White's IGA Bli Bli
Stories of Inclusion / White's IGA Bli Bli
Had a wonderful shopping experience at White’s IGA Mooloolah and White’s IGA Bli Bli using the Cérge app!
This app was very easy to use and I liked being able to review store access information before I went so I knew what to expect. Having the photos (Cérge access guides) was also very helpful to me because they showed me where the accessible parking spots were and exactly how the parking looked so I could find them easily.
I have Cerebral Palsy with a speech impairment and sometimes find it challenging to communicate what assistance I need on the spot, especially when stores are really busy and loud. It was wonderful to be able to communicate my needs before entering the store through the Cérge app.
When I arrived at the stores the staff already knew what assistance I needed and were ready to provide that assistance. At the first store, I asked for assistance with finding the groceries I needed, and someone walked around the store with me and got the groceries I needed.
Support was provided at the checkout to lift my groceries on the counter, pack them in bags, and hang the bags on the back of my wheelchair, which was a wonderful experience.
At the second store, I just asked for assistance at the checkout. Having the option to choose the assistance I needed really appealed to me because sometimes I am capable of shopping on my own, but other days I am too tired and might need help.
The staff were amazing at both stores, and I never felt as if I was bothering them at all. They treated me with respect and dignity, and never made me feel as if I were asking too much.
Using the Cérge app, I had a delightful shopping experience at White's IGA Mooloolah and White's IGA Bli Bli.
By Belinda – Lived Experience of Disability
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The further adventures of Cérge!
Today reaffirmed just how life changing Cérge is…
At this time of year we are all under extra pressure, add in a chronic illness or disability and things can build up pretty quickly. Using Cérge I can eliminate the stress of a “Big Box Store” shop and support local businesses at the same time.
A huge thanks to the team from White's IGA Bli Bli for assisting me today, easing my sensory overload by turning down the lights and switching the music off. It may seem small but I assure you, even this minor adjustment helps myself and many others function so much better day to day. Thanks for the support White’s IGA 
Esther (12), and Eva (10), are deaf, using hearing aids and a cochlear implant to aid their communication. They also benefit from face-to-face communication to ensure they have optimum access to sound, combined with lip reading. As they get older and more independent, we want them to be able to grow in confidence that their communication needs will be understood.
Cérge is proving to be a wonderful tool to promote awareness of diverse needs. It’s also fantastic to know our daughters have access to tools like this to assist their independence.
We recently went to Whites IGA at Bli Bli and of course, both girls wanted to buy a snack and they asked where they might find what they were looking for. The staff were friendly and very willing to help. Jordan, who assisted one of the girls with her purchase received our message 25 minutes before we arrived and prepared for our arrival. It was a busier time of day, and it was a nice feeling to feel looked after. We really benefited from having their detailed less busy hours on their information on the Cerge App (unfortunately we could only make it to the store at around 4 pm on this particular day though).
We were in and out and had an extra set of hands to help us! Well done Whites IGA and thank you Cérge!
What a wonderful experience today at Whites IGA Bli Bli.
I can get quite anxious and overwhelmed when shopping depending on crowds, how much I need to shop for. I was so surprised at IGA.
They were so welcoming and met me at the front door with my own personal shopper. I thought I might feel a bit silly and like they had made a big deal but it was so friendly and comfortable. It gets like meeting a friend and not awkward at all.
You can’t see my issues but the spinal pain and wrist pain is real and they made my shopping experience more enjoyable.
Cérge would benefit so many people, the elderly, parents with neurodiverse kids etc, the crew at IGA Bli Bli are dedicated to being that extra bit of support to make shopping enjoyable and not a begrudging chore.
What I liked was that the help was on my terms, in my way, that’s empowering. I felt more like I had a companion than feeling like I’m broken and they have to fix me.
Looks like I’ve found a new place to shop and the quality is amazing!! Thank you Cérge and thank you IGA for doing better! It makes a difference.