Initiative Description
The Tennessee Technology Access Program (TTAP) along with a partner center worked in collaboration with UT CLEE to provide continuing education training to Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) staff and Community Rehabilitation Providers (CRPs). The training in this specific collaboration focused on the topic of “Cultivating Partnerships with TN AgrAbility and Vocational Rehabilitation”. The collaboration of all parties was intended to help the CRPs to be more aware of the opportunities for their customers being served by VR to explore employment in the areas of agriculture, whether farming themselves or working for others in the industry. This endeavor exposed attendees to many types of AT, utilizing pictures and videos, along with sample case studies. This collaborative effort through training and relationships with all parties is aimed to continue increasing the potential of VR customers to gain access to AT to gain or maintain employment in the agricultural arena. Funding designated for training through TTAP and similarly through the other parties was used, with no additional funds needed to support the effort.
Lessons Learned/Replication
This collaboration is strengthening relationships amongst all parties. The exposure to AT for agriculture through this training and other efforts is resulting in more inquiries within VR for possible assistance for farmers. Providers are more aware of the opportunities, making the agricultural industry potentially more attainable for customers the CRPs and other VR staff are serving. This specific training collaboration may not be recurring, but partners involved in the training and TN AgrAbility will continue to engage with the audience through supplemental trainings and information at future events. The cohesiveness of the partnerships and a unified interest to help those interested in the agricultural industry attain their goals has made the collaboration successful.