Iowa AgrAbility

Agrability Chit-Chat, Newsletter
Vol. 2, No. 1 -- January 2000

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IN THIS EDITION:
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(LL)

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CARM'S COMMENTS

The New Millennium - What will it bring? As I think back to the last 50 years and all the changes, I can't help but wonder what will come. I don't know how many of you watched the New Year's Eve coverage of the Millennium activities around the world, but I did and I was very impressed!

Assistive devices for people with disabilities have come SO FAR! Transportation has come a LONG WAYS. Plus, now the electric wheelchairs and scooters come in bright colors, styles - one for every taste and individual need.

One of the things that I would like to see happen is for contractors to learn that unless a person is disabled, they have no idea that certain things need to be done in certain ways - large enough stalls and doors for accessible rest rooms in public places, doors on buildings easy to open, stores that don't pile things everywhere so that you can't get around even if you wanted to. Ask a disabled person about these things - don't just do it and consider it accessible.

Happy New Year! Oh yes, my van has new hand controls and a new tie-down for my scooter. I am very happy to have reliable transportation again. Thanks to Voc Rehab! Til next month, CARM

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ROLE OF HOPE IN TIME OF TRANSITION (excerpts from article written by Paul Lasley, ISU Extension Sociologist and Elaine Edwards, ISU Extension Communications Specialist)

According to the 1999 Iowa Farm and Rural Life Poll, 55 percent of Iowa's farmers are dissatisfied with their farm's profitability. This is up from 34 percent in 1991. And 57 percent reported their personal level of stress has increased.

"We know these are stressful times because of the sagging farm economy, languishing farm incomes," said Paul Lasley, Iowa State University Extension Sociologist and Director of the Iowa Farm and Rural Life Poll. "Throughout agriculture, this is a period of transition. For some, these transitions may be minor, for others, major."

For some people, this is a period when they may have to leave farming. In family-owned businesses, whether on main street or on the farm, the business represents more than a way to make a living. It represents one's personal identity, one's family identity and one's roots.

"This is where the role of hope enters the picture. Hope is central to our very existence. It is when hope is gone, when dreams are taken away, when our world is turned upside down, when we hurt, that this is a signal to reexamine our values," Lasley said. "Sometimes loss causes us to appreciate what we have, or nudges us to get our priorities in order. Perhaps it is during times of adversity that we should focus on what is truly important in our lives.

I marvel at people who have been dealt a severe blow, and have the ability to pick up the pieces, get their lives together and move forward. Maybe it is hope, or perhaps determination, resolve, strength, fortitude, mettle or courage. The quality of character to successfully deal with adversity might be called grit," Lasley said. "It would be understandable for those suffering to wallow in self-pity, but instead they face adversity with an attitude that things will get better."

Feelings that others care and perceptions that there are others you can talk to about the problem may be quite important in accepting the loss. "These are difficult times and, while we can not reverse the trends, we can make the transitions easier by demonstrating concern and care," Lasley encouraged. (LL)

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WANT MORE MONEY IN 2000????? (excerpts from "Y2K to M2K" by Sue McDonnell and Donna Donald, ISU Extension Family Resource Management Specialists)

Want to have more money in year 2000? Then enroll in Money 2000. The family budget is a lost art for many households. Iowa State University Extension hopes to revive budgeting skills with Money 2000, a state and national effort to help individuals take control of their financial well being. All county extension offices are signing up Money 2000 households. Enrollees set a personal financial goal for savings and/or debt reduction. Money 2000 recruits will receive quarterly money management newsletters along with other support and education.

There is no fee, and people of all income levels are encouraged to sign up. Call your County ISU Extension office for details. Or, check out the Money 2000 web site at http://www.exnet.iastate.edu/Pages/families/resmgt/ (LL)

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APPLY FOR TAX CREDIT (excerpts from Sue McDonnell, Family Resource Management Specialist, ISU Extension

The Earned Income Credit (EIC) is a special tax benefit for people who work full or part-time and earn modest or low incomes. Who can get the Earned Income Credit? Single or married workers who were raising children in their homes and who earned less than $30,580 in 1999 can receive an EIC up to $3,816. If you were raising one child, the income limit is $26,928, and you can get up to $2,312. To claim the EIC file tax form 1040 or 1040A and attach Schedule EIC.

