1

Mid-Atlantic AgrAbility News Fall, 2012

F all is here and MAAP is busy developing pro-

grams, scheduling presentations, visiting cli-

ents and educating the farm population as well as

rural professionals about the project and how it can

help Mid-Atlantic farmers to farm easier, safer and

more productively.

Farm safety is another component of MAAP that

deserves priority, and aptly so during harvest. The

theme during National Farm Safety Week

(September 16-22, 2012) promotes the idea that

“safety is a family affair”. Current injury statistics

indicate that 85% of farm accidents happen to fami-

ly members. Take time to make safety a family af-

fair by routinely conducting safety inspections,

training and creating greater safety awareness

The safety of family members is just as important

as hired workers but sometimes is taken for grant-

ed. For example, a farmer may feel that safety

training is not important for a family member be-

cause they grew up on the farm and understand the

hazards and consequently does not provide training

on a new piece of equipment or does not provide

awareness training on farm hazards such as deadly

gases, unguarded power take-off shafts, missing

guards, etc.

With young children, the farm workplace should be

off limits. Young children simply do not recognize

the dangers—when you are operating equipment,

they always assume that you see them. Every year

nearly 100 young children needlessly die on our

farms. As children grow and start participating in

farm tasks you should refer to the North American

Guidelines for Children’s Agricultural Tasks at

www.nagcat.org for age-appropriate tasks.

The fatality rate of senior family members is higher

than other members and presents a real concern.

When most seniors are thinking about Social Secu-

rity and retirement, senior farmers are looking for-

ward to 10 or more years of productivity. The chal-

lenge is that often these aging farmers are at-risk

due to diminishing physical and sensory abilities.

Some of the age-related factors that affect farmers

are:

Hearing loss

Visual impairments

Balance and equilibrium challenges

Reduced strength and flexibility

The challenge will be to minimize farm hazards and

re-design the work environment and procedures to

reduce risks. Make safety a priority by following

these suggestions:

Increase light levels in the workplace

Equip stairs with hand rails

Use hearing protection

Limit exposure to particularly hazardous tasks

Use power lifts when lifting

Use mobility aids

Provide lower steps for accessing equipment

Refrain from operating equipment when using

medications that have side effects such as re-

duced reaction time, impaired sense of balance,

etc.

Farming is currently one of the most dangerous oc-

cupations in the US. The people that are more at-

risk are family members. Take time NOW to revise

priorities and make your farm as safe as it produc-

tive. You, family members and employees are the

benefactors. Your investment in

safety pays the highest dividends!!

From the Project Director’s Desk. . . From the Project Director’s Desk. . . From the Project Director’s Desk. . .

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PAGE 2 MID-ATLANTIC AGRABIL ITY NEWS

Stress and Farming By: Jessica Forbes, with permission of Georgia AgrAbility

Our health Emphasis this year is Mental Health.

The first installment is about Stress and farming as

it can lead to other conditions affecting those work-

ing in agriculture.

F arming is a stressful occupation. The National

Institute for Occupational Safety and Health recent-

ly examined 130 occupations and found laborers and

farm owners had the highest rate of deaths due to

stress-related conditions like heart and artery dis-

ease, hypertension, ulcers and nervous disorder.

Technological changes, money management and the

changing face of livestock and crop production all

add stress, especially during times like seeding and

harvest. Farmers are accustomed to being especially

independent, proud, and self-reliant, both as indi-

viduals and as family units. These are positive and

desirable traits as they take on a life that entails

hard work, dedication, a stewardship of the land,

and living with great uncertainties such as weather,

market prices, interest rates, and national policy.

However, it can be these very traits that make it

difficult for farm families to reach out when they

come up against a substantial amount of stress.

Stress is defined as: a response to a demand that is

placed upon you. Without some stress, people would

not get a lot done. Although a certain amount of

stress can be positive, if you cannot return to a calm

state, then the stress becomes destructive. The

changes that stress causes in your body (increased

heart rate, higher blood pressure, and muscle ten-

sion) start to take their toll, often leading to mental

and physical exhaustion and illness. Too much

stress can cause problems and affect your health,

productivity and relationships. There is a direct cor-

relation between the level of stress one is experienc-

ing and the potential for on-the-job injury on the

farm.

