AgrAbility PA

11/25/2025

Since it's getting chilly around here, here's a re-share of a previous post about cold temperatures from AgSafety!

Winter Scene (Source: Wyoming AgrAbility) Use the following format to cite this article: Cold-related conditions and agriculture....

11/25/2025

11/20/2025

Switching it up with a little instead of Tuesday for you all! Today we're covering tractor and combine lifts! Check it out :)
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ID 1: A digital graphic with the title "Tech Tuesday: Tractor Lifts and Steps". There is a photo of a man on a lift platform getting in his tractor. The AgrAbility PA logo is at the bottom of the page.
ID 2: A digital graphic with the title "Seated Lifts" features two photographs. The left photograph shows a person seated on a large tire of a tractor with a lift mechanism visible. The right photographer depicts another person using a seated lift to access a blue tractor inside a garage or barn. Below the photographs, there is a list of conditions that seated lifts may work well for, including spinal cord injuries, lower extremity weakness, lower extremity amputation, and balance difficulties. At the bottom, there is a logo for "AgrAbility for Pennsylvanians".
ID 3: A digital graphic with the title "Standing Lifts" features two photographs. The left photograph features a large red agricultural machine with a standing lift attached to it. The right photograph features a man using a standing lift to access a green tractor. Below the photographs, there is a list indicating that standing lifts may work well for individuals with arthritis, back pain, lower extremity amputation, and knee pain. The AgrAbility PA logo is displayed at the bottom of the graphic.

11/17/2025

It's here at AgrAbility PA! Today we're highlighting one of our success story videos, featuring Jim Wright, a Veteran who served in the Army National Guard. Jim grew up on the farm he calls home today in Huntingdon County, Pa. His father was a beef farmer as was Jim until a fire on the farm destroyed the barn and equipment. He switched to raising sheep and goats. In May 2001, he was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis (MS) -- a disease that impacts the brain, spinal cord, and optic nerves. Jim reached out to AgrAbility PA for support and services, which included an on-site farm assessment to evaluate Jim's tasks and abilities. Pennsylvania's Office of Vocational Rehabilitation (OVR) offered financial support to enable Jim to acquire a lift for his tractor, utility vehicle, and bulk storage bins and an electric cart for feeding. Take a look at Jim's testimonial video! https://youtu.be/AW6EOz0qFdA
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Video Description: Testimonial video from Jim Wright

Jim Wright, a Veteran who served in the Army National Guard, grew up on the farm he calls home today in Huntingdon County, Pa. His father was a beef farmer a...

11/12/2025

Today's we are featuring one of our videos from the AgrAbility PA YouTUbe channel featuring information on how AgrAbility can help veteran farmers! https://youtu.be/ZX2qoW53QJM
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Video Description: A series of photos of farmers and AgrAbility staff on-site at their various farms, with a voiceover describing the services AgrAbility provides and sharing anecdotes of veteran farmers AgrAbility has previously worked with.

AgrAbility for Pennsylvanians provides a critical service to the state's agricultural community. AgrAbility PA assists farmers and agricultural workers with ...

11/10/2025

It's here at AgrAbility PA, and we want to re-introduce you to one of our favorite local orgs, PA Veteran Farms!
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ID 1: All slides are digital infographics with a light green background, black text, the PA Veteran Farms logo at the top, and the AgrAbility PA logo on the bottom. The text on the first slide reads: "Mutual Monday. The PA Veteran Farming Network was formed in 2013 with the launch of the Troops to Tractors program to facilitate on-the-job apprenticeships for veterans. Since then, we've grown to be the state's leading non-profit organization supporting military, veterans, and their spouses in building strong and healthy farms and agribusinesses. Our mission is to connect veterans with each other and vetted service providers, convene educational and networking events, and promote veteran ag to help consumers buy veterans goods that are grown, raised, and made in PA. We also educate decision-makers and advocate for issues of interest to our Network. Led by a volunteer Board and one staff member, we welcome honorably discharged veterans and those currently serving to our ranks."
ID 2: The text on this slide reads: "What do we do? We're the state's grassroots network of veterans, military, & their spouses who farm and operate agribusinesses. We provide individualized resource referral, connections among veteran farmers & vetted service providers, convene educational events, & promote veteran ag. Led by a volunteer Board of Directors, we leverage the power of our network and collaborators in the ag and veteran communities to help you meet the challenges of building strong & productive farms and agribusinesses."
ID continued in comments

11/04/2025

11/04/2025

Happy Assistive Technology Awareness Month!

🎉Governor Shapiro has proclaimed November as Assistive Technology Month in Pennsylvania! The Council has most recently supported Assistive Technology information through our grant to Tech OWL - Technology for Our Whole Lives. The grant supported Tech Champions (young emerging leaders with disabilities using assistive technology). Through the grant a series of user-friendly Tech Guides were developed.