You may qualify even if you had no children living with you. Single or married workers at least 25 years of age and under age 65, who earned less than $10,200 in 1999 can get an EIC up to $347.

An expanded Child Tax Credit may provide an added benefit for workers receiving EIC and for other taxpayers. The Child Tax Credit is for taxpayers raising dependent children. The credit is worth up to $500 per dependent child under age 17 in 1999. Claim the credit on the 1999 federal tax return.

The Child and Dependent Care Credit is a tax benefit that helps families pay for child care they need in order to work or look for work. The credit is also available to families that must pay for the care of a spouse or adult dependent who is incapable for caring for him or herself. To claim the credit, families must file tax form 1040 or 1040A and attach a separate schedule. With form 1040, families must attach Form 2441. Use Schedule 2, if filing Form 1040A.

For more information on any of these tax credits, contact your County Extension Office, the IRS sponsored Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program, or call the IRS at 1-800-829- 1040. (LL)

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A NEW WALK OF LIFE (excerpts from January-February 2000, Iowa State University Visions by Carole Gieseke)

See, it's like this. I've always been sort of an indoor girl. Not a couch potato exactly, but certainly I had sofa-spud potential. I've had chronic asthma since my early 20s, and that was a good excuse for being inactive.

Over the past year and a half, I've had a complete lifestyle change. It just sort of evolved when my doctor prescribed some new miracle drugs for my asthma. All of a sudden, I started breathing like a regular person. The doctor politely told me to get off my lazy butt and find something active that I'd enjoy.

I finally settled for a stationary bike. I set it up in my bedroom and started riding. At first it was awful. I could barely go a quarter mile. But I stuck with it, and it wasn't long before I could go five miles in 30 minutes. I was surprised how good I was starting to feel: stronger, firmer, and more energetic.

I rode the bike all winter, and when it started getting warm last spring I started walking. I've now gone from not being able to walk up a flight of stairs two years ago to walking whenever and wherever and as far as I can.

If anyone is thinking about jumping aboard the fitness wagon, here's my advice: I always heard people saying, "If I can do it, anyone can." But my reaction was always, "Yeah, anyone but ME." I never saw myself enjoying exercise or adopting a healthier lifestyle -- I just didn't think I had it in me. But I did. And really, if I can do it, anyone can! (LL)

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DAN FOUND A WAY! Dan Kernen

We moved to the farm in the summer of 1978 - the year I was 5, and started kindergarten. I loved the farm and knew when I was about 16 that this was what I wanted to do with my life. I attended a private college in hopes of obtaining a Bachelor's degree in Ag-Business. After two years the administration decided to drop that program, so I transferred to a community college where I received my Associate of Science degree in Ag-Business.

During that year a friend talked me into joining the National Guard. After graduation I spent four months at Fort Sill in Oklahoma. I started my military career at Alpha Battery, 1/194 FA unit in Spencer, Iowa. I was living in Sheldon and worked at the Co-op Feed mill.

January, 1995 I saw an ad in the paper for a cattle ranch that needed a rancher. I packed up all my stuff and headed off to chase a dream. I have always dreamed of riding horses almost daily to check cattle, etc. To my disappointment they used 4- wheelers all the time, and didn't even use horses. At the same time I transferred to Alpha Battery 2/147 FA in Watertown, S.D.

After eight months there I headed back to school again. Something I thought would never happen. I attended South Dakota State University in Brookings, South Dakota. While I was there I joined ROTC. I was excited about going into the active Army and serving my country for four years. I would have been a second lieutenant. I finished the program, and was evaluated in the spring of l997.

I was scheduled to report to Fort Bliss, Texas upon graduation to begin active duty. I had another year before I received my degree and could go into active Army.

In the fall of 1997 I began to notice the beginning of what turned out to be a life-changing event. I was an avid runner, and had been since 4th grade, so know when my body was trying to tell me something. I wrote it off as fatigue. I continued to attend college as things got progressively worse. I saw a couple of doctors, and was told to go to Mayo Clinic.

