Iowa AgrAbility

Agrability Chit-Chat, Newsletter
Vol. 2, No. 11 -- November 2000

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IN THIS EDITION:
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CONTENTS: Peer Networks

CARM'S COMMENTS: Carmen Schacht

The peer support network is one of my very favorite topics. I have been active in peer networks since about 1990 when Tracy Keninger, the Director of the Easter Seals FaRM program, first brought people with disabilities together. The original gatherings were smaller; then they expanded to state-wide meetings. I didn't miss any of them and I got to know some wonderful people.

In 1994 Tracy tried some regional gatherings in four areas of the state. In the Northeast Region we were very fortunate to have people who have remained interested and active. We are just like an extended family and we enjoy each other's company. The Southeast Region, also, has a group who meet quite regularly.

Today we, Iowa State University Extension and Easter Seals FaRM program, encourage peer networks across the state. We have selected and trained leaders to provide one- on-one support as well as to organize local gatherings. We call ourselves AgrAbility Friends and Family.

Anyone who is interested in one-on-one support or in joining a group gathering is very welcome. Feel free to contact me, Carmen Schacht, Peer Support Coordinator, AgrAbility Friends and Family, 6697 345th Ave, Cresco, IA 52136; ph: 319-547-2932; E-mail: cschacht@powerbank.net, or check out our AgrAbility website to find the leader who lives nearest to you: www.extension.iastate.edu/agrability/ Click on Program Services and then on AgrAbility Friends and Family where you will find pictures, contact information, and biographies.

There is another type of AgrAbility peer network that is dear to my heart--the Peer Support Match. I match a new AgrAbility consumer with an "old" AgrAbility consumer who has a similar disability. Once I have made the match, it is up to the persons involved to decide how often they will contact each other.

I have met some wonderful, ambitious people with disabilities. I feel very privileged to be able to contact people with disabilities who continue to live the life they have always loved just by making a few adaptations-some of which are very ingenious. (CS)

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DIRECT QUOTES FROM REAL PEOPLE: Iowa AgrAbility consumers

--She showed me there is someone out there who cares for you, even if you think yourself worthless.

--It helps me realize that I'm not the only one that has something to overcome.

--One of the ways to make me happy is to make some one else happy and what a good feeling that is.

--I offered to be one of the peer support leaders as I'd like to be there for others who may want my help and guidance.

-- Our group meets every other month. We all handle a handicap in a different way, but there is a special bond we share because we have all gone through the steps of loss through a disability.

--I have been matched with two individuals who requested a peer support person....it is good to talk with someone with similar limitations. We educate each other. (LL)

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SHARING YOUR STORIES ACROSS GENERATIONS: Colleen Jolly

My grandmother wasn't a famous woman. She spent most of her life as a farm wife in Illinois, Iowa, Wisconsin and Minnesota, and for over 40 years managed the big stucco house and the gardens on the farm across the road from my own childhood home. But, a few of her notes and letters, some stories shared by her children, and my own memories of her laughing over the Saturday Evening Post while another of her delicious pies baked, tell me much more about this remarkable woman. I can imagine now the gumption it took for her to leave a beautiful modern pine tree surrounded home on a Wisconsin dairy farm to move for yet another economic opportunity my adventurous grandfather sought on the Minnesota prairie. What patience it must have taken to bring the youngest four of her six children all that way in 1926 only to find a house without electricity and bedrooms full of bed bugs! How did she keep her sense of humor and her determination? I've learned that one of her joys in those early years in a new neighborhood was participating in plays and dramatic readings for community programs. What a surprise that was! And sometimes now, when I look at the determination of my brother and his wife, modern day dairy farmers, or observe my 84 year-old father's dedication to literature and nature, I can see one source of their personalities much more clearly.

Sharing stories, little pieces of your experiences and perceptions, is one way to create connections among the five or more generations in your community. Stories give a glimpse of the past, keep memories of special people alive, remind us how others solved problems and help lighten our days with humor.

A special ISU Extension web page encourages you and others you know to tell your stories. You'll find "Sharing Your Stories: a Family Scrapbook," at www.extension.iastate.edu/sharingstories/ At this growing and changing site you can read stories that were collected at the Iowa Farm Progress Show in 1999, and stories that people are adding electronically every day.

You can submit a story of your own. Your story will appear, without your name, as a way to help people build understanding among the generations. Give it a try! Like all new web sites, this one needs continual improvement. Don't forget to send us your comments on design, technical problems, or ideas for educational uses of these pages. (CJ)

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RESOURCES AND SERVICES

--Enterprising Ideas for Farmers, Ranchers and Rural Families with Disabilities is a resource from Breaking New Ground Resource Center. The manual contains 31 case histories of rural residents with disabilities who have developed alternative, farm-based enterprises (income- producing ventures). Each case discusses the enterprise, the resources and skills required for the venture and the assistive technology used by the farmer www.ecn.purdue.edu/ABE/Extension/BNG/resourcelist.ht m

--The Northeast Iowa Dairy Center, a combined effort between Northeast Iowa Community-Based Dairy Foundation, Northeast Iowa Community College, and Iowa State University Extension, is located near Calmar. The Center provides dairy education, research, and demonstrations to help families in dairy farming and processing make profitable and competitive changes in their business. A media release can be read at www.extension.iastate.edu/Pages/howard/fmoct23.html

--Iowa State University Extension will host a free workshop on "Success Strategies for Your Agricultural Business" on December 5, 1 p.m. and again at 7 p.m. Entrepreneurs will share success stories and challenges they faced in changing their operations. The ICN site workshop for beginning and established farmers will be held at Iowa State University (Room 9 of the Brenton Center, Curtiss Hall) and in 22 counties across the state. Contact your County Extension office for details on the location nearest you. Details can be viewed at: http://dbs.extension.iastate.edu/calendar/ShowEventDetail. asp?programID=26045&sessionID=38866

--Small Farm Digest provides Iowa farmers and ranchers with free information on small-scale agriculture. The publication also includes media resources as well as grant, loan, and training opportunities. To receive the Small Farm Digest, please send your name and address to DeWitt, Insectary Bldg., Room 109, Iowa State University, Ames, IA 50011 or call 515-294-1101; or access on line at www.reeusda.gov/agsys/sfd/index.htm

--The National AgrAbility website http://aben.www.ecn.purdue.edu/ABEN/Extension/BNG/ag rabilityproject.html provides a link to a number of different types of Support Groups including the Amputee Support Group, Caregivers Support Group, Multiple Sclerosis Support Group, and many more: www.warmsprings.org/RCenter/LINKS/support.htm

--Ability On Line www.ablelink.org/public/default.htm is a resource for connecting children and youth with disabilities or chronic illnesses. (LL)

--Five left-hand gloves have been donated to AgrAbility for anyone who can use them. Please contact Tracy Keninger at (515) 289-1933 x251. (TK)

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AGRABILITY FRIENDS AND FAMILY EVENTS