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Top Stories from MN AgrAbility
Deen Swart receives Excellence
in Assistive Technology Award
 Deen
Swart, Minnesota AgrAbility Program, has been nominated
for and awarded the STAR Award for Excellence in Assistive
Technology. STAR awards are given to those individuals who
exemplify excellence in use, promotion, advocacy, support,
research and development, and other aspects of assistive
technology in Minnesota.
The
MN STAR Program (a System of Technology to Achieve Results)
is located within the Minnesota Department of Administration.
STAR's mission is to help all Minnesotan’s with disabilities
gain access to and acquire the assistive technology they need
to live, learn, work and play. The Minnesota STAR Program
is federally funded by the Rehabilitation Services Administration.
Deen was nominated by Ray Griffin, Minnesota
Rehab Services AT Specialist. Mr. Griffin made the nomination
after working with Deen “from the northwest corner of
the state to the southeast corner of the state and everywhere
in-between.” He recognizes the hurdles Deen has to work
though to meet the needs of the farmers. Mr. Griffin described
working with Deen as a pleasure and appreciates her efficiency,
“Deen always follows through and chases down needs.
She’s there when you need to meet and if you have questions
she’s always there to take my call and give me answers.
Deen goes all out to get the job done for the farmers. She
never gives up; that’s what it takes in this job.”
Deen will accept her award during a ceremony
on April 14, 2009 in the State
of Minnesota Capitol Rotunda. Mr. Griffin will be on hand
to present the award to Deen (in fact he postponed his vacation
in order to do so); the MN STAR Assistive Technology Advisory
Board and Department of Administration Deputy Commissioner,
Sheila Reger will be there as well to congratulate Deen.
From the Minnesota AgrAbility
Program you can expect Practical solutions
for a healthy and productive life in agriculture.
The Minnesota AgrAbility Program
is dedicated to helping you work safely and independently. We
enjoy breaking down barriers. We want to help you find success
in the lifestyle you love. Like you, we appreciate the value
of hard work, common sense, and a can-do attitude. We know how
to apply the right mix of new technology and homegrown ingenuity
to get things done. Our job is to plant the seeds of independence,
and our dream is to cultivate hope.
Services include*:
- On-farm consultations to modify equipment,
buildings and tools to accommodate the specific barrier
and the farm operation
- Safety planning to prevent further injury
- Education and training for rural professionals
so they can assist farmers with disabilities
- Assistance with finding resources to fund
recommended modifications
Support and advocacy for farm families
- The FenceLine, a peer support network
of framers who have modified their operations
- Referrals to other resources such as independent
living and farm financial planning services
* To qualify for free consultative
services, participants must be a farmer, farm family member
or agricultural worker in production agriculture.
Contact information:
Email: Deen
Swart
Phone: (320) 214-9238; or 800-669-6719
ext. 5601
Address: 2424 First Street South, Willmar,
MN, 56201
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