Iowa AgrAbility

Agrability Chit-Chat, Newsletter
Vol. 2, No. 8 -- August 2000

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IN THIS EDITION:
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CONTENTS: AgrAbility: A Superstore!

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CARM'S COMMENTS: County Extension and Easter Seals FaRM.

My experiences with Iowa State University Extension go back 33 years--when Everett and I were first married. I was a housewife. At that time not many women worked outside the home.

There was a good program to attend every week or so to learn something. I went to programs about raising children, how to use microwave ovens, self improvement, money management, home makeovers, bread baking, etc. I also served on the Home-Economics committee for Howard County. There was always something for farmers to go to pertaining to raising pigs, milking cows, growing crops, etc.

Today Iowa State University Extension does not offer as many local programs, but they have kept up with the trends. A list of pamphlets available include topics like computers, diseases in crops, sustainable agriculture, etc. As society has changed, so have services provided by Extension. Check their website: www.extension.iastate.edu/ to see what they have to offer.

My experience with the Easter Seals FaRM program came after my disability in 1989. Representatives from the FaRM program were the first people who came to my home to offer help. They are always available to do what they can.

Now, through AgrAbility, Iowa State University Extension and Easter Seals FaRM have joined forces to help farm families with disabilities. From what I have observed in my work with AgrAbility, this is a good combination. ISU Extension and Easter Seals do many different things together to help in as many ways as possible. They visit farm families with disabilities and make suggestions. What we as consumers do with their suggestions is up to each of us.

(CS)

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AGRABILITY: A SUPERSTORE FOR FARM FAMILIES AFFECTED BY DISABILITIES (Mary Yearns, Iowa AgrAbility Project Coordinator and Iowa State University Extension Housing Specialist)

If you've ever undertaken a major remodeling project, the home improvement "superstores" are a wonderful innovation. They provide one-stop shopping for just about anything you might need, and eliminate the frustration of making separate trips to a dozen different stores.

Similarly, the Iowa AgrAbility Project provides one-stop shopping convenience for farm families affected by disabilities. You only need to make one phone call, and the resources and staff of both Easter Seals Iowa and Iowa State University Extension will be at your service.

Easter Seal's FaRM Program provides rehabilitation assistance, equipment modifications, and assistive devices. Iowa State University Extension offers advice on a wide range of farm and family concerns, such as alternative agriculture, nutrition, and home accessibility modifications, and has an office and staff in every Iowa county. Neither Easters Seals nor ISU Extension can provide financial assistance, but we can identify agencies and funding sources that may be able to give financial support.

So, think AgrAbility, if you want to have the combined expertise of Easter Seals and ISU Extension come to your doorstep. What a bargain!

(MY)

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PERSONAL PROFILE: Joni and Roger Goedken

Easter Seals FaRM and ISU Extension combine their expertise to help AgrAbility consumers. The Goedkin family is one example.

Roger farms 320 acres and raises hogs. Roger and Joni's oldest son is a junior at the University of Iowa where he studies political science. Their youngest son is a junior in high school.

Joni has Multiple Sclerosis. Looking back, she thinks her MS began around the age of 16 years when she started having problems with her legs. She and Roger were married when she was 19. Their first son was born when she was 20. When their second son was born four years later, she had problems with her arm. The doctors thought she had a stroke and, in addition, confirmed that she definitely had MS.

Over time Joni has had severe bouts with this disease. Today she has vision and speech problems and is unable to dress herself. Roger is her primary caregiver. AgrAbility has helped Joni maintain her independence. Joni took advantage of the equipment loan program as well as welcomed the housing expertise of AgrAbility representatives who did a modest home makeover. This has made Joni and Roger's home more accessible and handy for her.

Occasionally Joni attends the Agrability Friends and Family meetings held in her area. She finds it easy to talk and laugh with others who also have disabilities. She has a friendly winning smile for everyone. She would like to be able to attend meetings more often. Roger appreciates being able to visit with other caregivers to hear what they are going through and to get ideas for himself. It helps him to know that he is not alone.

(CS)

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MY APOLOGY

I made an editorial error in CARM'S COMMENTS of the July Chit Chat. Carm wrote that some porta potties ARE handicapped accessible. I apologize for adding the "don't" in "they don't make handicapped accessible porta potties."

(LL)

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RESOURCES AND SERVICES

Check out Matt Root's web site at http://members.aol.com/fourcornermarket/page9.html Matt is an AgrAbility consumer living near Belle Plaine. He runs a small garden/greenhouse business. He is legally blind, the result of a neouromuscular disorder.

The Home for All Ages exhibit will soon be permanently set up on the Iowa State University campus, as part of a Universal Design Laboratory. You are welcome to come and take a tour of an accessible bathroom, kitchen and living/sleeping area. You can see photos of the exhibit at: www.extension.iastate.edu/housing On the home page click on Elderly and Disabled; next page click on Universal Design and Home Accessibility; next page click on Universal Design; next click on A Home for All Ages, and you are there!!

Ned Stoller from the National AgrAbility Project (www.agrability.org) recommends this website for rural clients who have difficulties affording the medicine they need: www.needymeds.com The website may be helpful in getting discounts on expenses from the companies.

The State of Iowa sponsors the HAWK-I public health insurance program for children who are presently underinsured or uninsured; children who aren't quite poor enough for Medicaid. For more information call 1-800-257- 8563 or check out the web site at www.insurekidsnow.gov/states/states.asp

(LL)

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AGRABILITY FRIENDS AND FAMILY EVENTS