Keilor East Leisure Centre
Stories of Inclusion / Keilor East Leisure Centre
I hadn’t met Cérge before today so I was very excited to be able to use the Cérge app at Keilor East Leisure centre .
I felt quite nervous before going to the venue. In fact without Cérge I wouldn’t usually go to a pool. I have cerebral palsy and it can be quite nerve racking hard to know how because I don’t know how accessible a pool will be and if I will face any awkwardness.
The anxiety is real as a person with a disability especially with a toddler in tow.
I didn’t need to worry though, it was a great experience, we were made to feel very welcome, shown around and asked if there was anything more they could do to assist.
In my “must know” we asked for a quiet area and a lane if possible and to my surprise we got a lane to ourselves as requested. They also made sure the accessible change room was made available. I truly felt great by the time we left, the pool is new and has great accessible features.
Would definitely visit again and I'd say Cérge is my new best friend :))
Emily – Mother of children with disability.
Read More Stories
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
Today I visited Keilor East Leisure Centre and with the help of my new friend Cérge and a very friendly Staff Member named Jasmine
Had a small tour of the Centre to familiarise myself with the facilities and I was very excited to see all the great things Keilor East Leisure Centre have on offer
Because of my anxiety
Going to new places and to the pool is something that I normally dread doing
But thanks to Cérge, The Cérge Community and Friendly non judgmental Staff at Keilor East Leisure Centre
I feel comfortable and invited and have the confidence I need
Visiting new places is a breeze
I check in via the Cérge App, letting them know the assistance I require
And someone is there to help me when I walk in the door, It couldn’t be easier 