For 45 years, QCCC Mapleton has been a destination for school camps, community groups, and retreats. Now, this established outdoor education and accommodation facility is pioneering a new era of inclusive hospitality with the implementation of ‘Cerge’, a revolutionary digital concierge system designed to empower guests with disabilities.
Recognising that a significant barrier for people with disabilities stems from well-intentioned but ill-equipped service and hospitality staff, QCCC Mapleton has embraced Cerge to bridge this gap. With over 70% of disabilities being invisible and each individual’s needs unique, staff often struggle to provide confident and empathetic service. Cerge addresses this challenge by putting a personal disability and mental health advocate directly into the hands of the user.
How Cerge Works:
The Cerge Companion App is a free, user-friendly assistive technology that empowers individuals with disabilities, their support workers, carers, and parents. It allows users to discreetly communicate their specific service preferences to QCCC Mapleton before their arrival. This proactive approach removes the anxiety and uncertainty often associated with navigating new environments.
Personalised Pre-Arrival Planning:
Users input specific needs, shared securely with staff. Private Communication: Direct, discreet messaging eliminates awkward explanations. Informed Staff Support: Staff receive detailed information, enabling empathetic service. Increased Guest Autonomy: Proactive communication and navigation tools boost confidence and independence. “At QCCC Mapleton, we’re committed to creating an environment where everyone feels safe, respected, and included,” said Ben Cann, QCCC Mapleton’s Manager. “Cerge helps us live out that value, empowering guests with disability to be confident in their camp experience from the moment they arrive.”
Impact of Cerge:
While Cerge is one part of QCCC’s broader accessibility strategy, it has already made a difference in helping guests prepare for their stay. One teacher recently shared that her younger students had explored the Cerge virtual tour in class ahead of camp. “For many of them, it was their first time away from home, so being able to visualise the site helped ease nerves and created excitement. She told us it was a fantastic way to prepare them for what to expect.” QCCC have also since realised that a visiting physiotherapist made a physical site visit to assess accessibility needs – a visit that may not have been necessary if they’d known about the Cerge platform. The virtual tour and access information could have given them a strong starting point for understanding the layout and suitability of the site, saving time and effort. “It’s helped us recognise the importance of promoting the tool more proactively to carers and professionals supporting our guests”.
While Cerge is a valuable tool and adds another layer of preparation, QCCC Mapleton understands that true inclusion requires more than just technology. Their team’s dedication shines through in stories like Denise’s. Initially hesitant to attend camp due to her visual impairment, non-verbal communication, and limb malformation, Denise not only participated but thrived. ‘It’s stories like these that remind us why this work matters,’ says Ben Cann. With the aid of adapted equipment and the staff’s unwavering support, Denise experienced the thrill of the Flying Fox, eliciting a teacher’s comment that it was ‘one of the most exciting things she’ll ever experience.’ This experience has even led Denise to look forward to future camp adventures.
The introduction of Cerge complements QCCC Mapleton’s existing accessibility initiatives, which include accessible accommodation and meeting spaces, an extensive network of wheelchair-friendly paths and facilities, and specialised equipment for inclusive outdoor activities. Furthermore, a comprehensive virtual tour of the site is available, allowing guests and support providers to familiarise themselves with the venue’s layout and accessibility features in advance.
Expanding Accessibility Beyond Digital Tools
QCCC Mapleton has recently expanded its accessibility initiatives with the introduction of specialised water sports equipment. In a move to ensure canoeing and kayaking are accessible to all, regardless of ability or experience, they have invested in the Angle Oar Canoe Stabiliser Float. This universally designed device significantly enhances canoe stability and safety, providing ‘added confidence and balance on the water,’ particularly for those with mobility challenges or those new to paddling.
Furthermore, QCCC Mapleton has incorporated the Versa Paddle, an innovative, mount-supported kayak paddle system. This equipment addresses the needs of guests with limited upper body strength or range of motion by removing the weight of the paddle and reducing joint stress. The Versa Paddle’s design allows for a gentle, pedalling-style forearm motion, enabling individuals with conditions such as shoulder injuries or amputations to ‘enjoy independent paddling’.
QCCC Mapleton’s investment in accessibility reflects its commitment to serving the diverse needs of its visitors, including guests with disabilities, schools, and support providers. This commitment extends beyond physical infrastructure, encompassing comprehensive staff training and the strategic deployment of innovative digital tools like Cerge. QCCC Mapleton invites all potential guests to explore its accessibility features online and discover how outdoor education and inclusive hospitality can seamlessly coexist.
Disclaimer: This article is for information purposes only.