NUI Galway has announced the introduction of the JAM Card© initiative on campus for people with additional needs.
To mark International Day of Persons with Disabilities yesterday, 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 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.
Minister Rabbitte said that she is 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,” said Minister Rabbitte.
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 that it is important for the University community that to live by its 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,” said Imelda Byrne.
“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.”
