDA-Rural Development announces the availability of $27.7 million through the Value Added Agriculture Product Market Development Grant (VADG) Program.

"West Virginia's agricultural producers who want to develop or increase their "value-added" agricultural products need to take a look at this program," said Jenny N. Phillips, Rural Development State Director for West Virginia.

The Value Added Agriculture Product Market Development Grant (VADG) Program helps eligible independent producers of agriculture commodities, agricultural producer groups, farmer and rancher cooperatives and majority-controlled producer-based business ventures to fund one of two activities.

Developing business plans or feasibility studies for viable marketing opportunities, or acquiring working capitol to operate a value-added business venture or an alliance that will allow the producers to better compete in domestic and international markets. Applications can be for only one of these two activities, but not both.

Grant funds may be used to pay up to 50 percent of the costs for relevant projects. Other federal grants cannot be used as matching funds. The maximum grant award is $500,000. Priority is given to projects under $500,000, producing energy from biomass or demonstrating profitable use of innovative technologies.

For more information, contact the USDA Rural Business Cooperative Service at 304-284-4883.

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WVATS Newsletter

Editors: Marie Smith and Jamie Hayhurst jhayhurst@hsc.wvu.edu

Center for Excellence in Disabilities at West Virginia University Publications

Editorial Committee: Jeanne Grimm, Monica Andis, Laura Werner, Jeff Werner, Lori Risk

Design and Layout: Kim Palumbo

All printed materials produced by WVATS are available in Braille, electronic format, cassette tape and large print.

This publication was supported by funds from the National Institute on Disability and Rehabilitation Research (NIDRR), U.S. Department of Education, grant number H224a20011. The lead agency is the West Virginia Division of Rehabilitation Services. Contents of the newsletter are solely the responsibility of the authors and do not necessarily represent the official view of the U.S. Department of Education or the Center for Excellence in Disabilities.

Web site address: www.cedwvu.org/programs/wvats/

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