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Articles by Laura Akgerman
Universal design tools makes farming safer for everyone
By Laura Akgerman and Dee Jepsen, Ohio State University Spring is a good time to try new tools and equipment, especially if those tools can boost productivity while making farm work easier and safer. The Ohio AgrAbility Program primarily serves farmers with disabilities, yet many of the tools and technologies we promote are examples of universal design, which is equipment that can benefit people of all abilities.
Farming for all: Inclusive tech solutions
By Laura Akgerman, Disability Services Coordinator for Ohio AgrAbility The start of a new year is a good time to try new tools and equipment that can help you increase your productivity and make farming tasks easier and safer. Ohio AgrAbility’s focus is on farmers with disabilities, and much of the assistive technology used is designed specifically for disabilities, but many tools, apps and technology are universal design — meaning they are appropriate for farmers of all abilities.
Accessing your farm vehicles more conveniently and safely with Universal Design
By Dee Jepsen and Laura Akgerman The Ohio AgrAbility program works with farmers of all abilities. Our team provides outreach education about good body mechanics and safe lifting. We also make recommendations to farmers, agricultural businesses, landowners and gardeners about making their work environment safe and accessible. A popular recommendation is to use equipment that is based on Universal Design (UD) concepts.
Preparing an accessible garden
By Laura Akgerman, Disability Services Coordinator for Ohio AgrAbility Everyone wants a garden to be welcoming, beautiful, and safe. If we add accessible to the list, there is a better possibility the garden meets the gardener’s needs no matter their age or ability level. Several key areas can be incorporated into a garden to make it accessible.
Practicing good body mechanics
By Dee Jepsen, Leah Schwinn, and Laura Akgerman Spring and summer are busy times for farmers, gardeners, and landscapers. On a smaller scale, home-owners can experience the same fatigue that comes with long hours of yard work. Paying attention to how you do the work can help alleviate some of the aches and pains. Good body mechanics are an essential part of decreasing your risk of injury and muscle fatigue and increasing your muscle stamina and productivity.
The power of rural health in Ohio
By Dee Jepsen and Laura Akgerman National Rural Health Day is Thursday Nov. 19, 2020. This day highlights the unique challenges rural communities face when it comes to health services and healthy people. Focusing on the Power of Rural is the theme for this year’s campaign Ohio has a State Office of Rural Health (SORH), which serves as the anchor of information and support for rural communities.
Fall agritourism operations: Safety and accessibility are key this season
October 13, 2020 Country Life, Top Headlines By Dee Jepsen, Lisa Pfeifer, and Laura Akgerman The fall agritourism season is in full swing — even during a pandemic. And while businesses of all kinds have met unprecedented challenges, there are recommended practices that will go a long way for agritourism operations to keep their doors open while remaining safe and accessible in this environment.
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