Albany Creek Leisure Centre
Stories of Inclusion / Albany Creek Leisure Centre
Social outings are not something that is an easy feat when you live with multiple disabilities. Being on the Autism Spectrum specifically means that even basic executive functioning is at times a struggle for me . My anxiety seems to get in the way of everything which obviously leads into my mood, my social life etc etc.
Despite this, I wanted to catch up with a friend and her children at the Albany Creek Leisure Centre to celebrate her son having his 7th birthday! These important milestones in our friend's and families life,l are too often missed, or dismissed as being, ' too difficult ' -and often it is. After utilising the Cerge app on my phone I was able to turn my social anxiety into mindful anticipation. This alone is a life changing adjustment. Just having the information at my finger tips, on my home and prepare.
At my own pace I found it almost easy to organise and put strategies in place for myself. I was able to think about potential triggers and mitigate these before they became issues. For just one example: After reading on the Visual Story that I may hear noises I am not used to, I was able to pop my Loop earplugs in my bag. Just that one piece of information that I would not find on a “normal” website. This information isn’t usually provided and yet because it was I could prepare and prevent so much.
The information given in the Visual Story with such as where the amenities and carpark are situated ahead of time is invaluable information, for me, tor many people. I cannot find this information usually anywhere. As an example, imagine when travelling and you turn up to Italy but you have no idea of the language, the culture, the food, or where you are staying. It’s stuff you just need to know. Same for me with “everyday things”, I need to know what I’ll hear, see, smell, feel and other things that make me know how to prepare.
Thankyou Cérge ! Being able to prepare myself for a pleasant experience meant I had a relaxing few hours with friends and I was able to really enjoy watching the birthday boys new swimming moves.
Cups full!
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I’ve avoided outings due to having experienced non neurodiverse friendly businesses that can exasperate PTSD meltdowns and AUD sensory overload. In the past I have been treated pretty average by staff at places and it can spike my PTSD. My son is ADHD so we look to choose "safe" environments to prevent running off with a younger, eager to follow sister and getting into harm's way. Again for him, if the environment is too over stimulating he can be unable to focus or process safe decisions increasing his impulsivity and dangerous situations. Not to mention I become more stressed and it’s just literally no fun at all.
This week I wanted to have a belated birthday celebration at Albany Creek Leisure Centre for my 7 year old. We were looking for a relaxed environment to meet a friend and celebrate while showing off my son's new swimming skills. I had reviewed the centre through the helpful Cerge App and the Visual story description and decided to give it a try. I was nervous I was anxious I need to be able to be prepare for multiple of situations or possible situations. Using Cérge it was helpful listing user friendly business to consider and I also found helpful that it shows the distance to the location when considering central meeting point for convenience.
Cerge helped reassure I was choosing a neurodiverse friendly environment, allowing me to view the facilities through the Visual Story therefore helping in assuring we could all have an enjoyable, safe time. Toddler pool, Safe entry, Disability parking, Marked pedestrian crossing (better for kids), Spacious and modern shower, ND friendly, Feel welcome, The simple communication and easy entry really helps ease anxiety for me. When attending events being on the spectrum and trying to juggle communication, bags, payments and process information and excitable children at once can often become overwhelming, and dampen a experience. If staff are impatient or unhelpful it’s just makes it a terrible concoction of events. Albany Creek Leisure counter staff were engaging with the kids and helped ensure their wrist bands were put on correctly by them and I was so greatfull for their helpful service. The environment was calm and spacious which meant I didn't feel we were encroaching on anyone's space or activities whilst having plenty of room for kids to play and splash. Once we had splashed our way through the available amenities and all tuckered out ,we were able to have a warm shower in their modern design spacious bathroom facilities. It was a highly enjoyable day out for all that attended and would recommend it for those looking for a relaxed, friendly, accessible environment with loads of entertainment and different programs on offer.
Use Cérge! You’ll get all the info before you arrive and no chance of feeling stuck or getting into a pickle you weren’t aware of.