A publication of the AgrAbility In Dakota project.
P.O. Box 1206, Mandan, ND 58554 (701) 663-6828 ext 303 or 1-800-247-0698 ext 303
esgwnd@btigate.com - www.ext.nodak.edu/agrability
Promoting Success in Agriculture for People with Disabilities and Their Families
Spring 2001 -- Volume 4, Number 1
As of March 31, 2001, the AgrAbility in Dakota program has completed its ninth year. All program goals and objectives were reached. A special thank you to all the Easter Seals Goodwill N.D., Inc, staff for assisting the AgrAbility program with training the rural hospitals and professionals across the state. This last year has been very successful, and the program staff anticipate another successful year to come.
The Barn Builders is a national peer support network of farmers and ranchers with disabilities. Breaking New Ground Resource Center at Prudue University published the last Barn Builders in 1996. It now is in the process of being updated. If you know of anyone who would be interested in becoming a "resource," please call Trina Gress at 1-800-247-0698 ext. 303. A "resource" would offer experience, encouragement and practical ideas for the farmers and ranchers with disabilities who wish to remain in agriculture.
"Help, help! Dad's caught in the auger!" The most chilling and un-nerving cry to be heard on a farm; the message that stops everyone in their tracks, instantly wondering what to do!
At least 1,308 farm injuries that required treatment at a medical establishment happened to North Dakota farmers and farm workers in 1994. Of these, 440 injuries were musculoskeltal injuries and 69 victims spent at least one day in a hospital. Many injuries are very likely to happen again this year.
There is no excuse for a victim of agricultural injury to suffer in pain because there is no one is available on the farm who knows what to do, right away. Every farm needs to have at least two individuals who are trained in first aid and CPR. Family members who are trained in first aid and CPR can improve the victim's chances of survival and speed the recovery. Recovery from an agricultural injury can be much easier if quality treatment is given to the victim as soon as possible, in the first hour after the accident.
First aid and CPR courses are offered frequently across the state. Check your local newspapers or ask local rescue personnel about such courses. Most courses are offered with a low charge and some are absolutely free. Either way it is an excellent opportunity to gain the needed skills. CPR training needs frequent updating and refreshing. Even if you took a course several years ago you still need the latest training. Check it out!
Parents often have their children working alongside them and operating farm machinery. But should children be doing this? When should they be allowed to drive solo? When are they really old enough? Is it a matter of age or maturity? How do you know when? These are tough questions and the answers do not come easily.
Tractor Safety Schools are offered every year as an effort to help youthful tractor drivers get a safer start at being a driver. These schools include classroom and behind-the-wheel instruction. Students are tested before the school begins, as well as after, to determine how much they actually learned. The schools are intended for youth between the ages of 13 and 16. Those who are 13 will receive their certificate on their 14th birthday.
The student who successfully completes the course and is 14 or older will receive a U.S. Department of Labor Certificate of Training. This certificate legally permits a minor under the age of 16 to drive a tractor and operate identified farm machinery for hire. See your county agent for details on registering for the school you want your child to attend. The Tractor Safety Schools will meet from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. according to the following schedule:
| Town/Location | Contact Person | School/Location | Dates |
|
|
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| Mott, N. D. | Dwain Barondeau NDSU Extension |
Mott Courthouse Mott N.D. |
May 22, 23, 24
|
| Casselton, N. D. | John Kringler NDSU Extension |
RDO John Deere Dealership Casselton, N.D. |
May 30, 31, June 1 |
| Carrington, N.D. | Tom Olson NDSU Extension |
NDSU Experiment Station Carrington, N.D. |
June 5, 6, 7 |
| Beach, N.D. | Harvey Peterson NDSU Extension |
Home On The Range Sentinel Butte, N.D. |
June 12, 13, 14 |
| Park River, N.D. | Brad Brummond NDSU Extension |
Park River High School Park River, N.D. |
June 19, 20, 21 |
| Hawley, MN | Mary Wheeler MN Extension |
RDO John Deere Dealership Hawley, MN |
June 25, 26, 27 |
Spring is around the corner and that means you will soon be planting your garden. There are many different ways to accommodate disabilities while gardening. Adapting garden tools yourself is a cheap way to modify tools. For example, use PVC pipe and a funnel to plant larger seeds, or use a spice jar to sprinkle the smaller seeds. To increase the gripping surface on your tools, wrap the handle with tape or purchase foam pieces or bicycle grips and slide them onto the ends of tool handles.
Sometimes transporting the tools is tiring for people with disabilities. Use an old golf bag with wheels or find a small canvas bag to carry tools. Another idea is to place a decorative mailbox in your garden and store all tools there, out of the rain.
All information regarding assistive technology and gardening can be found on the Missouri AgrAbility web site, http://www.muhealth.org/~arthritis/gardens/.
Training for new AgrAbility staff at University of Wisconsin -- April 19 & 20, 2001
Time Out for Safety & Health: Focus on Youth -- Mandan High School -- May 12, 2001
RESNA Annual Conference -- Reno, Nevada -- June 22-26, 2001
ND State Fair -- Minot, ND -- July 20-29, 2001
Market Place of Ideas -- Bismarck, ND -- January 11, 2001
KMOT TV Expo -- Minot, ND -- January 25-27, 2001
Farm Safety 4 Just Kids Regional Conference -- Minot, ND -- January 26-27, 2001
KFYR Agri-International Stock & Trade Show -- Bismarck, ND -- February 12-14, 2001
Easter Seals Goodwill ND, Inc., state training -- Grand Forks, ND -- February 26-27, 2001
Ellendale Area Health & Safety Fair -- Ellendale, ND -- March 8, 2001
Columbus Farm Institute -- Columbus, ND -- arch 15, 2001
Morton County Farm Bureau Day -- Mandan, ND -- March 22, 2001
Towner County Ag Day -- Cando, ND -- March 29, 2001
Giveaway
Wanted
Tom Alexander, Co-Director
AgrAbility In Dakota
P.O. Box 1240, Minot, ND 58702
Bus. (701) 839-4121 Fax (701) 838-5998
Cell (701) 720-4276
Email: alextom@minot.com
Trina Gress, Co-Director
AgrAbility In Dakota
P.O. Box 1206, Mandan, ND 58554
Bus. (701) 663-6828 ext. 303 Fax (701) 663-6859
Toll Free Nationwide 1-800-247-0698 ext. 303
Cell (701) 220-4272 Res. (701) 221-2649
Email: esgwnd@btigate.com
George Maher, Ag Safety Specialist
NDSU Extension Service
Box 5626, Ag Engineering 115
North Dakota State University, Fargo, ND 58105-5626
(701) 231-8288 FAX (701) 231-1008
Email: gmaher@ndsuext.nodak.edu
The National Grant Program of the AgrAbility Project is a joint effort of The USDA Extension Service, The National Easter Seal Society and Purdue University's Breaking New Ground Resource Center. Support for this newsletter is provided by the USDA Extension Service; Project #92-EFDA-1-10013.
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