December NUI Galway adopts JAM Cards for people with additional needs

NUI Galway has today announced the introduction of the JAM Card© initiative on campus for people with additional needs.

To mark International Day of Persons with Disabilities, the University is adopting the support system and providing staff training to assist those who may find it difficult to communicate or get easily overwhelmed in busy public areas.

JAM Card© was created by NOW Group, a social enterprise that supports people who, for example, have autism, acquired brain injury, a learning difficulty, or any hidden disability, which may mean that they need “Just a Minute” to allow them to complete their business.

The initiative is being led by NUI Galway’s Access Centre and has the backing of Minister of State for Disability Anne Rabbitte T.D.

Minister Rabbitte said: “I am delighted to see NUI Galway take such a proactive step to support people with disabilities and additional needs and encourage those who work and use the campus to adopt the JAM Card©. Ensuring that disability services are first and fore-most person-centred is a priority for Government and NUI Galway’s JAM Card© is another   innovative way to improving and meet people’s needs."

President of NUI Galway, Professor Ciarán Ó hÓgartaigh launched the introduction of the JAM Card© on campus.

“Respect and openness are core values at NUI Galway and the adoption of the JAM Card© is symbolic of the increasing focus we place on the need to be more inclusive and go the extra mile for others,” Professor Ó hÓgartaigh said.

Head of the Access Centre Imelda Byrne said: “It is important for the University community that we live by our values and that they are more than words. We hope that by adopting the JAM Card© initiative on campus we can help people and at the same time increase disability awareness, representation, and visibility across campus.

“I encourage as many staff across the campus as possible to engage with the training and learn the hugely beneficial tools and confidence it provides to support those who may need ‘Just a Minute’.”

People who have a communication barrier are often reluctant or unable to tell others about their condition - JAM Card© allows them to do so in a simple, effective, non-verbal manner. 

The initiative was originally developed for those with learning disabilities and difficulties but it can be used by anyone with a communication barrier and they are already used across Ireland in libraries, shops and banks and on public transport.

Anytime a person needs some extra assistance or time, they can present their JAM Card©, and they will be met by a staff member who knows to give that person some extra time.

For more information on the JAM Card© please visit https://tinyurl.com/Jamcardinfo

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