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Oct. 7 auction to benefit disabled farmers 3:18 p.m., Oct. 2, 2006--UD's Animal Science Club is sponsoring an auction to raise money to help disabled farmers at 1 p.m., Saturday, Oct. 7, at the University's Webb farm site, on Route 72 in Newark. Proceeds from the auction will be donated to the AgrAbility Project, a division of Easter Seals and the United States Department of Agriculture. AgrAbility assists persons with disabilities who are employed in agriculture. According to department of labor statistics, approximately 288,000 individuals working in agriculture have physical, sensory or cognitive disabilities. Kaitlyn Lutz, a senior animal science major and member of the Animal Science Club said, “a disability is considered anything from severe arthritis to loss of limbs. Each of these disorders makes farming much harder since it is such a labor-intensive profession. With handicapped-accessible equipment these families are able to go on farming, which not only provides an income but also keeps them doing what they love.” AgrAbility projects offer an array of services such as identifying farmers with disabilities and referring them to appropriate resources, providing on-site technical assistance on how to adapt farm equipment and tools and how to modify farm operations and buildings. It also provides education on how to prevent further injuries and peer support networks. Visit its web site at [www.agrabilityproject.org/purpose.cfm]. Lutz said the club is still gathering items for the auction. Last year it offered objects such as gift baskets, pedal tractors and weekend getaways. She said each club in the College of Agriculture and Natural Resources is donating an item and club alumni are being asked for donations. To donate an item or items for the auction or for more information, e-mail [Kaitlyn@udel.edu]. |
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