Platform of change: Tom’s vision for accessible events

When you meet Tom, it’s clear he doesn’t let his condition define him.

Tom is non-verbal, yet armed with a communication board and his unyielding will, he came up with a revolutionary idea: the TC Stand.

Sick of attending events and only ever getting to see “people’s backs and bums”, Tom had the brilliant idea of creating a portable and elevated accessible viewing platform so six wheelchair users and their companion could attend events without feeling left out.

Attending local events and connecting with the broader community should be a fundamental human right, yet people with reduced mobility often aren’t afforded such luxury. Seeing a stage can be difficult for wheelchair users when among a crowd, and navigating a crowd with a wheelchair or crutches poses challenges that shouldn’t be imposed on anyone.

Tracey Toy, a senior employment preparation and engagement consultant with disability services non-profit Are-able, has been working with Tom for the past two years.

“Put yourself in Tom’s shoes or chair,” she said.

“How do you think you’d feel if that happened to you or to a family member? You’re made to feel that you’re pushed aside and don’t matter.

“Tom already has barriers, and we don’t need to add any more on him.”

Tom’s idea has never been done before, and it could change the lives of many in the Goulburn Valley.

Funding efforts

Tom, assisted by Tracey and Ash Oaks, his second support worker, has been working on this project for a year. They have relentlessly raised funds through grants and donations, some of which were received from the UK and New Zealand, managing to secure $22,947.58 out of the $57,824 needed to build the platform. However, they still need the help of our community and local businesses to raise the remaining funds before construction can begin.

Can we make Tom’s dream a reality?

Tom and Tracey met with Greater Shepparton City Council. Although no financial contribution could be made, council generously agreed to store the platform, service it, insure it and transport it to other events in nearby local government areas. This ensures that the platform is accessible to those who need it, not only in Shepparton but also the wider Goulburn Valley.

“With Tom, it’s never been ‘if we get the platform built’ but ‘when we get the platform built’,” Tracey said with a smile.

Tom, Tracey, and Ash have already visited a few places around Shepparton, such as Queen’s Gardens, to picture where the platform would go:

“We stepped it out, and we said, ‘Tom, this is where you’d be, but you’d be elevated,’” Tracey said, her eyes glowing with excitement.

“’Excitement’ — that’s the word Tom has been coming back to on his communication board over and over again since the early stages of his genius idea,” Tracey said.

Despite all this, Tom won’t personally profit from his brilliant idea. All money received will go towards the project.

Tom has been a source of inspiration for many, myself included. Meeting him and chatting with Tracey and Ash made me realise how much I took my mobility for granted. I never even thought of the difficulties faced by those with reduced mobility.

Many shops or facilities have stairs or are cluttered, and cannot welcome people with reduced mobility, sending the message that they are not wanted. This form of segregation shouldn’t exist in 2024.

“I didn’t see our region or even anything through that lens until I started working with Tom,” Ash said.

“Tom has taught me what we need to be looking for. How do we advocate for Tom to make this change?

“I’m really passionate not only about the project but accessibility in general. There are still a dozen shops around Shepparton that have steps to get through the door.

“Sometimes, I’ll lift Tom up to get in, but it’s unsafe for workers. They risk getting injured and potentially injuring those in their care.”

Many of us are doing it tough at the moment, but if we all participate, even the smallest amount can have a massive impact.

Tom dreams of having the platform ready by the International Day of People with Disability in December. Since there will be an event to mark the day, what better moment to launch the platform than then?

Tom is also planning his own event to launch the platform: with Tom, the sky is the limit!

For more information or to support Tom’s dream and make a lasting impact, please scan the QR code to donate or go to shoutforgood.com/fundraisers/tomcumminsstand

If you’re a business owner and would like to become a sponsor, please contact Tracey at: traceytoy@areable.org.au