New Staff Training AgrAbility NTW Minneapolis, MN April 8, 2013
Aida Balsano, Ph.D. National Program Leader Division of Family and Consumer Sciences
History of AgrAbility Modeled after state programs that assisted agricultural workers in VT, IA, and IN Authorized through the 1990 Farm Bill Grown from 8 awards in 1991 to 23 awards in 2011 totaling $4.6 million Appropriated under Smith-Lever 3(d)
AgrAbility Priorities Assists farmers and ranchers with disabilities Provides direct services through education, assistance and support Develops service capacity Encourages networking
NIFA and AgrAbility Provide fair, effective, and efficient administration of Federal assistance Satisfy Legislative and Executive branches Collect data to justify continuing programs
Federal Level Functions Provide program oversight Ensure federal dollars are spent and managed appropriately Ensure fair and objective review of proposals Communicate program successes and impacts to USDA and Congress
AgrAbility Funds DO Support Education—long term investment strategy –Accommodating disabilities and avoiding secondary injuries –Directed towards health, farm, and government service providers Networking –Sharing of information and provision of services –Customers, peer supporters, volunteers, stakeholders, other funding organizations, etc.
AgrAbility Funds DO Support Assistance –Focuses on individualized consultative services increasing likelihood of client’s success in farm operation –Includes client and others working at same place Marketing –Increasing awareness of AgrAbility and its initiatives
Outcomes Increased knowledge of practices and activities Increased assistance options Improved modifications that increase independence and productivity Increased chance for successful involvement in production agriculture
AgrAbility Funds DO NOT Support Paying for assistive technology or other farm site modifications Soliciting other federal funds Paying tuition or student fees Paying overhead or indirect cost Conducting research (work must remain within accepted bounds of Extension)
Reminders Inform NIFA if you have a change in or reorganization of project staff Submit progress reports on time Keep your directors, colleagues, and NIFA informed of any significant recognition of your project
New Reporting System Current Research Information System (CRIS) reporting system available until 4/15. New reporting system – REEport May 6 th Trainings and Web-based help sessions upcoming
REEport CRIS and REEport contact: Adam Preuter or anual.pdf
Q and As When is my annual report due? Reports are due 90 days prior* to the expiration date of the current grant.
Q and As What do I need to include in my reports? Outputs, impacts, progress, project modifications and publications*
Q and As When is my continuation application due? It will vary by projects. States will be notified individually.
Q and As Where can I find the terms and conditions of my award? Award Face Sheet Provisions Section
Additional Questions?
Contact Information Aida Balsano National Program Leader Ph: Alexandra (Lexi) Wilson Program Specialist Ph: