News
South Dakota State University Web Site Links Rural Residents With Disabilities
A new project at South Dakota State University (SDSU) http://www3.sdstate.edu/ provides an online forum to discuss issues and share support for rural residents with disabilities.
Govtech.net
Dan Robbins, SDSU Cooperative Extension’s director for the South Dakota AgrAbility Project, said the "Online Communities" forum will be a new addition to the existing Information Exchange system operated by the SDSU Cooperative Extension Service.
Find the service online at http://agrability.sdstate.edu by clicking on the link to "Online Communities."
"Many people have accessed the same technology for purchasing or selling hay through SDSU’s Feed Finder," Robbins said. "This is a new use for what SDSU Extension already has in place. In the time it would take to drive to a workshop or seminar, people can gain just as much valuable information and support online."
There has been little available specifically for individuals and families affected by disability in rural areas to communicate online, Robbins noted.
"With that need in mind, the South Dakota AgrAbility Project has worked with Distance Learning and Ag Information Technologies here at SDSU to expand the utilization of message board and chat technology established for teaching and learning," Robbins said.
"Rural residents have overcome many obstacles on their own by creating low-cost, low-tech modifications that have allowed them to keep working independently. Being able to share that information with other producers is the essence of the farm show and county fair; we are taking that online, 24 hours a day, seven days a week, for the convenience of individuals and families."
Robbins encouraged people to use the new tool to learn about the many resources available.
"There are no fees for access, and there are no ads to distract from conversations. If you don’t have home access to the Internet, visit with a friend or neighbor or talk to your local library, school or Extension office to see what is publicly available," Robbins said.
MATR Supporters (view all)
Sorry, we couldn't find any posts. Please try a different search.