White's IGA Baringa
Stories of Inclusion / White's IGA Baringa
Having an assistance dog can be daunting sometimes as I’ve been asked numerous times by security for ID for Bundy and it can be scary and anxiety producing at the time.
I use Cérge because then I can tell the business in advance about Bundy and it means there is no weird moments that make my anxiety sky rocket. Today we had an excellent training mission today with the help of Cérge. Bundy and I visited the @Whitesigabaringa
I struggle with a condition called dysautonomia, which causes chronic fatigue and fainting episodes if i stand or walk for too long so having seating available is a must. A lot of big chain grocery stores don't have any seats available and I end up having to sit on the floor, which is embarrassing and can be dangerous for myself and people walking past. I now know that I can use the Cérge app to ask them to put a chair somewhere on the aisles so I can sit. This can be done incognito which is great and I wouldn’t feel like a fuss was being made.
As always, the IGA staff were amazing. One staff member asked if the grass outside was enough space for him to go to the toilet before we came in and it was plenty. The staff members kind awareness was really awesome and made us feel like we were not a problem at all.
Having the IGA's accessibility features listed on the Cérge app allows me to choose where I shop based on how accessible it is for my needs. I LOVE the new Cérge companion site that shows me photos of all the areas, plus a visual story, it’s incredible!! I want this on every business website. What a game changer.
I especially love the sensory board as training Bundy I need to be aware of high sensory areas for him like the deli. This is so so so helpful and I can imagine for people with sensory overload too.
When out I need a disabled stall available that is large enough for me to get Bundy in and out comfortably. Not having a disabled toilet stall available would mean that I would have to leave my assistance dog outside the stall, which poses a danger to him as anyone could come up and snatch him.
All of these seemingly small things add up to a hugely successful experience for myself and Bundy
Overall it was a great shop, as it usually is with the Whites IGA's. With the help of Cérge I was able to make this outing easier by avoiding any questioning at the door about my assistance dog, and I knew the staff had my back if I needed help with anything.
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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.
We recently trialled the Cérge service and app at the White's IGA Baringa.
My 10 yr old son Levi has a variety of disabilities including ADHD, Developmental Coordination Disorder (dyspraxia) Sensory Processing disorder and Oral motor Dyspraxia.
He finds large crowds and loud noise overwhelming and shopping centres extremely overstimulating so grocery shopping can be a nightmare and very stressful for all of us.
We put our requirements into the app and set that we would be there in 25 mins.
When we arrived we were greeted at the sign by a friendly and helpful customer service representative and asked if we needed any assistance collecting our shopping and if we wanted the music turned down and it made the shopping experience so much smoother knowing that the shop had our explicit needs in mind.
I highly recommend this service for all people with disabilities. It's a fantastic service making life easier and more inclusive for everyone in the community.
Grocery shopping can be overwhelming for anyone as there is so much variety but when my dad visited White’s IGA Baringa it was a very different experience.
Dad used the Cérge app and notified them he was heading there in 45 minutes. There was parking right at the front door and ample shopping trolleys.
Dad was welcomed by Sam at customer service who was only too happy to offer assistance.
From the moment you walk into White’s IGA Baringa it is inviting as there is a modern but cosy cafe and a great range of gift ideas.
The store is spacious and offers a wide range of fresh produce and grocery items. There were even some delicious fresh baked dinners to choose from.
There were four friendly customer service attendants which meant no waiting and the manager even introduced herself to dad which impressed him.
All in all this shopping experience was far superior than some of their competitors.
Dad said he found the Cérge app easy to use and it gave him greater confidence when shopping and really liked how he was treated like a VIP.
Dad and I would recommend Cérge to others who are reluctant to visit grocery stores, cafes and venues.
By Marie – Carer for her Dad