Early warning signs of Stress:

Physical symptoms:

Headaches

Stomach problems

Rapidly beating heart

Clenched teeth

Emotional symptoms:

Impatience

Frustration

Depression

Outbursts of anger

Anxiety

Behavioral/Relationship problems

Increase in drinking (alcohol )

Difficulty relaxing or sleeping

Verbal and physical abuse

Problems communicating with family members

Inability to make a decision

Chronic stress can impact your immune system,

which lowers your ability to ward off illnesses. The

following components are part of a wellness lifestyle

approach that can help you control stress. That is

why it is important to identify common stressors,

recognize the symptoms of stress, and manage

stress.

Attitude: The way you think about things can make

all the difference in how you react to events. Chang-

ing the way you think can help you manage stress in

your life. Each time something happens in your life,

the information about that event enters your mind.

You interpret it by forming beliefs about what the

event means, why it happened or how it is going to

affect you. While you can’t always control the events

that happen, you can control the way you think and

feel about them. Keep a positive attitude. Shift from

worrying to problem solving.

Healthy Eating: Good nutrition and healthy eating

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PAGE 3 MID-ATLANTIC AGRABIL ITY NEWS

Do you know of a farmer with a disability who might benefit from the Mid-Atlantic AgrAbility Project

(MAAP)? If so, please refer them to the project. We strive to assist any farmer with a disability or chronic

health condition in Delaware and Maryland to return to work.

MAAP will provide services to:

Farmers with a disability

A farm worker (not necessarily an owner)

A family member who contributes to the agricultural enterprise

A caregiver who supports farmers with disabilities

See the back of this newsletter to contact a

representative in your area.

Know a Farmer with a Disability or a Challenging Health Condition?

Stress and Farming (continued)

habits can help you through your stressful times now, not just prevent a heart attack 30 years down the

road. Eating well will increase your physical, mental, and emotional stamina. Fueling yourself with nutri-

ent-dense foods can boost your immune system, help you maintain a healthy weight and help you feel bet-

ter about yourself.

Exercise: Walk, bicycle, swim, a half hour a day every other day. Just move your body from horizontal to

vertical and move.

Healthy Relationships: Relationships can be a source of stress and, at the same time, be a coping

mechanism for dealing with stress. Either way, you need people in your life that care about you and will

let you lean on them in times of adversity. Being assertive by claiming and expressing your experiences,

your feelings, your wants and your rights, can reduce stress. People who are assertive feel comfortable

asking for help, saying “no” to others, stating a unique opinion, making requests, and expressing both

positive and negative feelings.

Sleep: Consistent sleep is vital for a healthy life. Although everyone needs varying amounts of sleep, if

you do not get enough sleep, everything from your immune system to your ability to learn and remember

information will be negatively affected. Sleep is as important as nutrition and exercise when preparing

for peak performance.

Spirituality: Spirituality means finding personal meaning in your life, feeling connected to others, and

achieving your full potential.

Ways to explore your spirituality could include attending activities at your church and connecting with

the people; volunteering to help others; learning a new skill or craft; traveling, or keeping a journal.

“Stay tuned” for the winter issue, which will include an article on Depression. Future editions will include

information on Anxiety, and Treatment.

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PAGE 4 MID-ATLANTIC AGRABIL ITY NEWS

2012 New Jersey Partnership Tour By: Ronald C. Jester

T he Mid-Atlantic Agrability Project regularly plans visits with our partners. It is a fact that without these

partners, we could not adequately help farmers and their families with disabilities. In June, Jeff Shisler, Case

Manager at Goodwill and Ron Jester, MAAP Project Director visited the following partners in New Jersey:

NJ Commission for the Blind and Visually Impaired

Advancing Opportunities

Rutgers University

Farm Service Agency

NJ Department of Agriculture

NJ Farm Bureau

Division of Vocational Rehabilitation

Farm Service Agency

Veterans Administration

NJ Arthritis Foundation

Cherry Valley Tractor

These meeting are extremely valuable as we get to know each other better and seek to combine resources to

better reach and service farmers and their families with disabilities

A special thanks to the above agencies and other farm and allied organizations who support the

following primary goal the Mid-Atlantic Agrability Project:

To inform, educate and assist farmers and agricultural workers with disabilities,

as well as their families, so they can continue to lead successful careers in agriculture

