The Johnson County Historic Poor Farm Disability Advisory Committee hosted its third annual Barn Dance & Social on Saturday, Oct. 17, bringing together members of the disability community for an afternoon of music, art, connection and community celebration.

The event had three goals: connect the broader Johnson County disability community, celebrate the volunteer work of Disability Advisory Committee members and create a joyful gathering at the Historic Poor Farm in recognition of the site’s painful history. 

Participants enjoyed music from DJ Sean, a photo booth, a sensory zone, and an art gallery featuring Artists at SUI and a group of makers at Systems Unlimited Inc. This year’s event also included a partnership with the Johnson County Auditor’s Office for a mock election and a group effort to complete the final panel of the Disability Advisory Committee’s community mural.

The Auditor’s Office demonstrated its accessible voting system, ExpressVote, which offers features such as adjustable text and headphones that allow voters to hear their ballots read aloud. Attendees could test the system by participating in a mock election between apple cider and hot cocoa. Hot cocoa won the vote. Participants also received information and resources about voting in the upcoming midterm elections.

At the dance, the Disability Advisory Committee completed its community mural, which illustrates a timeline of the Historic Poor Farm’s history. More than 100 community members of diverse ages and abilities contributed to the mural during community painting days throughout the summer.

Lead artists Lauren Simmering and Aaron Moseley designed the mural. They developed a paint-by-number framework to make it accessible for community members to participate at their own comfort level. All who contributed to the project will be recognized on future signage. With its final panel complete, the mural is on display in the Historic Building Complex at the Historic Poor Farm.

The Historic Poor Farm provides a public space for connecting with the land and local history through inclusive, community-led opportunities. Its work is guided by five priority areas: historic preservation and interpretation; accessible facilities beyond Americans with Disabilities Act requirements; public access to natural areas; community engagement; and growing local food.

The Historic Poor Farm is open to the public daily from sunrise to sunset. To learn more, visit www.jchistoricpoorfarm.com.