Contest for Projects Aiding Disabled Open to All Service Groups

PurdueLogo.jpegAny youth or adult service organization in Indiana now can enter an annual statewide Purdue University competition that helps people with disabilities overcome physical barriers in their lives and communities.

The Bridging Horizons Community Service Contest, sponsored by Purdue's Breaking New Ground and AgVenture Adler Seeds, for the past 10 years had been open only to Indiana FFA chapters. To broaden the array of entries and projects, the competition this year is open to any group that serves its community, such as volunteer fire departments, churches, 4-H chapters, Lions, Kiwanis and Rotary.

"I'm excited to see the Bridging Horizons contest branch out into other service organizations," said Kylie Hendress, engagement coordinator for Breaking New Ground. "I'm looking forward to being able to help more people through these additional groups."

Last year's winner, the Jay County FFA, built a wheelchair-accessible ramp and handrail for a voting site. Other possible projects could include modifying a piece of farm equipment to accommodate a disability or improving the accessibility of county fairgrounds.

Hendress said groups deciding on an entry should consider the diverse range of improvements their community needs to promote independence of people with disabilities and other limitations.

"Disability encompasses more than just wheelchair users," Hendress said. "We assist many farmers with arthritis, back pain, vision impairments, as well as those suffering from spinal cord injuries and other severe disabilities."

Breaking New Ground, an outreach program of Purdue's Department of Agricultural and Biological Engineering, is internationally recognized as the primary source for information and resources on rehabilitation technology for people working in agriculture.

The competition has realized a dual benefit of not only helping people with disabilities but also of providing a way for groups to perform a valuable service to their community, said Steve Swain, rural rehabilitation specialist for Breaking New Ground.

"Bridging Horizons has given many individuals with disabilities greater independence and accessibility," Swain said. "Also, the students involved in the projects have been able to apply what they've learned in class and see the results of their work."

Cash prizes of $500, $250 and $100 will be awarded for first-, second- and third- place projects, respectively.

Contest applications should be submitted by June 1. A contest brochure is available by going to http://www.breakingnewground.info and clicking on "Bridging Horizons."

Interested organizations also can e-mail Breaking New Ground at bng@ecn.purdue.edu or call 1-800-825-4264 with questions or to request information.