Council Staff receive JAM Card Training

Fermanagh and Omagh District Council is currently rolling out JAM (Just-A-Minute) Card E-Learning sessions to all staff members who interact with members of the public, with the aim of becoming a Jam-Friendly organisation.

After completing the training, staff will be more aware of what the JAM Card stands for, as well as some helpful tips to make services more accessible for people with disabilities. The training has been funded by the Public Health Agency, through the Access & Inclusion Project.

The JAM Card allows people with a hidden disability or communication barrier to tell others that they need extra time and understanding in a private and easy way. It was created in 2012 by NOW Group participants with learning disabilities and autism who wanted a discreet way to ask for ‘Just A Minute’ of patience when they need it. Since the card was launched, it has grown and developed into a card and app that is used by people with any communication difficulty.

Chair of Fermanagh and Omagh District Council, Councillor Barry McElduff, welcomed the rolling out of the initiative saying:

“Fermanagh and Omagh District Council is committed to making all our services as accessible as possible for people with disabilities.

By making our staff aware of the JAM Card, we can ensure that staff who regularly interact with customers can recognise the card or app and how best to support the person to complete their business.

I hope that through this training we can give people more confidence to interact with the Council and achieve our vision of becoming a welcoming, shared and inclusive district.”

Nicola Tipping, Business Development Manager, NOW Group, said:

“We are delighted to be supporting Fermanagh and Omagh District Council to become more inclusive and accessible. All members of staff are set to complete our JAM Card E-Learning course which will enable Fermanagh and Omagh District Council to deliver an inclusive and supportive environment for all employees and visitors.

There are now over 125,000 JAM Card users, which is why it is so important that organisations are taking part in the training and becoming JAM Card Friendly. We would encourage businesses to follow the example set by Fermanagh and Omagh District Council to ensure the workplace is accessible to all. Thank you for your support!”

The Council has JAM Card E-Learning spaces available for community groups and small businesses within the Fermanagh and Omagh District Council area. To find out more information please contact Fermanagh and Omagh District Council by phoning 0300 303 1777 or email disability@fermanaghomagh.com.