Fermanagh and Omagh District Council, through funding from the Public Health Agency (PHA), is currently offering free JAM Card E-Learning sessions to local small businesses, charities and community groups, to help make their services more accessible to people with disabilities.
The JAM Card – which stands for ‘Just A Minute’ – 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 needed. It has since grown and developed into a card and app that is used by people with a hidden disability or communication barrier to tell others that they need extra time and understanding in a private and easy way.
By signing up and completing the short online learning session, staff and volunteers will be more aware of what the JAM Card stands for and how to make their services more accessible for people with disabilities.
Welcoming the JAM Card online training sessions, Chair of Fermanagh and Omagh District Council, Councillor Thomas O’Reilly, said:
“Fermanagh and Omagh District Council is committed to making the district a welcoming, shared and inclusive district for all. By supporting our businesses and community groups to become more aware of the JAM Card, we can help local staff and volunteers to recognise the card or app, and how best to support the person. I hope by doing so we can give people with a disability more confidence to take part in everyday activities such as meeting friends in a coffee shop, attending workshops in a community venue or taking part in leisure and recreation opportunities.
“I would also like to take the opportunity to thank the Public Health Agency for providing the funding to support the delivery of this project.”
Fiona Teague, Head of Health and Social Wellbeing Improvement (West) at the PHA said:
“The Public Health Agency is delighted to support Fermanagh and Omagh District Council as they encourage businesses, charities and community groups to become more inclusive through JAM Card E-Learning sessions. The training will enable staff to learn more about the JAM Card, how it works and how best to support those using it. The sessions will contribute to the excellent working going on within the district council area and highlight the importance of access inclusion of health improvement programmes.”
For further information on the free JAM Card E-Learning sessions please visit the Fermanagh and Omagh District Council website, www.fermanaghomagh.com, email disability@fermanaghomagh.com or telephone Fermanagh and Omagh District Council on 0300 303 1777 and ask to speak to the Access Inclusion Officer.
Source: FODC
