Spring 2025 Indiana AgrAbility AT Expo
CLICK HERE TO REGISTER BY APRIL 3
When: Friday, April 11, 2025, 9:00 am - 3:00 pm EDT **Registration 8:30 am-9:00 am**
Where: Habecker Dining Commons at Huntington University
Who should attend: This training is designed for anyone interested in understanding the barriers to employment in agriculture careers and exploring how assistive technology (AT) can make farming tasks easier, less stressful, or even possible. Participants will receive hands-on education and demonstrations on how AT can be applied in agricultural careers.
This session is ideal for vocational rehabilitation professionals, occupational therapists, physical therapists, extension office professionals, veterans, and individuals with disabilities who are interested in pursuing careers in agriculture. Participants will gain valuable insights into how assistive technology can improve accessibility and enable individuals with disabilities to succeed in farming tasks.
Why: This FREE assistive technology (AT) training will provide participants with valuable insights into the technology and resources available to individuals with disabilities working in various agricultural careers. Attendees will learn how AT can support and enhance their ability to perform tasks in the agricultural field, fostering greater independence and success.
In the United States, farmers and ranchers rank second among laborers with disabilities due to work-related injuries. According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), over 200,000 farmers, ranchers, and agricultural workers sustain occupational injuries each year that limit their ability to perform essential tasks.
Join us to discover how these individuals overcome challenges and continue to succeed in their agricultural careers!
Event Summary
Join us for an inspiring and informative day, starting at 8:30 a.m. with check-in, a continental breakfast, and the opportunity to browse our sponsor booths.
After breakfast, we will delve into AgrAbility’s mission as we explore small but impactful assistive tools designed for farmers. Our expert presenter will cover AgrAbility’s evaluation services, introduce equipment solutions that support farmers in various roles, and provide answers to any questions you may have.
The day continues with a tour of Huntington University’s Strauss Animal Center, where you'll discover the practices involved in raising rabbits, goats, cows, and pigs. You’ll also have the chance to explore farm vehicles and equipment and learn how farmers with different abilities adapt their tasks using a wide range of assistive technology.
Following the tours, join a panel discussion featuring farmers who have partnered with AgrAbility for over five years. Hear their personal stories, learn about the challenges they’ve overcome, and discover how AgrAbility tailored solutions to help them continue farming. This interactive session will provide valuable insights and an opportunity to ask questions.
In addition to the tours and discussions, explore our sponsor booths where you can:
- Learn about academic programs at Huntington University, including Agricultural Studies, Occupational Therapy, and Doctoral OT.
- Get hands-on access to over 3,000 pieces of assistive technology available through the INDATA and Indiana AgrAbility lending libraries. Our team will guide you through how these tools support people with disabilities—come try some items and find out how to borrow them!
- Discover Life Essentials’ custom lift and larger technology solutions, including those used by some of the farmers featured today.
A catered Mexican buffet lunch will be served around noon, offering a great opportunity to network with others in the field and share insights.
We look forward to a day full of learning, innovation, and hands-on experiences!
For accommodations, special dietary needs, or any questions, please contact Lisa Becker at lbecker@eastersealscrossroads.org.
We can't wait to see you there!
**Important Information**
- CEUs will be offered for vocational rehabilitation professionals attending this training.
- If you require any accommodations to participate in this event, please submit your accommodation requests at least 3 business days prior to the event. For a tactile interpreter, please submit your request at least 1 1/2 weeks in advance.
- Please be advised that photos may be taken during the event.
- Feel free to dress casually. You may be climbing into/on farm equipment, so good closed-toed shoes are recommended. If participating in a farm tour, closed-toed shoes are required, and please dress appropriately for walking outdoors and in the barn area.
- For questions or accessibility information, please contact Lisa Becker at LBecker@eastersealscrossroads.org or call 317-466-2001, ext. 2529.