Lincoln to host AgrAbility National Training Workshop in March

Nebraska rancher Rowan Ballagh uses assistive technology on his ranch in north-central Nebraska. AgrAbility helped with adding a specialized feeder in the back of a side-by-side utility vehicle to reduce lifting and carrying heavy bags of feed. In addition, they helped address his biggest need, his cattle chute. His manual chute required him to be standing, moving back and forth, and lifting both arms above his head, which was a challenge for him due to back pain, arthritis, weakness in his left arm and limited use of his right arm. Nebraska AgrAbility recommended a hydraulic chute in which all levers are at waist level and activated at the push of a button.

Agricultural workers with disabilities or chronic illness, their families and professional staff are invited to the AgrAbility National Training Workshop from March 25-28 at Embassy Suites in downtown Lincoln.

The workshop, hosted by Nebraska AgrAbility, is the foremost educational event in the nation addressing disabilities in agriculture. Potential clients and their families, AgrAbility staff members and stakeholders — including U.S. Department of Agriculture and rehabilitation professionals, other nonprofit members, and suppliers of products beneficial to AgrAbility customers — are invited.

The program will offer information on leveraging resources and direct service to clients; networking opportunities with other clients, service providers and agency representatives; and training.

Registration is required here. Early-bird registration ends March 1, and registration closes March 21.

AgrAbility aims to enhance the quality of life for farmers, ranchers and other agricultural workers with disabilities so that they, their families and communities can continue to succeed.

Nebraska AgrAbility’s team includes Nebraska Extension educators Nancy Frecks and Susan Harris-Broomfield, University of Nebraska faculty member Aaron Yoder and Nebraska Easterseals staff members Angie Howell, Rod Peterson, Emily Freudenburg and John Davis.

Success can have multiple meanings, whether it is getting back to one’s own business, gaining employment in agricultural production or gaining the assistive technology needed to complete everyday tasks. Nebraska AgrAbility’s priorities are to develop educational programs that increase individual knowledge, advance capabilities through new technologies, encourage peer networking and provide direct services to agricultural workers in need.

Nebraska AgrAbility has worked with 567 clients since 1995, serving clients in 92 of the state’s 93 counties.

Learn more about Nebraska AgrAbility.