Iowa AgrAbility

*****************************************************************************
IN THIS EDITION:
*****************************************************************************

UP UP AND AWAY
NEW RULES FOR COMMUNICATION DEVICES
FARM ECONOMY IDEAS FROM IOWA STATE
RESOURCES TO KNOW ABOUT
FOR CAREGIVERS
PEER SUPPORT UPDATE
UPCOMING EVENTS
PERSONAL PROFILE

******************************************************************************
UP UP AND AWAY by Carmen Schacht
******************************************************************************

How many of you have admired the beauty and awe of a hot air balloon? I
always have, so on July 3l I went to the Maize Maze in Elgin, Iowa to see
the hot air balloon that Gary Waldman and Phil Gray bring to the Maze. This balloon, Serena's Song, is a specially-designed handicapped accessible
balloon that was the dream of Gary. Phil, of National Ballooning, Ltd.,
builds hot air balloons and pilots Serena's Song.
Serena's song was built as a tribute to Gary's daughter, Serena, who was born with CP and is quadriplegic. She had taken a hot air balloon ride and laughed and smiled so much that Gary dreamed of sharing this experience with others who have disabilities. Gary designed the balloon and went to Phil to build. Gary spent eight years raising money for the project and the dream became a reality.

The first year they flew the balloon, Phil's daughter was diagnosed with MS and now uses a wheelchair. Gary said the joy on the faces of their riders makes the time away from Serena bearable and makes what he and Phil do worthwhile.

I was the last one to ride that night. It was a wonderful experience, even though I only went to write a story for this newsletter. Thanks to Gary and Phil for making your "impossibile" dream a reality and a dream come true.

******************************************************************************
NEW REGULATIONS FOR COMMUNICATION DEVICES
******************************************************************************

The Federal Communications Commision (FCC) has approved new rules requiring the telecommunication industry to make pagers, cellular phones and other communication equipment easier for disabled people to use.

The FCC is telling manufacturers of voice-activated phones; talking Caller ID; phones with keypads, large buttons, TTY or TTD systems; to make their products more accessible early in the design of the product. If they don't, there could be penalties or damage awards.

******************************************************************************
FARM ECONOMY IDEAS FROM IOWA STATE
******************************************************************************

Iowa Concern provides confidential assistance and referral for stress, legal questions and financial concerns for Iowa families in times of crisis and change. The Iowa Concern Hotline number is 1-800-447-1985. It is answered 24 hours a day. To learn more about Iowa Concern and the assistance they provide, see their website:

http//www.exnet.iastate.edu/Pages/cahotlines/iowaconcern/

Information about Loan Deficiency Payments and the Loan Program is available on the Center for Agriculture and Rural Development website:

http//www.ag.iastate.edu/card/

Farmers seeking a career change can find information from the ISU Farm Economy Team at the following website:

http//isufarmeconomyteam.org/materials/assistsources.html

******************************************************************************
FOR CAREGIVERS
******************************************************************************

November is National Family Caregiver's (NFC) Month. NFC Month was created to honor the 25 million Americans who care for loved ones who have disabilities or who are chronically ill. The theme is "Share the Caring," to promote that caregiving is more than a one-person job. Sadly, the majority of caregivers do not receive consistent help from others.

Caregiving takes a toll on the caregiver over time. Suzanne Mintz, director of National Family Caregiver's Association states "Family caregivers need to learn that 'help' is not a dirty word, and there is no shame in reaching out." It is important to get help from others in order to find time for yourself, the family caregiver's number one need.

"Share the Caring" by celebrating NFC Month.

Source: "Share the Caring" by Suzanne Mintz, Paraplegia News, September 1999. In future newsletters we will look at other caregiving issues.

******************************************************************************
PEER SUPPORT UPDATE
******************************************************************************

Here's what's happening with Peer Support Groups throughout the state.

Freewheeler's Peer Support Group (Northeast Iowa)
Saturday, September 18, 1999 12:00 Noon
Guttenburg Care Center
Lunch will be served by the nursing home (Donation appreciated)
We will then play Bingo with the residents

JOIN US!

For more information contact:

Carmen Schacht
319-547-2932
cschacht@powerbank.net

******************************************************************************
UPCOMING EVENTS
******************************************************************************

Northeast Iowa Artists' Open Studio Tour
October 23 & 24 10 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.
Tour includes 34 different artist's studios at 19 locations.
The handicapped accessible studios are marked.

For More Info: Margaret Davis: 319-382-5911
Winneshiek County Tourism: 1-800-463-4692
Write: DRAC, PO Box 157, Decorah, IA 52101
E-mail: drac@artsdecorah.hypermart.net
http://artsdecorah.hypermart.net

******************************************************************************
PERSONAL PROFILE: Tracy Keninger
******************************************************************************

Tracy was born the youngest of seven children. She attended Ackley High School, Waldorf College and Mankato State University where she earned her degree in Education and Rehabilitation Counseling.

Early on Tracy had an interest in people with disabilities. Her father dealt with severe, chronic back problems, her cousin uses a wheelchair, she volunteered to help an elderly blind lady and has been a caregiver for a child with a disability.

While at Mankato State Tracy had to do a six month internship. This was where she learned about a one-of-a-kind program in the nation that specifically served farm family members with disabilities that just happened to be in Iowa. She interviewed for the job, but not with enthusiasm or desire. Her heart had grown disconnected from the farm.

However, she decided that for just six months, what the heck. She would be back in Iowa and could stand anything for six months. She has now worked with Easter Seals FaRM program for nine years. She considers this job as a true blessing in her life. Persons with disabilities and their families have entrusted her with information that has impacted their lives, not knowing it was making a difference in Tracy's life as well. It is her life's desire that she can merely share a bit of hope, inspiration, and a sense for living life to the fullest, that clients have modeled to her.

*****************************************************************************

This electronic newsletter from the Iowa AgrAbility Project will be sent monthly to AgrAbility families and other interested individuals. Please send comments and suggestions to:

E-mail: agrability@exnet.iastate.edu
Phone: Iowa State University Answerline at 1-800-262-3804
TDD: 1-800-854-1658.

...and justice for all. The Iowa Cooperative Extension Service's programs
and policies are consistent with pertinent federal and state laws and regulations on nondiscrimination regarding race, color, national origin, religion, sex, age, and disability.