Cérge

I made a trip down to White’s Supa IGA on Monday, the newest partner addition to the Cérge app and wanted to share my experience.The whole team were fantastic I sent my notification with a request to please lower the music and the lights, I was lucky enough to have my peer worker with me for the day so I didn’t need as much assistance as I would if I was to go shopping alone.I checked in as we parked the car and by the time we got to the front door a manager was there to welcome us by name, how fancy!They had turned the music off completely which was lovely however due to the building being owned by Stockland they were unable to adjust the lights as it is seen as a health and safety issue. As they are now the store is well lit but certainly not anywhere near as bright and glaring as the big box stores. They are working hard to find a solution for this whilst still keeping everyone safe, so hopefully it will be an available option in the future.We also discussed what assistance is available for those of us shopping solo and I was pleased to hear that they will do everything they can to help, including having a team member shop with you if they are free.The manager gave us a tour of the store, asking questions about my dietary requirements and what I enjoyed eating then pointed out specific isles that met my needs. I know for some people this can be triggering but please know that I am sure my boundaries would have been respected if I had declined to answer.After confirming that everything was ok, she left us to shop in peace with the reassurance that if we needed anything all we had to do was ask a team member.Their product range is extensive with many unique options that you don’t see or are difficult to find in larger stores, including a wide variety of gluten free and vegan products, some of which I had never seen before and I will be going back to purchase later.I did not need my stick on Monday but the isles are wide and easily accessible for those of us using mobility aides.All in all a wonderful shopping experience and great to see local businesses joining Cérge so we can support them in return.

Today I met a new friend named Cérge……The Cérge app worked perfectly and it’s a great service… even my Support Worker was impressed… lolI arrived at Peregian Beach IGA to meet Cérge and do a little shopping, having advised them earlier I was on my way.As I use a wheelchair when in shopping centres due to balance issues, I had my Support Worker with me on this visit.At this time of the year, people are usually tense and somewhat short-tempered, so yes, I do avoid shopping centres approaching Christmas season… funny that Christmas brings out the worse in people at times (lol), so I hoped today using Cérge would ease some anxiety and I could have an enjoyable shopping experience.Unfortunately one small concern. The footpath leading to IGA’s front door was completely blocked with trolleys (who didn’t quite make it to the trolley corral) requiring my Support Worker to round them up and send them “home” so I could keep wheeling past.Once inside the store I was greeted by the lovely Amber who couldn’t have been more helpful, asking what I needed to make my shopping experience the best possible and assuring me that she would be happy to assist me in any way I wished.When I explained I had my Support Worker with me for assistance, Amber informed me she was happy to help in any way if needed.I did tell Amber about the wayward trolleys and she apologised and said she would advise management about that issue, which was the perfect response!At the checkout Jake did a great job in processing my groceries and he actually talked to me rather than my Support Worker, which I really appreciated as all too often, people talk over you when you are in a wheelchair… good job Jake!As it is approaching Christmas, it’s understandable there is a little more product in the aisleways than usual, but everywhere was accessible. As I was departing the store, there was one section where my wheelchair barely fit between the wall and some flowerpots, but a staff member ensured I could fit through and was prepared to move the flowerpot if needed, much appreciated.On my way to the car I noticed all the trolleys were happily in their paddock, so perhaps Amber followed up?My SW is a needed support because Cérge isn’t everywhere yet, but certainly Amber and Jake (particularly Amber who said she would be happy to accompany me and assist me with my shopping) gives me total confidence that I wouldn’t need my SW at an IGA store now that Cérge is “on duty”.All in all, a wonderful shopping experience… and I’ll certainly be back again for the free coffee

Both my father and my husband have disabilities so I wanted to check out Mackay Aquatic Recreation Complex with the Cérge app to see if it could help us and make things easier. Before I visited the pool, I felt very curious about how the visit would go, as a person without a disability personally there is lots that we do not consider. With both my father and my husband having disabilities, and to put myself in their shoes was eye opening.? We used the Cérge app to let the staff know we were coming and required a tour of the facilities to see what would be suitable. After looking around the grounds, we felt comfortable and well accounted for. Staff were helpful and trained in the equipment that is offered for people with a range of disabilities.? Before I went to the location, I was optimistic. As one of the newer facilities within our community, I feel that they will be the most helpful and new facilities to cover a range of disabilities. The staff were so kind and ready to roll. They answered all questions confidently and with great understanding.? We had a wonderful experience and will definitely use Cérge in many more businesses to let them know our needs. I’m off to let dad know about Cérge and to give it a go! He will require more needs than me and I feel confident they will have him sorted!?