COMMONWEALTH OF PENNSYLVANIA

PROCLAMATION BY THE GOVERNOR

WHEREAS, Pennsylvanians with disabilities of all ages may need assistive technology devices and services to live independently and productively, as well as to participate fully in affairs of their communities; and

WHEREAS, assistive technology devices and services allow people to work, attend school, play, and live in the community of their choice; and

WHEREAS, an assistive technology device is any item, piece of equipment, or product system, whether acquired commercially, modified, or customized, that is used to increase, maintain, or improve functional capabilities of individuals with disabilities or older individuals; and

WHEREAS, assistive technology devices and services are not luxury items, but necessities for people — those tools empower people to control their lives and their futures; and

WHEREAS, Pennsylvania is a leader in the development and implementation of assistive technology programs for Pennsylvanians with disabilities and older residents, through assistance from organizations that provide valuable information and assistance, financial education, and financing for the purchase of assistive technology devices and services.

THEREFORE, I, Josh Shapiro, Governor of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, do hereby proclaim November 2025 to be

ASSISTIVE TECHNOLOGY AWARENESS MONTH

I encourage all Pennsylvanians to become aware of the many ways in which assistive technologies contribute to the health, happiness, independence, and future of our family, friends, and neighbors.

GIVEN under my hand and the Seal of
the Governor, at the City of Harrisburg, on
this twenty-ninth day of October two thousand twenty-five, the year of the Commonwealth the two hundred fiftieth.

Josh Shapiro
Governor Josh Shapiro

11/04/2025

11/04/2025

With the weather cooling down, we're highlighting some cold weather gear to help keep you warm this winter season! Keep reading for more info on each of these items!
- Battery-Heated Jacket: The cordless Battery-Heated Jacket is designed to provide heat through carbon fiber elements to the wearer's chest and back in about 10 minutes and continue to provide warmth for up to 10 hours. The heat is generated by a built-in rechargeable battery (usually lithium-ion), which reportedly recharges in 30 minute's time. Most jacket models are water- and wind-resistant soft-shell type, made of lightweight (around 2 pounds) polyester material, offer three heat settings, and come with a battery and battery charger included.
Estimated Cost Cost range: $180-$280, depending on size, fabric, battery type, etc.
Limitations Limitations Addressed by Product: Lower extremity, Upper extremity, Strength/endurance, Back, Respiratory

- ColdAvenger Pro Face Mask: The ColdAvenger Pro Face Mask protects from the harsh, damaging effects of prolonged exposure to windy, cold (-20°) conditions by keeping the face and airway 40-60° warmer than the outside air, while allowing the user to breath freely. Through its valve and ventilation grate, the mask mechanically mixes inhaled cold air with exhaled warm air to achieve a balance of warmth and humidity while keeping the face dry. Features of the Pro model include: stretchable soft shell that covers ears, face, and neck, adjustable Velcro closure panel, and an adjustable, removable interior valve (controlling air intake). It fits with goggles and hard hat and can be cleaned with soap and water.
Estimated Cost Cost range: $48
Limitations Limitations Addressed by Product: Respiratory

- Impacto Thermo-Wrap Glove: Designed for working outdoors in frigid conditions, the partial-finger Impacto Thermo-Wrap Glove contains a trioxin lining that helps keep body heat in and moisture out. The glove allows for maximum hand flexibility while providing the therapeutic support that prevents hand and finger strain.
Estimated Cost Cost range: $58
Limitations Limitations Addressed by Product: Strength/endurance, Upper extremity

Image descriptions below

11/03/2025

It's here at AgrAbilityPA! Today, we're covering the early symptoms of stress, including four different categories: physical, emotional, cognitive, and behavioral changes! Scroll through each slide to see examples of each category of stress symptoms. Source: "The Farmer Stress Management Toolbox" article series by Suzanna Windon. Read the full article here: https://extension.psu.edu/the-farmer-stress-management-toolbox-part-2
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Image descriptions 1-4: Each slide is a digital infographic with a green background, yellow and white text, with the text "Mental Health Monday" at the top of the page, the text "from Suzanna Windon's "The Farmer Stress Management Toolbox" Article Series", and the AgrAbility PA logo at the bottom of the page. The other text on each slide is as follows:
Slide 1: "Recognizing the early symptoms of stress is helpful because it allows us to be more alert to find ways to cope with stress." But what are the early symptoms of stress? There are four signs of stress: Physical, emotional, cognitive, behavioral changes/symptoms.
Slide 2: Physical symptoms: Physical discomfort, aches and pain, weight gain or loss, gastrointestinal issues, drop in sexual interest, rapid heartbeat, change in blood pressure, grinding/clenched teeth, lethargic; body fatigue, nervousness; anxiety. Emotional symptoms: increased anger, frustration, moodiness, difficulty controlling emotions, panic attack, impatient, low self-esteem, hopelessness, suicidal thoughts, inability to relax, loneliness, avoidance.
Continued image descriptions in the comments

10/31/2025