Ruth Miller has rejoined the AgrAbility team in Maryland. She will attend winter

farm meetings to promote the program and to seek persons who can benefit from the

free farm evaluation and other advantages of this program. Ruth retired from the

University of Maryland Extension in Calvert County seven years ago. She worked in

Calvert County as the Family and Consumer Educator for over 23 years and served as

Extension County Director for 10 years. During her tenure as an Extension Educator,

she received many awards including a Presidential Award for innovative ground water

programs and the Maryland Extension Director’s Award given annually to one Exten-

sion employee for excellence in programming. In addition to the AgrAbility program,

she is a guest lecturer for Extension nutrition classes. She received degrees from the Univ. of Massachusetts

and the Univ. of Maryland College Park. Persons interested in the AgrAbility program may reach her at

ruthkmiller@comcast.net or by calling the Calvert Extension Office.

Meet Ruth Miller—AgrAbility Outreach Educator, Southern Maryland

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PAGE 5 MID-ATLANTIC AGRABIL ITY NEWS

Preventing Eye Injuries www.GetEyeSmart.org

Protecting your eyes from injury is one of the most basic things you can do to keep your vision healthy

throughout your life. You may be somewhat aware of the possible risks of eye injuries, but are you tak-

ing the easiest step of all to prevent 90 percent of those injuries: wearing the proper protective eyewear?

If you are not taking this step, you are not alone. According to a national survey by the American Acad-

emy of Ophthalmology, only 35 percent of respondents said they always wear protective eyewear when

performing home repairs or maintenance; even fewer do so while playing sports. If you have suffered an

eye injury, have an ophthalmologist or other medical doctor examine the eye as soon as possible, even if

the injury seems minor.

Eye Injury Facts and Myths

Men are more likely to sustain an eye injury than women.

Most people believe that eye injuries are most common the job—especially in the

course of work at factories and construction sites. But, in fact, nearly half (44.7 per-

cent) of all eye injuries occurred in the home, as reported during the fifth-annual

Eye Injury Snapshot (conducted by the American Academy of Opthalmology and

the American Society of Ocular Trauma).

More than 40 percent of eye injuries reported in the Eye Injury Snapshot were caused by projects

and activities such as home repairs, yard work, cleaning and cooking. More than a third (34.2 per-

cent) of injuries in the home occurred in living areas such as the kitchen, bedroom, bathroom, living

or family room.

More than 40 percent of eye injuries every year are related to sports or recreational activities.

Eyes can be damaged by sun exposure, not just chemicals, dust or objects.

Among all eye injuries reported in the Eye Injury Snapshot, more than 78 percent of people were not

wearing eyewear at the time of injury. Of those reported to be wearing eyewear of some sort at the

time of injury (including glasses or contact lenses), only 5.3 percent were wearing safety or sports

glasses.

Ruth Miller has rejoined the AgrAbility team in Maryland. She will attend winter

farm meetings to promote the program and to seek persons who can benefit from the

free farm evaluation and other advantages of this program. Ruth retired from the

University of Maryland Extension in Calvert County seven years ago. She worked in

Calvert County as the Family and Consumer Educator for over 23 years and served as

Extension County Director for 10 years. During her tenure as an Extension Educator,

she received many awards including a Presidential Award for innovative ground water

programs and the Maryland Extension Director’s Award given annually to one Exten-

sion employee for excellence in programming. In addition to the AgrAbility program,

she is a guest lecturer for Extension nutrition classes. She received degrees from the Univ. of Massachusetts

and the Univ. of Maryland College Park. Persons interested in the AgrAbility program may reach her at

ruthkmiller@comcast.net or by calling the Calvert Extension Office.

Farm Activities Associated with Eye Injuries Department of Occupational/Environmental Health, University of Iowa

Farmers are at risk for work-

related eye injuries, some of

which can be very serious. This

study describes the farm activi-

ties that were related to eye inju-

ry in a group of 36 Iowa farmers

in the Agricultural Health Study

who sustained 40 farm work-

related eye injuries requiring

medical advice or treatment.

Farm activities of grinding or cut-

ting metal accounted for 27.5% of

the eye injuries, welding for 7.5%,

and drilling for 5%. The other

60% eye injuries were related to

diverse farm activities. One inju-

ry was caused by an animal. On-

ly one injury was caused by a

chemical exposure. Foreign body

in the eye was the most frequent

type of eye injury overall, ac-

counting for 80% of the eye in-

jures. Of those, 62% were metal-

lic foreign bodies.

