In the spring of 2024, the Colorado AgrAbility Project was able to host two student interns from CSU’s Occupational Therapy Graduate program. This has been a tremendous, mutually beneficial experience. Read about Sabrina’s experience below.
Growing up in North Carolina, Sabrina had always felt a deep connection to helping others. From volunteering with peers who had autism in middle and high school to working in a neuro-rehabilitation outpatient center after college, Sabrina always felt drawn to healthcare but wasn’t sure of the exact direction to take. When she stumbled upon Occupational Therapy, she realized it was her true calling. The holistic approach of OT, focusing on helping individuals lead independent and fulfilling lives, resonated deeply with her.
In her first year at CSU, the opportunity to intern with the Colorado AgrAbility Project came up,
perfectly blending exposure to her interests in neurorehabilitation and nature immersion. AgrAbility’s mission to support farmers and ranchers with disabilities resonated with her current focus on neurorehabilitation, while also offering a valuable glimpse into the world of specialized home healthcare. Working with clients in their natural environments was a new and valuable experience for Sabrina, offering a chance to learn about their daily routines and challenges in an immersive and personal way (along with the opportunity to work outside!).
Throughout her internship, Sabrina found great fulfillment, particularly during home visits with Candy, who inspired her to always put relationships first and truly get to know clients as people. A recent moment touched Sabrina when she connected with a woman with a disability who runs a small farm in Northern Colorado. When Sabrina asked her how she handled the recent snowstorm, the woman expressed concern. Sabrina was able to share information about AgrAbility and directly connected her the National AgrAbility Toolbox, an online database for farming and ranching assistive technology. The woman responded with immense gratitude and said, “the universe must have brought us together today!” after learning about the opportunities available through AgrAbility. Sabrina provided several ways in which her internship with AgrAbility will impact her future career.
From seeing firsthand the impact of assistive technology on farms and ranches to gaining invaluable
experience learning how to conduct observations and assessment techniques in home environments, Sabrina has learned skills that will serve her well as a future Occupational Therapist.