Accessing the Outback Phase One: Accessible Tools

Amount Awarded: $605.23

Academic Year: 2024-2025

Implementation: Active, Winter 2025 – Summer 2025 

Accessing the Outback is part of a multi-phased initiative to improve accessibility at the Outback Farm. Phase One aims to obtain and supply the Outback Farm with more accessible tool options, allowing more students to participate in outdoor activities. The team believes that introducing these tools to the farm will increase community engagement and student comfort, as well as raise the bar for accessibility on Western's campus. The phased approach allows the team to integrate accessibility features into the farm on an ongoing basis, allowing them to gather feedback after each phase to direct future project goals and adapt to the changing needs for the farm.

Supplies to be purchased include: upright-handle gardening tools, adjustable 2-in-1 hoe cultivators, garden stools with claw globes, extendable garden tool kits, and arthritis-supportive hand shears. This funding also supports the purchase of two wooden raised garden beds, to help folks who can't easily access ground-level beds.