Workshop: AgrAbility and Assistive Technologies: Solutions for Agriculture, Forestry, and Fishing Workers

Hosted by Maine AgrAbility, MaineCITE, and AlphaOne, this workshop will provide an overview of the AgrAbility program and assistive technologies that are available to help workers with disabilities safely engage in farming, fishing, and forestry activities. Participants will engage in group discussions and problem-solving, learn tailored yoga stretches for workers, and engage in hands-on demonstrations of several assistive devices. Participants will learn about the resources available to them (and their clients) for obtaining or developing assistive technologies, as well as how to navigate these resources for the best outcomes.

**Additional fee

4:15 pm – 9:00 pm

Welcome Reception – Kick off the 2025 ISASH Conference with a short boat cruise on the calm waters of Casco Bay followed by a signature Maine Lobster Bake, lawn games, and socializing on Peaks Island. Alternate menu options are available for those who wish. Guests are welcome to attend for an additional fee.

4:15 pm – Meet in the hotel lobby to walk or carpool to the docks (more details to be communicated closer to the event)
4:45 pm – Board the boat cruise
5:00 pm – Boat departs for Peaks Island
9:00 pm – Boat returns and unloads attendees back at the dock in Portland

Tours – Attendees pick one of three options.  The cost of the tour is included in the registration fee.  Guests are not included.

Dunn Family Maple is a fifth-generation family maple production facility. On this tour, participants will learn how maple syrup is made, from sap collection to bottling. Special guest Jason Lilley from the University of Maine Extension will provide an overview of safety and health topics in maple syrup production. Maple products are available in the Farm Store for those who wish to take some home. Please note that bathroom facilities will be limited on this tour and porta-johns will be utilized.

Wolfes Neck Center is a farm-based education, research, and visitor center. The highlight of this tour will be their fishing-farming fusion effort, the Bovine Burp Buster Project, which studies the effect of adding seaweed to the diet of dairy cows. Attendees will learn about the ruminant process of a cow and how feeding seaweed contributes to the reduction of methane produced. Then a short wagon ride will bring us to the west bay of the center to the Fruit & Vegetable plot, with spectacular views of the ocean, where we will learn more about the work being done with the green crab species.

Maine Custom Woodlands is a full-service timber harvesting, land management, and excavation company. Tour participants will have the opportunity to visit a logging worksite and learn about the logging industry and the safety and health challenges workers face. Specific tour location TBD depending on the location of active worksites come June. Please note that because this tour will take place at an active worksite, bathroom facilities will be limited and attendees may be using porta johns.

Concurrent Sessions

Break

Concurrent Sessions

Business Meeting and Luncheon

Concurrent Sessions

Break

Closing Plenary 

Awards Banquet and Auction – Close out the 2025 ISASH Conference with our annual banquet and auction! Open to all ISASH attendees; guests are welcome to attend for an additional fee.