Cérge

We avoid the shops like the plague as Henry (autistic) normally is overwhelmed within minutes of arriving. To be honest sometimes even before we’ve made it through the car park to get to the shop.This happened a few weeks ago when we had to leave mid shopping experience, I thought we would be ok but it was a disaster. There were boxes everywhere, the store was loud as the music was playing through the loudspeaker and Henry had had enough before we even managed to get half way through our list. We left. Again.I don’t know how many times we have had to abandon cart mid shop, mid car park or just plain avoid shopping altogether. When people say “I’ll just pop into the shop on the way home” because it’s just something they can do. I think to myself I can’t imagine that ease as that is not anything like our life.We notified them via the Cérge app an hour before arriving with our must haves - low noise and light levels if possible and plenty of space for Henry to walk, hold (swing around ) a basket and for the pram if required.Henry is autistic and has a walk which requires more space and I have a pram for him as he can tire easily. We entered the store and within minutes had a lovely woman come up to us and explain that they had received the Cérge notification and could see the must haves and if there’s anything further she could do for us to let her know. I was impressed immediately.The music was off and it was quiet with the staff members moving anything out of the way as we approached and giving us a smile, making sure we could find everything and not showing any bother about it. Do you know how good it felt to not feel judged or like we were annoying people!They also did not stare at his AFOs and spoke to him rather than ignoring him like we experience in other places. This was such an incredible and beautiful extra. Instead of “just avoid, don’t look” which I think sometimes is because people don’t know what to do and I get that. But gee it was nice to feel like a part of the community having chats whilst shopping and Henry happy.My anxiety was the lowest it’s ever been whilst shopping! Henry was getting a little overwhelmed by the end of our shop and Jodi (Manager) opened up another register for us so that we could move through faster, including the kids in the process and again asking if there was anything else we needed help finding.So good! This kind of inclusive and also intuitive experience was so amazing! It was a wonderful experience and definitely a place we will shop again! I didn’t feel the usual stress I do when Henry started showing signs of being overwhelmed (which was right at the end this time, not the start!) as I knew we had the support of the staff members and this was such an incredible feeling of comfort.Henry has already asked when we are going again!!Wow!!Wow!!Wow!!

As a speaker at this years AITCAP conference I already have a few nerves. I’m excited though and so grateful for the opportunity.

As a person with disability arriving at a new venue can be anxiety inducing enough. I use a wheelchair so step free entrances are something I look for, wider doorways, access to the car park.

The list goes on.

So when going to a venue for the first time, it can be really difficult and time consuming to find all the information I need just to access a venue and its facilities. One major component is seating, will there be a space for my wheelchair, will there be a space near the front now that I’m a speaker in the day.

This year the AITCAP conference have upped their game amazingly, they use the Cérge Companion site which has a visual story, up to date photos of all the areas, plus a list of sounds at each part of the venue. There is also reference to the car parking, each room and where they accessible carparks are so I know how to get to the venue with ease. This site has reduced so much anxiety for me because it feels alas if I’ve already been to the venue.

I also used the Cérge app to notify the venue on my arrival. Arriving at the venue I was greeted by Chris and given everything I needed for the day in regards to where registration is and the room I’m speaking in. I felt so welcomed and it really added to my confidence for the day ahead and getting on stage! Eek!

I am so happy the AITCAP conference have gone above and beyond with access and inclusion this year. I haven’t actually experienced that through type of inclusion previously and given the type of conference it is its great to see them leading the way alongside Cérge!
Makes me excited for the Paralympics in 2032 hahahaha

Here’s to a great day ahead!

Heidi greeted me with a huge wave as I arrived and I felt a sigh of relief leave my body. It was like I was running into an old friend.  She smiled and grabbed the medications I required.She faced me whilst talking which was my request so that I could lip read. She asked me to teach her some signs and I did, even though I’m a bit rusty myself hehe! Not everyone signs and not everyone lip reads either. I was so scared, I felt a bit raw and vulnerable walking in. I didn’t want a fuss or to feel like a bother like I have so many times before. It was a lot of trust to put into the Cérge app and I wasn’t sure it would truly help. I have to say though I am very surprised. I left Amcal Wilsonton feeling like my friend had just served me and honestly, truly cared. What a difference. It’s one of those things, I didn’t know how much I missed feeling “normal”, how much I craved just feeling like a regular customer who is heard and seen. Thank you Cérge, thank you Amcal Wilsonton, I’m telling all my friends! Incredible.

I’m a local Disability Support Worker. I heard about Cérge and 
wanted to see how it would work for some participants within our 
organisation. I was really keen to see if having a business know 
what the person may need before we arrive would streamline the 
process and remove any awkwardness and waiting.
I was excited to see the different venues available from cafes to 
tourist type of venues to local supermarkets. I was keen to pick an 
“everyday” type of business as I know this would help a lot of 
people if they could be independant to shop alone or with 
support but driving the experience themselves. That would be 
very impactful for them.
When I arrived Donna showed me where the toilet was located. A 
nice added extra to customer service because we all know as a 
parent someone is going to need the toilet as soon as we arrive 
somewhere.
Kate greeted me out front and showed me through the store. A 
fabulous store and so many yummy items!
I listed that I needed bread and milk. I was shown to these 
locations whilst also being shown other areas and staff who 
service those areas. It was a wonderful tour and I didn’t expect 
such amazing service. Obviously I wouldn’t need this all the time 
but for my first time and planning for possibly taking participants I 
was very happy.
I noticed how clean and spacious the store was which would be 
fabulous for my clients who have walking aids. Not to mention if 
they are immunosuppressedI was told by Kate that if I had a participant who had sensory 
issues, to put it into the app and the music and lights can be 
turned down.
What!!!
That is incredible and truly felt so inclusive! Nothing was too much 
trouble. It felt like everyone was welcome, which doesn’t always 
happen.
If I had participant in a wheelchair, i can mention in the Cérge app 
they said they can make sure aisles would not be obstructed. I’m 
so blown away :) this two way communication is world first and so 
unbelievable.
The staff at Forest Glen IGA were very helpful and informative. 
This is just fabulous for when I am pre planning a visit to anywhere 
that uses Cerge with a participant to be able to make sure their 
needs are met.

