Friday, July 25, 2008

MINDEN, Neb. -- A day-long seminar, scheduled on Wed. May 14, 2008, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. will help occupational and physical therapists work with farmers and ranchers, said extension educator in Kearney and Franklin counties, Sharry Nielsen.

Nielsen invited occupational and physical therapists as well as their assistants to attend the Rehabilitating Nebraska Farmers and Ranchers with Disabilities Seminar at the Nebraska College of Technical Agriculture in Curtis, Neb.  

Most do not realize that, when a farmer or rancher is discharged from care following an injury or serious illness, he or she is not only returning home, but is also returning to an industrial work site, she said. 

Occupational therapists, physical therapists, OT assistants and PT assistants can play an important role in preparing farmers and ranchers to return to their homes. When home includes the workplace, special considerations are needed to ensure a safe transition.

Rehabilitating Nebraska Farmers and Ranchers with Disabilities is designed to help these health care providers become more knowledgeable in their care to the agricultural population they see on a regular basis, Nielsen said. 

Lead instructor for the seminar is Carla Wilhite, OTR/L. Wilhite is a member of the Colorado AgrAbility Project. She was instrumental in developing and piloting the curriculum used in the seminar. Members of Nebraska AgrAbility and University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension faculty will also teach portions of the seminar.           

Continuing Educational Units are available for the seminar, which uses an American Occupational Therapists Association-approved curriculum, Nielsen said. It is sponsored by the Nebraska AgrAbility Project.

Pre-registration for the seminar is required by May 7. Cost for the seminar is $95. For a complete agenda or registration materials, contact Sharry Nielsen, UNL Extension Educator, (308) 832-0645, or snielsen1@unl.edu.