Zoom Discussions and Communities of Interest
AgrAbility Zoom Discussions
These are intended to be primarily vehicles for discussion, networking, and collaboration. There may be a brief presentation during the sessions to encourage questions and discussion.
Archived discussions:
- Finding Qualified Vendors of Agricultural Assistive Technology (July 19, 2022)
- Understanding Osteoarthritis & Agriculture Resources (August 25, 2022)
- NRCS: How can AgrAbility and its clients benefit from USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service? (September 27, 2022)
- AT Act Programs & AT Loan Libraries (October 18, 2022)
- Safety During Farm Visits (November 29, 2022)
- Crowdfunding for AgrAbility, Nonprofits, and Others (January 24, 2023)
- Marketing & Media: Writing and working with the media (February 23, 2023)
- Veterans Community of Interest (April 20, 2023)
- “Taking Away the Keys” (May 23, 2023)
- Critical Conversations: Farm Stress and Mental Health Challenges in Farmworker Communities (June 14, 2023)
- Beyond Grant Funding – How do we sustain the work of AgrAbility? (July 26, 2023)
- Worksite assessment tools: What are you using, and what is needed? (September 6, 2023)
- Becoming a Certified ATP (October 12, 2023)
- Internet of Things for Precision Agriculture (IoT4Ag) Center (December 12, 2023)
- Outreach to Extension (January 31, 2024)
- Educating Legislators (March 13, 2024)
- Outreach to Vocational Rehabilitation (May 8, 2024)
- AT Expos (July 2, 2024)
- Working with Amish/Old Order Communities (August 14, 2024)
- Brain Injury Causes, Effects, and Suggestions (November 13, 2024)
AgrAbility Communities of Interest (COIs)
COIs are member-driven groups that discuss topics related to disability in agriculture. Communities normally have conference calls or web meetings, and structure of these meetings may include open discussion, case studies, and presentations from outside experts. AgrAbility COIs are open to those not employed by AgrAbility Projects, including consumers and professionals.
Current Communities of Interest
Veterans
Leader: Joe Ricker
Description: The Veterans Community of Interest addresses a wide range of issues related to veterans involved in or interested in agriculture. Topics include beginning farmer issues, finance, assistive technology, and many others. Zoom meetings are archived here.
Marketing and Media
Leader: Paul Jones
Description: The Marketing and Media Community discusses issues faced by AgrAbility staff members in promoting their programs. Topics include social media, public awareness events, branding, publication design, and storytelling. This COI meets quarterly via conference call or web meetings.
Beekeeping
Leader: Joe Ricker
Description: The Beekeeping Community of Interest discusses a wide range of topics related to beekeeping with a special focus on assistive technology for beekeepers. Virtual meetings often feature an outside expert.
Farmworkers
Leader: Kimber Nicoletti-Martínez
Description: The Farmworker Community of Interest focuses on issues related to migrant/seasonal farmworkers and other “settled” farmworker populations. Topics include not only physical disability issues but also stress and mental health concerns.
International AgrAbility Network
Leader: Ned Stoller
Description: The International AgrAbility Network collaborates to identify low-tech assistive technology that will improve a farmer’s likelihood of success after a disabling injury or illness. Low-tech assistive technology is made with readily available parts, simple to use with minimal training, inexpensive to create, and practical for farm use.