AgrAbility of Wisconsin

Plowing Ahead

Promoting Success in Agriculture for People with Disabilities and Their Families

WPS Farm Show Goes the Extra Mile

        Every year, farmers and non-farmers attend numerous farm shows throughout the state.  For many, it is an opportunity to get away from the daily grind of the farm and learn about new technology, products and ideas that are available to help make farm life a little easier.  Walking is part of the experience of farm shows, but for some visitors, a day of walking is a challenge, leaving many to either suffer through the day, or avoid farm shows altogether.

The Wisconsin Public Service (WPS) Farm Show has been active for 46 years as one of the largest farm shows in the state of Wisconsin.  In the past, the show has provided resting areas to guests to aid in easing the walking required. As helpful as this can be, visitors with mobility issues still find it difficult to attend the show.  

The scooters work well indoor
and outdoors, go wherever 
a person can walk, and 
are easy to operate.

When Jeff Tomcek became the Farm Show Manager,  Alan Gregory, a Public Service Agricultural Consultant, pointed out that many people did not attend the show or found it difficult to enjoy the exhibits because of mobility issues.  Gregory, who was familiar with the Easter Seals Wisconsin FARM Program, suggested providing free scooter rentals for show visitors with mobility issues.  This matter fell by the wayside until Tomcek’s grandmother asked if there would be a way for her to get around the grounds if she attended the farm show.  Tomcek realized that resting areas might not be enough for visitors and spoke with Gregory about the issue.  Gregory suggested that Paul Leverenz, Vice President of the FARM Program, might able to offer some suggestions about obtaining scooters.  Leverenz presented additional information about mobility issues and assistance to the staff, which, according to Leverenz, “are committed to trying to provide an accessible show.”  

The combined effort of the Easter Seals FARM Program and WPS was a huge success. The 2005 WPS Farm Show sponsored free scooter rentals from GT Mobility for the farm show’s visitors. The response from the public was overwhelming.  GT Mobility provided twelve scooters that were rented 36 times throughout the three-day show.  Many visitors commented that family members usually do not attend the show due to limited mobility, but with this service it would now make it possible for them to attend the show. 

Mike Kawleski, WPS Agribusiness Market Leader, said the scooters are also successful because of the show’s location – the EAA Grounds, Oshkosh. “This site provides large paved areas and aisle space in the exhibitor areas so that the scooters can easily move through the show,” Kawleski said. “The norm is baby boomers are reaching that age; more people are going to need to look at these services.”

 
Children's wagons will also 
be available for rental.

Due to the incredible response, the WPS farm show found the need to change rental companies to accommodate the increasing needs of the show visitors. Kansas-based Active Mobility Inc., will provide 25 to 30 scooters, 15 children’s wagons and 10 to 15 manual wheelchairs for visitors to use, free of charge.  “Active Mobility is very excited to be here.  They have never been asked to be at show where the sponsor pays for them to be there and the scooters are free to the attendees,” Tomcek said.

            Sue Kelly, Rental Event Coordinator for Active Mobility, Inc., explained that the scooters work well indoor and outdoors, go wherever a person can walk, and are easy to operate.  Kelly is thrilled to be apart of this opportunity. “Typically, consumers are charged a rental rate at shows where scooters are made available, but WPS is providing this service at no charge,” Kelly said. “I think WPS is doing a wonderful service.  It shows they care about the people coming to this show.”

            The 2006 WPS Farm Show takes place on March 28 through March 30 at the EAA Airgrounds, Oshkosh. The hours of operation are 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Tuesday and Wednesday, and 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Thursday.  The show will offer more than 350 exhibits, as well as seminars concerning energy efficiency and renewable energy.  A booth in hanger C will provide free blood pressure and cholesterol screenings for a small fee.

 Active Mobility, Inc., will offer scooters, children’s wagons and manual wheelchairs at no cost to WPS Farm Show visitors.  The equipment will be located next to the mobility assistance parking at the show.  Equipment rentals will require a driver’s license or state issued identification.  To reserve a scooter, wagon or wheelchair before the show contact Active Mobility at 1-800-798-3726 or visit the website at http://mobilitycartrentals.com.

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