Agrability Chit-Chat, Newsletter
Vol. 2, No. 3 -- March, 2000
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IN THIS EDITION:
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LEARNING OPPORTUNITIES
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CARM'S COMMENTS
The old adage "We Learn Something New Every Day" is very true. When I graduated from high school (A long time ago), I was not able to go on to college. I was done with school on Friday and went to work Monday morning for a wholesale paper company in Cedar Rapids. After a few years, the lady who was bookkeeper passed away suddenly. I was asked to take over that position. I liked working with figures and the posting machine (pre-computer) was great.
I did not grow up on a farm, but when I got married, I helped with chores and eventually drove tractors. The first time I drove in the field, I had a BAD EXPERIENCE. As I started down a hill, I got scared and put the clutch in neutral. AWAY WE WENT--tractor, baler, hayrack and hay. Luckily, Everett didn't fall off the rack!
After my disability, I wasn't able to help outside any more so I volunteered at Community Action. I applied and got the job of Processing Clerk for the Low Income Energy Assistance Program. I enjoyed, once again, working with figures and I was also able to learn how to use a computer. I had thought that was something I would never understand. WRONG! Now I love working with computers.
When I was asked to take the job of Peer Support Coordinator for the Iowa AgrAbility Project, it didn't take me long to say "yes!" I enjoy every aspect of this job. I like corresponding with each of you. You all have interesting stories to tell. I respect people who go to college, or change jobs when they are older. We can all learn something new whether it be through "formal" education or from our own experiences. GO FOR IT! I have always been the winner whenever I have gone on to a new level of "further education." I'd like to hear about your "furthering experiences." Just e-mail me at cschacht@powerbank.net, or drop me a note: Carmen Schacht, 6697 345th Ave, Cresco, IA 52136. We can learn from each other. (CS)
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LEARNING OPPORTUNITIES
AgrAbility Support Leaders
You have the opportunity to meet and interact with other people with disabilities in your neighborhood through the AgrAbility Support Program. Not only can you be a member of the group but you may be interested in becoming a volunteer leader. Contact Carmen Schacht (ph. 319-547-2932; email cschacht@powerbank.net) for further information.
Field Crop Scout School
If you want employment as a crop scout, you may want to attend one of the upcoming Iowa State University Field Crop Scout Schools. Lectures and workshops will provide hands-on practice with plant materials, soils, diseases and insects. Field Crop Scout Schools will be held on March 28 and April 8 in the Scheman Building at the Iowa State Center in Ames. For more information, select "Field Crop Scout Schools held in March and April" at this website: www.extension.iastate.edu/newsrel
Master Navigator Program - Internet Applications
If you are interested in developing internet application and technology skills, you may want to attend the ISU Extension Master Navigator Program. This is a 25-hour training program; then participants share their knowledge with other community members and/or organizations for an additional 25 hours. Contact your county ISU Extension office for more information. Go to www.exnet.iastate.edu and then click on County and Area Offices (on left side of screen).
And More!!
Many other opportunities are available through Extended and Continuing Education (ECE) from your County Extension office and at Iowa State University. For information go to www.exnet.iastate.edu On the left side of the screen, click on "County and Area Offices." From here you will find access to "events" that are occurring in your county. On your "Home" screen, you may also click on "Calendar of Events" where you will be given the opportunity to select a county and "Display Events." (LL)
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RESOURCES AND SERVICES
Easter Seals provides scholarships annually for Iowa high school students with disabilities who are pursuing a college education and for Iowa college students seeking a career in rehabilitation. Phone (515)289-1933 x209 email: essia@netins.net
Easter Seals teaches people with disabilities skills they need to compete in the job market. In addition, Easter Seals' Craft Training program teaches handcraft skills to adults with disabilities who wish to maintain a small business from their home. For more information phone (515)289-1933 x249.
Iowa Compass is a statewide information and referral resource for people with disabilities. Contact: 1-800-779-2001 (Voice/TTY) email: Iowa-Compass@uiowa.edu Website: www.medicine.uiowa.edu/iowacompass/
Iowa Program for Assistive Technology (IPAT) - InfoTech provides free, product information on adaptive equipment for people with disabilities. Also, InfoTech offers a free service that matches people who have adaptive equipment to sell with people who wish to buy such equipment. Contact: 1-800-331-3027 (Voice/TTY) Website: www.uiowa.edu/infotech/InfoTech.htm
The AgrAbility program needs good quality donated durable medical equipment for the Easter Seals' equipment recycling program. Call (515) 289-1933. If at all feasible, plan to deliver the equipment to the Easter Seals' office in Des Moines.
Carla Jones (Spirit Lake) has a baby changing table available for someone who uses a wheelchair. Contact: 712-858-4682 or email jonesjef@ncn.net
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PERSONAL PROFILE
LeRoy & Carol Haberl--based on an article Written by Jenny Hykes, Des Moines Register, January 1997
The first time LeRoy Haberl combined his own corn he was in his 40s. There's nothing unique about a farmer from Carroll doing what most farmers across the state do every year. What is incredible is that the words "look" and "watch" come from a man who is legally blind, whose vision of his corn coming through an auger is reduced to what can be seen out of the corners of his eyes. Haberl, 47, has a genetic and untreatable condition called macular degeneration.
What's incredible is that after years of being kept away from the planting and the combining, Haberl drives a straight row and turns a profit every season. Haberl uses a special computer that talks to him, and a device that enlarges print and a special radio that broadcasts readings of newspapers.
AgrAbility provided on the farm counselors that visited with LeRoy and Carol to see what different modifications could be done, and to discuss which direction he should take in his farming operation. Recently AgrAbility has been checking into a radar device that can be installed in the tractor to alert him of on-coming traffic before crossing the gravel roads as he is hauling grain or racks of hay.
Together LeRoy and Carol farm 160 acres and manage a cow-calf operation, and a feeder calf and bottle calf operation. Through the years Haberl has run a farrow to finish operation, milked 50-60 head of dairy cattle, fed out feeder pigs, and fed out fat cattle.
Carol can't stop bragging about her husband. She wants everyone to know that he backs all of that equipment into lots and buildings by himself; that he's never had a hired man. He does electrical wiring, wood refinishing; he shingles and paints the house, and does most all of his mechanical work except for welding, without a thought about his vision. (CS)
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LETTERS FOR SUPPORT
Needed: letters from you sent to your Congressional Senators and Representatives by March 31st explaining how AgrAbility has benefited you. Your letters made a difference in funding received last year!! (LL)
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UPCOMING EVENTS
Southeast Iowa Peer Support Meeting
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IOWA AGRABILITY - A joint effort of ISU Extension and the Farm Family Rehabilitation Management (FaRM) Program of Easter Seals Iowa. The program can help farm family members with a disability stay in farming.
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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:
...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.
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