LAST week I had the privilege of attending White’s IGA Mt Coolum to see how the Cérge companion app works. So, what is Cérge? It is a free app for disabled customers that provides an inclusive customer experience and revolutionises the way customers with a disability shop – the end result is increased confidence to go out independently.
The 2021 Census results show that nearly 1.5 million Australians (with over 300,000 in Queensland) are living with a disability that requires assistance with core activities. And over 71 per cent of disabilities are invisible and all disabilities are unique. The Cérge app understands the customer ahead of time and can take service to a whole new level.
Cérge is for customers with a disability, parents, carers, and support workers to find accessible venues and be assured of an inclusive experience, by removing fears and anxieties as a customer, by no longer having to advocate, justify or explain their specific circumstances to obtain customer service. This is really fantastic!
Based upon the Sunshine Coast, Cérge was founded by local couple Chris & Victoria Kerrisk, with their mission to reduce the fear, anxiety, and discrimination that individuals living with disability endure as customers. This app has already helped so many people. Always one step ahead, Roz White and her team of White’s IGA Stores have embraced being early adopters of this technology.
I would love to see other business leaders adopt Cérge and prioritise customers with a disability, to not only bring about much-needed social change but to appreciate the value of this very significant customer segment and bring awareness amongst the disability community that change for the better is happening right here on the Sunshine Coast. If you are interested in how this app can assist your business in being inclusive for those with a disability or just want to know more, contact Chris at chris@cerge.app
I am appreciative of the time spent at Whites IGA to see how this was working and proud to live on the Sunshine Coast with such passionate people wanting the best for all of the community.
I would also like to congratulate the winners of last week’s Sunshine Coast Business Women’s Network Awards – this is one of my favourite nights of the calendar year – the amazing people and talent in the room is an experience in itself. A big congratulations to all the winners and may big things come their way for the next 12 months both professionally and personally.
As always, don’t hesitate to contact me if there is anything that I can be of assistance with.