I was able to get a Bachelor's Degree in General Agriculture with a concentration in livestock production and a minor in Animal Science and Military Science from South Dakota State University in May, 1998. When I went to Mayo Clinic I was informed that I should move home until they found out what was wrong. The diagnosis was MS. My whole life was on hold for now. At 25, I was again living with my parents. Not a bad thing, just not where I had planned on being.

In June, 1998 the devastating news came that would change my life forever. What was I going to do? Where was I going to go? My Mother told me, "When life gives you a lemon, don't be sour. Just make lemon-aid." It took me awhile; lemon-aid like this isn't easy. It helps when your family rallies behind you. They were all devastated, but have done all it takes to keep me an active part of the family. Not a one of them has ever said that I couldn't go with them, or been embarrassed to be seen with me when I have to use a wheel chair. I believe I have the best family in the world.

I spent the first summer working at my uncle's lumberyard as long as I could. Then, I became a full time farm hand for my dad. Honestly, life really had to twist my arm to get me to do what I had always dreamed of doing - being a farmer.

The first winter was tough! I couldn't get out much due to the snow. Calving season came and I couldn't get out much to check cattle and help with the calving. So, I went to the Department of Vocational Rehabilitation Management to see if they could help me get a four wheeler. I was introduced to Chuck Larson from the Easter Seals FaRM Program. We discussed several options and decided to try a John Deere Gator. With the help of Iowa AgrAbility and DVRS I was able to get the Gator on July 17, 1999.

Now, I have my life back. Obtaining the Gator was the best thing that has happened to me since I was diagnosed. I can go anywhere and do anything that needs to be done around the farm. We have made a few changes and adjustments so that things are easier for me, but I am once again a big part of the farming operation. I currently help my father farm 260 acres, and help with 30 cows and calves.

My mother is an O.B. nurse and my dad works off the farm, so I find myself alone doing what needs to be done. Some things have to wait until Dad gets home, but the Gator is my legs for doing everything from welding and maintenance on the equipment to feeding the calves. I have had the Gator four months and already have 125 hours on it. I am once again looking for a farm of my own with some pasture land so I can have some livestock of my own. I am very excited about being named Easter Seals Farmer of the Year for 1999.

I have also been appointed to the position of liaison for the Sons of the American Legion for District 8, Post 357, Coon Rapids. With the help of the Iowa AgrAbility Project and Easter Seals I have my life back which is VERY exciting. (CS)

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WHERE CAN I FIND THE RESOURCES???

--If you are looking for current news and informative articles on agriculture (includes gardening), communities, families (includes economic issues and ways to strengthen family values), Youth and 4-H, and other such issues, check the following websites:

http://www.exnet.iastate.edu/Pages/pubs (ISU publications on all kinds of topics--many are free and several can be found on the Web--including child care credit on income tax, money mechanics, weight management, controlling winter moisture problems in houses, and many more. You can also pick them up at your County Extension office.)

http://www.extension.iastate.edu/newsrel/ (January 2000 has an article by Mark Edelman, ISU Extension Economist, "How Will Iowa Farms Fit Into the New Industrial Agriculture?", an article on Seed Purchase Alternatives as well as numerous other topics.)

http://www.extension.iastate.edu/Connection/ (Winter 2000 issue has an article on "Journey into new agriculture ventures" and upcoming conferences examining transitions in agriculture.)

http://www.reeusda.gov/agsys/sfd/index.htm (Small Farm Digest which provides Iowa farmers and ranchers with free information and success stories on small-scale agriculture)

If you are looking for information on assistive technologies, log into:

http://www.exnet.iastate.edu/Pages/housing/home-all- ages/assistive-devices.html

http://www.uiowa.edu/~infotech/ (this site will help you search for special equipment with a personalized touch)

http://abe.www.ecn.purdue.edu/ABE/Extension/BNG/Atheart. html (The National AgrAbility Project; has available a directory of rural assistive technology resources)

--If you are looking for support services for Iowans with disabilities, check out these web site:

http://eastersealsia.org

http://www.medicine.uiowa.edu/iowacompass/fs-ss.htm (they do not provide direct services but they do have information on Personal Assistance Services, family support, interpreter services, Relay Iowa, in-home services, Medicare home health care and Medicaid home health services, chore services, natural supports, Agencies on Aging, advocacy organizations, Iowa Protection & Advocacy and much more)

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UPCOMING EVENT