Last week, one of our support workers and participants used the Cérge app for the first time! Entering in access needs and support information needed to support Carol was quick and easy. Upon arriving they were greeted and a water wheelchair was waiting at the accessible change rooms.Carol is vision impaired and has a physical disability. Carol looks forward to her weekly outing at TRAC but at times her needs are not met with limited access to the bathroom and often Carol needs to wait for the shower commode chair.Through using the Cérge app, Carol was treated as an individual that relies on support to access the community and on arrival everything was ready to go! Thank you Cérge and TRAC for helping our community to achieve its health goals!Support Your Way recommends checking out the Cérge app & TRAC! Join the Cérge Community and find out more!

I use a mobility scooter for all of my outings so it is vitally important that I have access to information about different places. I can’t tell you the amount of times I get caught where I can’t access a grocery aisle, a corner store, a clothing store or a chemist. Things like the size of the aisles, the doorways can all mean I can’t access them. Not to mention not being able to reach things on shelves. My partner is also my carer and so when I heard about Cérge we had a chat and decided to see what all the fuss was about. I don’t like to make a bother for people, I just want to be able to access the places I need and want to enjoy my life. Seeing Mudgereeba Aquatic Centre on the Cérge website was great, so close to me and a place I wanted to visit for hydrotherapy. My partner and I sat and looked through the Visual Story and Access Guide to make sure I was, 1. Find suitable parking 2. Able to get inside from the carpark 3. Get in the doorway 4. Have somewhere I can get changed 5. Get into the pool 6. Water at a temp that is ok for my hydrotherapy 7. Enjoy myself with minimal anxiety After looking through the tools I felt happy and equipped with the information to be able to attend. Abby was the staff member who greeted me when I arrived and she was so welcoming and helpful. She was a breath of fresh air and had the whole situation under control and we felt very at ease. I use pool noodles and enjoyed such a great swim. You need to take your own equipment to the pool which is pretty standard. We felt very accomplished and I would love to return to this pool! It’s so good for my body to move but it’s even better for the mindset! I really enjoyed myself, thank you everyone :)

Truthfully, as a parent of a child with ASD it takes planning. The mental load can often be the thing that breaks me. Thinking, planning, preventing, pre-empting and the plot twists. 
For me, it’s all about calculating his level and where he is at, watching as things add to his load and watching him relax as things become less. It’s a huge mental game at the best of times. I just want the best for my son. 

I guess usually the thought of a loud pool with the echoing of excited children and splashing would be something I wouldn’t often consider, however I know that water is great for him and he enjoys it. For us to have a success it’s all about the layering and expectations. 

Layer 1, talk to him about what we are doing today and give him a slower morning and breakfast. 

Layer 2, use Cérge as I was able to show Seth the Keilor East Aquatic Centre on the Visual Story, I showed him the car park, the entrance, the reception and the pools. 

Layer 3, prepare him to leave and explain to him I am letting the pool know we are coming. I put in the “Must Know” that it is VERY important not to bombard Seth with long conversations and questions but he does love a “hello” and smiles. 
This part is SO important for me because it’s this part that will get us to Layer 4 and a home run for the outing or it will take us all the way back to zero. 

Being able to share this information meant that I was much more confident in getting through reception with a happy child. Often staff try to do the right thing by talking to him because they don’t have the insider knowledge to say “please don’t”.

When we arrived at Keilor East, we were greeted and efficiently moved through the payment process. Everyone was pleasant. it not over the top which was perfect. Yes they were at tad busy at the counter upon arrival and yet they were lovely to deal with. 

The staff explained swimming lessons were occurring but there was an outdoor pool that was quite and not too many people so we could enjoy a swim without too much noise. Layer 5 done for me! Explained, efficient and quiet place! 
My anxiety was so much less on this outing just because I felt like I had back up, like a silent mum army behind me. 

I’m so glad we decided to attend again and used Cérge, we had a great experience and look forward to many more visits like this one! 

We ended up home, fulfilled and smiling! Home run! 

Thank you