With the arrival of fall, apple picking becomes a go-to activity for families and friends looking to enjoy the crisp air, colorful leaves, and simple pleasures of the season. But for individuals with disabilities, this quintessential New England experience is often out of reach because many farms simply aren’t accessible.
That’s why we were so excited to share this fun tradition with a group from our Meaningful Whole Life (MWL) program.
On October 15, The Edinburg Center brought a group of individuals to Tougas Family Farm in Northborough for a day of apple picking and hayrides. For many, it was their first ever hayride and apple-picking adventure, and it couldn’t have been a more beautiful fall day. Smiles, laughter, and the scent of fresh apples filled the air as everyone enjoyed the orchard together.
“Tougas Family Farm is the most ADA-accessible farm we’ve ever seen,” said Emily Rankin, a Meaningful Whole Life Champion. “Their wheelchair-accessible hay wagon, complete with a lift, allows individuals with mobility challenges to enjoy a scenic ride through the orchards.”
This outing is part of Edinburg’s Meaningful Whole Life program, which creates opportunities for people to experience the fullness of life—moments that many take for granted, like spending an afternoon in the sunshine, picking apples, and riding on a hay wagon with friends.
At its heart, MWL is about inclusion, accessibility, and the simple joys that connect us all. And on that gorgeous fall day at Tougas Family Farm, everyone was reminded that those joys truly belong to everyone.