Although none of the injuries re-

quired hospitalization, 25% re-

sulted in the farmer missing 1 to

5 days of work. At least three in-

juries occurred while farmers

were wearing safety glass-

es/goggles. Results from an Iowa

study suggest that farmers are at

risk for eye injury from activities

such as grinding and cutting met-

al, welding and drilling, and from

other diverse activities on the

farm for which eye hazards may

not have been

anticipated. In

addition, these

findings have

implications for

use of appropri-

ate eye protec-

tion during all

farm activities.

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PAGE 6 MID-ATLANTIC AGRABIL ITY NEWS

Frequently Asked Questions

Are you looking to make modifications

to your home in order to make it more

accessible? Would you benefit from a

computer that accommodates for visual

limitations? Do you need an adapted ve-

hicle? If you could benefit from these types of assis-

tive technology but have hesitated because of cost,

Easter Seals can help! As part of their Community

Outreach Program, Easter Seals is now assisting

Delawareans in securing lower-interest loans to

purchase assistive technology or make modifications

for accessibility.

A lower-interest loan through Easter Seals Assistive

Technology Alternative Financing program was a

huge help to Carol and her brother Steve, who uses

a wheelchair. Before the home modifications, Steve

was limited to certain areas of their house. With

the help of low-interest financing, Carol was able to

renovate a previously inaccessible area to make a

room built for someone using a wheelchair. It in-

cludes lowered light switches and window frames,

accessible outlets, floors with no carpeting and a

level entry from the house allowing easy access

without assistance.

The Easter Seals Assistive Technology Alternative

Financing program is a partnership with Delaware’s

Division of Vocational Rehabilitation and is support-

ed through a combination of federal, state and pri-

vate funding. It is available to Delaware residents of

all ages with disabilities of all types, seniors with

age-related functional limitations and family mem-

bers caring for someone with a disability.

In addition to the Alternative Financing Program,

there is a Telework Equipment Funding Program as

well. This program provides funds for Delawareans

with disabilities to purchase equipment to work

from home, including a home business. Easter Seals

administers both loan programs in conjunction with

DEXSTA Federal Credit Union, Del-One Federal

Credit Union and PNC Bank.

If you would like more information about loans to

purchase Assistive Technology contact Joyce

Medkeff at resoureces@esdel.org or (302) 221-2076.

Easter Seals offers a range of services, including

children’s therapies, assistive technology, day pro-

grams for adults with physical or intellectual disa-

bilities and respite services for caregivers. To learn

more about how Easter Seals helps children and

adults with disabilities, call 1-800-677-3800 or visit

www.de.easterseals.com.

Are AgrAbility Program materials available in alternative formats?

Generally, yes. Most AgrAbility Program materials can be made available in alternative formats such as Braille or audio-tape if requested in advance. Due to limited demand, only very few items are kept in stock in alternative formats. If you are in need of an alternative format for any of the AgrAbility materials, contact Ronald Jester at rcjester@udel.edu, or call (302) 856-2585 x584.

Does AgrAbility provide direct funding to clients?

Generally, no. The provisions of the legislation does not allow the state and regional AgrAbility projects to provide direct funding to clients related to worksite accommodation, starting a new enterprise, or paying for assistive technology.

How do rehabilitation therapists work with AgrAbility?

Healthcare professionals trained in occupational, physical, respiratory or speech therapy can evaluate an individual’s skills. The skill levels are matched to task demands and recommendations are made for task adaptation or for the appli-cation of appropriate adaptive technology.

Easter Seals Assists in Affordable Loans for Assistive Technology

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Technical Innovations and Independence By : Dan Fendler, Easter Seals

Home Automation

A variety of different Home Automation equipment can facilitate independent living. Automation can

enhance independence by enhancing safety and security, enabling effortless control of environment and

may provide peace of mind to concerned loved ones. Here are a few ideas of areas where technology

might help:

Video cameras inside and outside your house can add to a sense of security. Video cameras can be ac-

cessed from the web and may help family members keep a watchful eye on aging relatives living alone.

A Panasonic BL-C131A Network Camera is one available produce. Note: web cameras require high

speed internet access, which involves a monthly fee.

