Department of Social Protection now a JAM card friendly organisation, Mayo minister announces
The Minister for Social Protection, Dara Calleary, has announced that the Department of Social Protection has been appointed as a JAM (Just a Minute) card friendly organisation.
JAM supports people with an invisible disability or a communication barrier to let others know that they need extra time and patience, in a simple and discreet non-verbal manner. JAM cards are available as a physical card or as a digital app.
The rollout of this initiative delivers on two of the commitments in the Programme for Government: to support the rollout of JAM cards to break down communication barriers, and to promote training initiatives to raise awareness and understanding of disabilities to better equip staff.
A key focus of the training will be recognising and responding to the JAM card – a simple, discreet tool developed by social enterprise, NOW Group.
Speaking about this initiative, Mayo native Minister Calleary said: “I am delighted to support the introduction of the JAM card across the department. We have trained over 2,900 staff to recognise the physical card and the digital app, who are now better equipped to support people who may have an invisible disability or difficulty communicating.
“The JAM card is a simple, practical expression of our commitment to inclusiveness and quality customer service. Our staff have embraced the idea of making the conversation at the counter or over the phone an easier experience for all.
“Adopting the JAM card helps raise awareness of invisible disabilities and opens the space for a better engagement with colleagues and customers.”
Maeve Monaghan, chief executive of the NOW Group, added: “With over 185,000 JAM Card users across Ireland and the UK, we are delighted that the Department of Social Protection has invested in JAM Card training. This training ensures that individuals with both visible and invisible disabilities receive the extra time and understanding they deserve.
“As a social enterprise, we are dedicated to championing diversity and equality for all. However, we can’t achieve this alone. It’s essential that we collaborate with public and private organisations to promote inclusivity for everyone. We are thrilled to have the Department of Social Protection join us on this important journey.”
Minister Calleary has also announced the introduction of quiet rooms in the Department of Social Protection’s Intreo Centres. The aim is to have a room available to any customer who would benefit from a calm, quiet space, such as: people who are neurodiverse; people who are stressed, vulnerable or upset due to, for example, a recent trauma or life event; people who need more time and space to discuss their business
To date, a quiet room has been installed at 51 of the department’s offices, with a further four in progress.
Speaking from the quiet room in Nutgrove Intreo Centre, Minister Calleary said: “Having a quiet room in our public offices is a very important element in ensuring our offices are welcoming and inclusive. They have been specially designed to provide a sensory-friendly experience to help individuals relax, focus and conduct their business with us easily and in private.
“The quiet room initiative fits very well into the range of measures government is progressing to ensure our services are easy to access for all our customers.”