Rollin' 'round Walton - IPM 2017

Aka International Plowing Match 2017 in Walton, Ontario.

It's probably not the best idea for me to spend the afternoon in the sun and heat and then come home and drink a cider...but I did anyway. Holy cow what a hot day. But the week didn't start that way... this is what it looked like.

Now a plowing match is not normally top of my list of places to hang out (four days in a row) but when in Rome...

And besides, I have been making myself useful. I joined the IPM 2017 Accessibility Committee several months ago and have been working with a keen group of women (yes, all women) on this project ever since. We have had a lot of support from the local IPM committee and from businesses keen to have the accessibility features on site. The brains behind the operation, Charleen O'Rilley, collected a diverse group of people with various experiences and expertise in living in an inaccessible world. It's true, if you don't live it, you don't know it.


There has been lots of publicity about the work that has gone into making this match accessible, in fact it was the topic of my last column in The Blyth Citizen. That, and Scott Miller, CTV did a great story to help spread the word too.
It's working. We (the committee) have had a huge response. People have come to the match that have not been able to for years. Planning a day at an outdoor event, knowing (because you saw it on video) what the bathroom facilities are going to be like for [insert the person who needs an accessible washroom here] makes a world of difference. Scooter rentals, ramped wagons, GOOD accessible parking, it all adds up to a day where all you have to worry about is the weather. Which was indeed a worry. But the match organizers closed the tented city down for the day on Wednesday so they could help preserve the land, and let it dry up a bit. Today we saw corn husks, mulch and wood shavings all being used to help soak up the water that fell from the sky all day Monday and Tuesday.

I spent some time talking to visitors on Tuesday and had the afternoon as a visitor with my family today. What a difference a few small changes make! Ramps to stages, large private bathrooms, viewing areas at concerts and events marked out for people to roll up with their scooter or wheelchair. The ramp up to the stage in the RV Park meant that one girl who uses a wheelchair was able to join her choir up on the stage as they sang during the worship service. The accessible parking area has a drop off zone and a ramped wagon to take you back to your car if you need it. Although we didn't stop to eat I talked to people who made good use of the picnic tables that have open ends to wheel up to. And, for the first time ever, people could tour the plowing fields on an accessible wagon thanks to the Townsend Family.

The most fascinating part is how word spread. Scott Miller's video has over 30,000 views - a lot from people sharing it with those who would benefit from knowing - often changing minds and deciding to attend. And word didn't just spread via YouTube, it also spread by word of mouth around the match during setup. Poor Charlene was getting calls and texts at all hours - staff who were setting up their tents and exhibits wanting to know what was best for accessibility purposes - which of course was a good thing.

I feel like this could be a new beginning - one where the people who run outdoor venues will begin to understand that setting up to create access for all just makes sense.

I heard Rick Hansen speak on CBC yesterday - 30 years ago he finished his roll around the world to raise awareness for people with disabilities and today marks the opening ceremonies for the 2017 Invictus Games in Toronto. All of these things coming together at the same time will help everyone understand that not everyone can walk up steps...but a ramp means access for all.