Inclusion at MILA
Shop, have your say, get involved – for everyone.
At MILA, solidarity and community are paramount. Our goal: Everyone should be able to participate – regardless of language, income, origin, gender, disability, or any other factor. We know that many barriers exist in our society. That’s why we are actively working to dismantle them.
Inclusion isn’t an extra at MILA, it’s a fundamental principle. Our supermarket aims to be as barrier-free and inclusive as possible. We’re not perfect yet – but we’re constantly learning, critically examining our structures, and developing solutions together for greater participation.
Inclusion is an ongoing process at MILA. If you have feedback or ideas on how we can become even more inclusive, please contact us at mitmachen@mila.wien . Our Diversity & Inclusion working group is committed to ensuring that MILA is conceived inclusively from the outset and accessible to as many people as possible – by actively identifying and removing barriers.
Accessibility in the supermarket
- Access: The entrance is accessible via a ramp (7% incline).
- Elevator: All floors and the warehouse are accessible by elevator.
- Accessible toilet: There is a freely accessible, accessible toilet on the upper floor.
- Cash registers:
• Cash register 1 is electrically height-adjustable and accessible from below.
• Cash registers 2 & 3 are identical in design, but currently not height-adjustable (retrofit possible). - Stairlift: There is a stairlift for the members’ office and the kitchen.
- Shopping trolleys: There are separate shopping trolleys for members in wheelchairs.
- Children’s corner: A child-friendly play area is currently being created in the MILA kitchen.
Fruit & vegetables – easily accessible & easy to weigh
- The lower crates of the fruit and vegetable island are slightly raised and can be pulled out – so you can easily reach in even when sitting down.
- The upper boxes are not too high, so they are also easily accessible.
- Smart scales automatically recognize many types of fruit and vegetables and suggest suitable options – this makes weighing easier.
- One of these scales sits low on the windowsill – ideal if you’re shopping while sitting down.
- You don’t have to weigh them yourself if you don’t want to: you can simply have the products weighed at the checkout – just let them know.
Language & Comprehensibility
- Easy-to-read font: We pay attention to high-contrast and clear fonts.
- Easier language: Much of the information, checklists and signage is designed in the simplest possible language.
- Multilingualism: Initial basic information is also available in English, Arabic, Turkish, Ukrainian, and BKMS. We are working on making even more languages accessible.
- English-speaking shifts: MILA offers several English-speaking shifts per month. We offer additional shifts if needed.
Quiet hour – shopping with minimal stimuli
For those who are sensitive to stimuli or would like to shop in peace, MILA offers a “Quiet Hour”:
🕐 Tuesday 5:30 PM – 6:30 PM
🕐 Saturday 9:00 AM – 10:00 AM
What you can expect:
- No music
- Dimmed light
- No sorting of goods
- Only a very faint beeping sound at the checkout.
- Vegetables and fruit can be weighed directly at the checkout.
- Reduced conversations
- Retreat area in the members’ office (Saturdays)
- Noise-canceling headphones and sunglasses available for loan (next to shopping trolleys)
These times can be extended as needed.
Shopping assistance at MILA – we help each other with shopping
The shopping aid is for everyone. With MILA, you might find some products difficult to reach or the information hard to read.
Do you need support? Or help with carrying or paying?
Simply check in at reception and briefly explain how you would like assistance. A member of staff on duty will be happy to help you – if you wish, with your entire shopping trip: for example, fetching products, reading information aloud, or helping with payment.
Hands-on shifts – flexible & inclusive
Being a member of MILA means participating – but not everyone can always do it.
Therefore, the following applies: Shifts can be individually adjusted or suspended , e.g. in the case of:
- disability
- chronic or mental illness
- Parenthood
- Caring for relatives
- old age
The shifts are flexible – you can contribute your skills and preferences. If you need support, simply contact the members’ office – we’ll find a solution!
Buddy system – working shifts together
The buddy system is an additional offering to ensure that everyone can participate equally in a shared shift.
Buddies are MILA members who work a shift together. This allows them to actively participate in a regular shift, just like everyone else. The reasons for needing support vary.
- For example, barriers can make participation in MILA more difficult.
- You might feel safer with a buddy.
- Maybe you’ll have less stress with a buddy.
Here’s how it works – when registering for a shift online, you can specify:
- whether someone should assist you during your regular shift
- You can also specify which tasks you need support with.
- or whether you would like to support someone else.
There you will also find the regular shifts where other MILA members offer support. This way you can find the right shift for you.
Respectful address & correct names
If desired, pronouns can be noted on the membership card – simply enter them in the registration form or add them later. Furthermore, trans* and non-binary individuals can enter their real name in the registration form – regardless of their legal name.
Product range – room for diversity
At MILA, everyone should have a say – including when it comes to the product range.
Do you have any requests? Write them down in the product range folder!
Our product range takes into account different lifestyles and dietary habits:
- international food
- vegan products
- also animal products
- Much is regional and organic – but not everything
Why? Because some products aren’t available regionally or organically, or would be so expensive that they would exclude some members. MILA is for everyone – including when shopping.
Solidarity fund – good shopping with or without a lot of money
The solidarity fund helps MILA members with limited financial resources, ensuring everyone can shop for good, healthy food. If you need support, you can easily and confidentially contact them on the member platform. Do you have a bit more money? Then you can contribute to the solidarity fund with a small or large donation . Even a small contribution makes a difference – for greater fairness and good food for all.