Control your home environment (including lights, appliances or security systems):

From your smart phone

From a computer

From specialized remotes, touchscreen panels, specialized light switches

or smart phones

From outside your house

Automatically, based on a schedule or sunrise/sunset times

Automatically, based on other “events” that happen, like doors opening,

or motion sensors being set off

One at a time, or all together

Low Cost Tips

On a recent trip to a local big box store, I noticed that a display called Lowe’s Accessible Home TM which

included a few accessible products, including a walk-in bath. There is a guide available with a number of

practical ideas, along with an accessibility checklist that is worth checking out. The guide is available at

www.Lowes.com/AccessibleHome.

Here are a few practical low cost tips to promote independence and safety:

Simplify your environment– keeping organized can help reduce accidents.

Avoid stairs—consider living on one floor.

To use car alarm as crude notification system, carry your keyless car remote with you at all times.

Let your neighbors know to call for help if your car alarm is sounding.

Prevent falls—put grab bars and non-slip mats in the bathroom.

Improve lighting in areas where you might fall.

Store frequently used items in easy to reach spots.

For added security, carry a charged cell phone with you, even at home.

Use timers for irons, coffee pots, etc.

Arrange to call a friend or relative on a schedule. Let them know to call for help if they don’t hear

from you.

Highlight uneven surfaces with contrasting colors.

There are literally dozens of new technologies that carry the potential of helping many people lead more

independent lives. If you would like to learn more about available technology that may meet your needs,

please feel free to contact your local ATRC. Dan Fendler may be contacted at Fendler@udel.edu.

8

Emergency Preparedness By: Mike Love, University of Delaware

Emergency Preparedness is one of those items on

our “To Do” list that, for many of us, continues to

get put off as other higher priority tasks come up.

Those living on farms and in rural communities

have unique assets related to emergency prepared-

ness when compared to more populated regions.

Still, some vulnerabilities during emergencies

stand out for people living in rural communities—

more so for those with disabilities. This article will

review some of these rural assets and vulnerabili-

ties while suggesting basic emergency prepared-

ness measures needed to enhance the resiliency of

persons with disabilities living in rural communi-

ties.

In the Emergency Preparedness realm, agriculture

is one of 18 critical infrastructure areas considered

in Homeland Security planning. Key points about

agriculture in the US include the fact that almost

2.1 million farms, ranches, and other sites account

for about one fifth of the nation’s economic activity.

Agricultural sites are highly dispersed and since

almost entirely under private ownership, agricul-

ture is highly decentralized as related to govern-

mental and regulatory control. Agricultural sites

are often located in areas that historically have

had fewer emergency response and medical ser-

vices. Yet threats to agricultural facilities can be

more diverse including tornadoes, floods, winter

storms, wildfires, temperature extremes, criminal

activity/agroterrorism, and crop/livestock diseases.

Statistically, the average age of a farm operator is

59 with about 17% being over the age of 65. On

farms, the rate of traumatic injuries is higher than

the general population. Incidence of mental/

behavioral health-related disabilities is higher in

rural communities—in general, rural communities

have a disproportionate share of individuals who

are older, are affected by disability and have fewer

economic resources.

Some of the consequences of disasters in farm com-

munities include loss of livelihood, loss of commu-

nications and basic services, deterioration of exist-

ing health conditions, inability to travel, and loss

of housing. These are increased by the general na-

ture of farm and rural living—the geographic isola-

tion, travel and response times for responders to

arrive and limited emergency planning.

But the resiliency of farm communities is often

stronger during times of crisis. Emphasis is often

placed on preparedness based on past experiences

(backup power, food stocks, snow removal equip-

ment). Rural networking has created some ad-

vantages as well with community volunteer fire/

EMS departments, farm organizations and local

churches.

More critical emergency management issues arise

for persons suffering from disabilities in rural com-

munities during a disaster. These would include

the loss of essential services (life support systems,

dialysis services, and accessible communications).

And lastly, the overly independent character of

farmers to take care of things on their own and a

reluctance to seek assistance can be a big detri-

ment in times of disaster.

It is vital that everyone take basic steps to prepare

for these potential disasters with emergency man-

agement preparedness measures:

Develop and emergency management/

Evacuation plan

Evacuate or Shelter-In-Place

Have a pre-identified meeting place.

