Ohio State University. Office of Outreach and Engagement
Abstract
IMPACT. 1: Education: Annually, OAP reaches over 11,500 individuals with educational outreach activities; topics describe OAP services and demonstrate assistive technology and Universal Design concepts on the farm to prevent secondary injury. -- 2. Networking: A 10-member advisory board, a 6-farmer Peer coach network, and 230 students involved in capstone projects have linked agricultural solutions for real-world problems that farmer face. -- 3. Assistance: Many of OAP's 140 clients qualify for funds through Opportunities for Ohioans with Disabilities or other external sources to improve their workplace. To date, $490,000 has been utilized on farms.OSU PARTNERS: College of Food, Agricultural and Environmental Sciences; Department of Food, Agricultural and Biological Engineering; Ohio State University ExtensionCOMMUNITY PARTNERS: United States Department of Agriculture - National Institute of Food and Agriculture supports the AgrAbility Program: Ohio is one of 20 states that receive funding through this program. Grant partner: Easter Seals TriState Opportunities for Ohioans with Disabilities (OOD); USDA Farm Service Agency; County Boards of Developmental DisabilitiesPRIMARY CONTACT: Laura Akgerman ([email protected])Ohio AgrAbility Project's (OAP) mission is to promote independence through rehabilitation and established service capacity to meet the needs of Ohio farm families with disabling injuries. The program takes a comprehensive approach to optimize the clientele's farmstead planning and support their sustainability in an agricultural occupation. Through a combination of education, networking, and assistance the project builds bridges to connect agricultural clientele to disabilities services and appropriate technologies
