White's IGA Forest Glen
Stories of Inclusion / White's IGA Forest Glen
I’m a local Disability Support Worker. I heard about Cérge and
wanted to see how it would work for some participants within our
organisation. I was really keen to see if having a business know
what the person may need before we arrive would streamline the
process and remove any awkwardness and waiting.
I was excited to see the different venues available from cafes to
tourist type of venues to local supermarkets. I was keen to pick an
“everyday” type of business as I know this would help a lot of
people if they could be independant to shop alone or with
support but driving the experience themselves. That would be
very impactful for them.
When I arrived Donna showed me where the toilet was located. A
nice added extra to customer service because we all know as a
parent someone is going to need the toilet as soon as we arrive
somewhere.
Kate greeted me out front and showed me through the store. A
fabulous store and so many yummy items!
I listed that I needed bread and milk. I was shown to these
locations whilst also being shown other areas and staff who
service those areas. It was a wonderful tour and I didn’t expect
such amazing service. Obviously I wouldn’t need this all the time
but for my first time and planning for possibly taking participants I
was very happy.
I noticed how clean and spacious the store was which would be
fabulous for my clients who have walking aids. Not to mention if
they are immunosuppressed
I was told by Kate that if I had a participant who had sensory
issues, to put it into the app and the music and lights can be
turned down.
What!!!
That is incredible and truly felt so inclusive! Nothing was too much
trouble. It felt like everyone was welcome, which doesn’t always
happen.
If I had participant in a wheelchair, i can mention in the Cérge app
they said they can make sure aisles would not be obstructed. I’m
so blown away :) this two way communication is world first and so
unbelievable.
The staff at Forest Glen IGA were very helpful and informative.
This is just fabulous for when I am pre planning a visit to anywhere
that uses Cerge with a participant to be able to make sure their
needs are met.
My daughter is ASD and can be so over stimulated in
environments like this.
Oh wow, they could help us.
I would be able to share the Visual Story to prepare her and then
use the app to let staff know how we were travelling.
Funny how as parents we just trudge along doing everything and
sometimes don’t ever consider how life could be a bit easier.
If I could shop with my daughter with some back up angels that
changes my life!
Wow.
YES!
Read More Stories
Today I visited IGA In Forest Glen with my support worker Belinda. I was a bit nervous before we went because it was a new place for me and sometimes new places can be a bit stressful. But I had a great visit.
I was met at the door by Sophie and she showed me where the gluten free foods could mostly be found (I had asked for that when I wrote what I was looking for). As it turns out, this IGA is the best place I could find for gluten free anywhere on the Sunshine Coast! It has everything I could ever need.
The café was great, there was a place with no chair so I could sit at the table and drink coffee. The table is a long shared table with other patrons, but we were one of three pairs of diners on it and it didn’t feel crowded or awkward at all. The coffee was wonderful.
There is a lot to see in the store, they have everything from gifts and fresh flowers to everyday groceries, but the aisles are wide and there was no pressure for me to choose things in a rush. Sophie came to check to see if I was able to find what I needed, and when it was time to leave she made sure the accessible checkout was open.
It was a very positive experience and I will be back. Knowing that Cérge was there made everything so much easier.
Cérge is an amazing friend to have! It’s really nice to know that there won’t be the “
omg a person with a disability has just arrived“ shock when you turn up somewhere. I really hate that sudden awkwardness that people can get!
Had an amazing training outing today with Cérge! Bundy and i went to the Forest Glen Whites IGA to focus on socialising and engagement around different distractions. we watched lots of trolleys and loud carts go by and a lovely lady let him have a good sniff of her rollator.
The IGA staff were incredible, i asked them through Cérge to essentially ignore us since we were focused on training, but to keep an eye out for us. The staff did exactly that, when i walked in with Bundy one of the staff members looked over and gave me a smile and a nod, then went back to work. While we trained i noticed that one of the staff would occasionally look back and check on us.
We weren't bombarded with questions about 'ID cards' or any paperwork when we entered, and they had an ample amount of grass area for toileting him. the isles were wide which gave us enough room to walk through and turn around, even when his heel wasn't perfect 
.
It was a great experience knowing that they had my back but were still being respectful of our need for space. I left feeling a lot more confident and I'm excited to go back for more training sessions.