My daughter is ASD and can be so over stimulated in 
environments like this.
Oh wow, they could help us.
I would be able to share the Visual Story to prepare her and then 
use the app to let staff know how we were travelling.

Funny how as parents we just trudge along doing everything and 
sometimes don’t ever consider how life could be a bit easier.
If I could shop with my daughter with some back up angels that 
changes my life!
Wow.
YES!

Being mobility challenged, travelling can be daunting. As I am on bilateral crutches, I was also concerned about needing to wait for extended periods lining up, as this is difficult for me.

Travelling with children adds an extra layer of challenge to the mix. While many people can just arrive at the airport & ‘go with the flow’, it takes planning & organisation when I travel, which can be stressful. 

Recently I had arranged to fly to Sydney for a holiday with my three children. I was somewhat apprehensive due to needing to navigate through the airport with the children & manage all our luggage.

However, prior to travelling I had visited the Cérge website wherein I found a huge amount of information about the Sunshine Coast Airport. I was able to view a floor plan of the airport, & even do a virtual walk through with a 360 degree virtual tour.

On the day of travel, I used the Cérge app to notify Sunshine Coast Airport of the time that I would be arriving & check in on arrival. The app itself also had extensive information about the airport & what to expect, including a comprehensive sensory guide.

Once the children & I arrived at the entrance to the baggage check-in, Jordan was waiting to greet us & guide us through to the Qantas check-in area. We were guided through a priority lane, which meant we didn’t have to line up. This in itself was a huge relief for me as prolonged standing is difficult.

At check-in, Jordan remained with us until all bags were tagged & checked through & we had received our boarding passes. We also discussed the possibility of assistance for boarding the flight & a lift was arranged for the time of boarding.

Jordan then walked us through to the security check. He assisted us to run all items through the security screen, & there was a chair for me to sit on for the purposes of screening.

After we had gone through security, Jordan showed us to our gate, provided me with a telephone number in case I needed anything prior to boarding, & was helpful, friendly & knowledgeable. We were then collected by Qantas staff & assisted to board the plane using the lift.

At no time throughout our whole time at the airport did I feel a burden to anyone, & I didn’t have to spend time trying to organise assistance or work out a way to navigate difficult areas. The stress was removed, such that by the time I sat in my seat on the plane I was relaxed & ready for our holiday, not stressed & exhausted from navigating our way through check-in, security & boarding.

What a wonderful service Cérge & the Sunshine Coast Airport offer. I have no doubt that Sunshine Coast Airport’s initiative to embrace inclusion & accessibility will make a huge difference to many.

I have osteogenesis imperfecta (brittle bones) which can make it hard for me with exercising. My bones can break easily and I can be in a lot of pain. Swimming and low impact are really the best choices for me. I use a wheelchair and would need assistance getting in and out of the pool. My carer and I visited Eltham Leisure Centre We used the Cérge app to let the staff know we were arriving in an hour and that we were looking at the pool and would like a tour of the facilities. I wanted to see if I felt comfortable before promising to swim. It’s been a while since I got in a pool, so I had a little anxiety. With the new Cèrge app where I was able to notify staff at Eltham Leisure Centre that we were coming before we got there. This will be helpful in the future as I can request a quieter place, a separate lane if possible and assistance. Sometimes the thought of getting to a place and not having supportive staff is a barrier in itself. I have my support worker which is fantastic, and she is great but having staff that don’t really know how to help can be very awkward. I’m glad I can use the app to tell the staff exactly what I need. It takes the weirdness out of watching them work out how to help, whether to help or sometimes people just don’t help. Can you imagine dropping a leaflet and no one helps you pick it up? It’s embarrassing and annoying! When we arrived, the staff were happy and helpful, we were greeted at the front and the staff member organised another lady to give us a tour of the centre. They have 4 pools, Baby, Small heated pool for swimming lessons, Hydrotherapy pool (has a ramp), and a 25m lap pool (has a ramp). All at different temperatures. Toilet and changerooms on pool deck which is very handy. They had an Aqua class going at the time we went, and it was full even being so early. It is great to see the place getting used and lots happening. The staff member gave us a leaflet which had all the timetables for all the classes, and she also put all the prices on the leaflet for me. Of course, after all exercise there is a coffee shopping. Perfect end to the day! The Cérge app is a fantastic tool to be able to ask for specific things, we know now we can ask for a quieter space or lane if we need that on the day or to let them know we are coming but that we are ok. I will be looking out for more Cèrge facilities. Please tell them your needs before you get there which is very useful and makes you feel a lot more comfortable getting out and trying new things.