Have an external contact point

Stockpile seven days of essential supplies and

Medications

Identify special needs, including dietary needs

Don’t forget pets

Utilize 911 or Reverse 911

Medical ID bracelets

Form a peer support network if there are spe-

cial needs.

Identify shelters, Neighborhood watch, Postal

contacts, Utility contacts.

Learn more from local resources such as county

extension offices, local emergency planning

agencies, agencies on aging, churches.

You can contact the Mid-Atlantic AgrAbility Pro-

ject office for more resources and assistance as you

work to prepare your Emergency Management

Plan.

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PAGE 9 MID-ATLANTIC AGRABIL ITY NEWS

Upcoming Events for Mid-Atlantic AgrAbility Project—2012

October 15-16 2012 Northeast Regional AgrAbility Networking Workshop

October 25 Central Delaware AgrAbility Advisory Committee meeting

October 30 Arthritis Summit—New Jersey

November 2-3 Small Farm Program at UMES Campus (see MAAP website)

November 13 Exhibiting and speaking at New Jersey Farm Bureau Convention

November 20 Presentation for Commission of Veterans Affairs

December 2-4 Exhibiting at Maryland Farm Bureau Meeting

December 11 MAAP Steering Committee Meeting

For more information on any of the above events, contact your area MAAP representative listed on the last page.

Speakers’ Bureau

Please rjester@udel.edu to schedule a

speaker to discuss the project and occupa-

tional health-related topics, such as:

Making Farming Easier, Safer and

More Productive

Assistive Technology

Farm Safety

Arthritis

Stress/Mental Health

Reducing Back Injuries

Hearing Loss

Visual Impairment

. . . And more!

Attention Delaware and Maryland Chapters FFA:

Receive cash awards for applying your knowledge by

helping farmers and their fami-

lies overcome physical barriers.

Projects will be judged on the

basis of originality, usefulness

and impact.

Contact Ron Jester at rcjester@udel.edu, or call 302-856-7303 x584 to receive information on

Visit the Delaware Assistive Technology Initiative (DATI) website at http://www.dati.org for an up-to-

date recycle list. This extensive listing includes am-bulation/positioning devices, hearing, personal care, recreation, scooters, strollers, vehicle/accessories,

vision and wheelchairs/accessories.

Loans For Equipment,

Independence For A Lifetime

The Assistive Technology Guaranteed

Loan Program:

The Telework & Self-Employment Loan

Program Is open to all Maryland resi-

dents with disabilities.

www.mdtap.org 1-800-832-4827 1-866-881-7488

WEBSITE VOICE TOLL-FREE TTY TOLL-FREE

10

Mid-Atlantic AgrAbility is a joint effort of:

University of Delaware, University of Maryland and Rutgers Universities -

Cooperative Extension Offices

Easter Seals, Maryland Centers for Independent Living, and Goodwill

Industries

. . .Serving Delaware, New Jersey and Maryland.

Visit us on the web at:

Mid-AtlanticAgrAbility.com

For more information about the Mid-Atlantic AgrAbility Project, please contact:

DE & Eastern Shore of MD Case Managers

Sally Van Schaik, Easter Seals Georgetown, DE 877-204-3276 svanschaik@gt.esdel.org Coit Custer, Resources for Independence Cumberland, MD 301-784-1774 mdagrability@rficil.org Yvette Granger, Goodwill Industries Maple Shade, NJ 856-439-0200 ygranger@goodwillnj.org

Project Directors

Ronald C. Jester, P. E. , University of Delaware Georgetown, DE 302-856-7303 rcjester@udel.edu Chuck Schuster, UMES Cooperative Extension Derwood, MD 301-590-9638 cts@umd.edu Ray Samulis, Rutgers University Mount Holly, NJ 609-265-5050 Samulis@njaes.rutgers.edu

This newsletter is available upon request in alternative formats. This material is based upon work supported by the Extension Service; U.S. Department of Agriculture, under special project number 2002-41590-01391.

Cooperative Extension Education in Agriculture and Home Economics, University of Delaware, Delaware State University and the United States Department of Agriculture cooperating. Distributed in furtherance of Acts of Congress of May 8 and June 30, 1914. Delaware Cooperative Extension, University of Delaware. It is the policy of the Delaware Cooperative Extension System that no person shall be subjected to discrimination on the grounds of race, color, sex, disability, age or national origin.