Promoting Independence in Agriculture
AANNPST11.1506 (Rev. 2.1307a)
Colorado AgrAbility Project—
Peer Support Train-the-Trainer Training
Jackson, MS
By Robert J. Fetsch, Extension Specialist
& Director, Colorado AgrAbility Project,
Human Development & Family Studies
Colorado State University
Promoting Independence in Agriculture
History—
AgrAbility Neighbor-to-Neighbor Peer
Support Train the Trainer Training
•1998-2002—We visited with
AgrAbility Staff: Bill Field, Paul
Jones, Paul Leverenz, Mary
Yearns, Dan Robbins, Cheryl
Skjolaas, and others.
Promoting Independence in Agriculture
History—
AgrAbility Neighbor-to-Neighbor Peer
Support Train the Trainer Training
•2000-2003—We found in the
research literature 10 stages from
denial to joy of life.
Promoting Independence in Agriculture
We found in the research literature
10 stages from denial to joy of life.
•Denial & Shock
•Mourning & Withdrawal
•Anger & Blame
•Bargaining
•Depression
Promoting Independence in Agriculture
We found in the research literature
10 stages from denial to joy of life.
•Reassessment & Reaffirmation
•Coping & Mobilization
•Dialogue
•Self-Acceptance & Self-Esteem
•Joy of Life
Promoting Independence in Agriculture
History—
•10 stages
–It’s not a linear process.
–It’s a dynamic process.
–Family members too.
–Let’s be vigilant and refer.
Promoting Independence in Agriculture
History—
•2000-2003—We asked
questions:
–How long is realistic to expect
farmers/ranchers to take off from
work to learn about peer support?
–What are the core skills that peer
support advocates need to learn to
provide effective peer support?
Promoting Independence in Agriculture
What Are the Core Skills?
1.
2.
3.
4.
Connect well.
Listen actively.
Problem-solve.
Spot signs of high stress, anger,
depression, and suicidal thinking.
5. Make effective referrals to appropriate
professionals.
Promoting Independence in Agriculture
3 Keys to Effective AANNPST Training:
1) Screen Well!
2) Teach Well!
3) Assess Well!
2003 U. S. Suicides - by State
Deaths Per
100,000 Population
Suicide rates per 100,000 population by state and US
25
20
WY
CO
US
NM
UT
15
10
5
03
20
01
20
99
19
97
19
95
19
93
19
91
19
89
19
87
19
85
19
83
19
81
19
19
79
0
Source: Retrieved October 24, 2006 from http://webapp.cdc.gov/sasweb/ncipc/mortrate.html
Suicide rates per 100,000 population by state and US
18
16
14
NE
MS
US
OK
KS
12
10
8
6
4
2
03
20
01
20
99
19
97
19
95
19
93
19
91
19
89
19
87
19
85
19
83
19
81
19
19
79
0
Source: Retrieved October 24, 2006 from http://webapp.cdc.gov/sasweb/ncipc/mortrate.html
National Institute of Mental Health
Current Suicide Rates in U. S.
Promoting Independence in Agriculture
We use practical handouts and
resources.
We provide science-based information.
We are conducting an evidence-based
program effectiveness study of what
works in peer support programs with
farmers and ranchers with disabilities.
Promoting Independence in Agriculture
How do we teach? 3 ways.
• Lecture/cognitive learning.
• Role play/experiential learning in
dyads/triads.
• Self learning on one’s own.
Promoting Independence in Agriculture
From previous research,
what do we now know?
• That high-dosage training programs
work well and are effective with nonfarm/ranch groups.
Promoting Independence in Agriculture
From previous research,
what do we not know?
• Whether 1-2 day peer support trainings
are effective with groups of
farmers/ranchers with disabilities and
caregivers.
• CO and OK are poised to find out!
• Won’t you join us?
Promoting Independence in Agriculture
How many workshops since
inception?
• 7/15/2004 AgrAbility Neighbor-toNeighbor Peer Support Program
Training, Denver, CO—7 CO farmers &
ranchers with disabilities and
caregivers.
Promoting Independence in Agriculture
How many workshops since
inception?
• 5/10-11/2005 AgrAbility Neighbor-toNeighbor Peer Support Program Trainthe-Trainer Training at the request of
Doug Carmon and Cheryl Skjolaas,
Kansas City, KS—19 AgrAbility staff
participants from CA, CO, DC, IA, IL, IN,
KS, MI, NE, OK, PA, and SD.
Promoting Independence in Agriculture
How many workshops since
inception?
• 4/18-19/2006 AgrAbility Peer Advocate
Training at the request of Carla Wilhite
and Linda Jaco, Stillwater, OK—7-9 OK
farmers and ranchers.
Promoting Independence in Agriculture
What feedback did we
get from participants?
Promoting Independence in Agriculture
What are some
challenges and
successes of running
this program?
Promoting Independence in Agriculture
What are our future
plans, e.g. helping
other SRAP’s launch
their program?
Promoting Independence in Agriculture
Thank you
very much!