Council a '˜JAM card friendly' organisation

The initiative is part of the delivery of Council’s Disability Action Plan which recognises that for some customers it’s not always easy to express themselves.

By showing a JAM card, it allows people who may face communication barriers to discreetly and easily tell others that they need a little more time or patience to engage with staff or access a service.

Providing this information to Council staff allows them to adjust their approach accordingly and provide a better experience for customers. In preparing for the launch of the initiative, a comprehensive training programme has ensured staff have gained valuable knowledge about how to provide excellent customer service when serving a person with a disability.

Council Chair, Councillor Sean McPeake said: “People with disabilities want to live happy, independent lives, but sometimes everyday situations that most of us take for granted can be a major source of stress and anxiety, such as buying a ticket for a show at the theatre, booking a class or a swim at a leisure centre, or ordering a bin for their homes.

“This is where a JAM card help as a discrete way for people to indicate to our staff that deal with members of the public on a daily basis, such as box office staff, council office receptionists and depot staff that they need a bit more time.”

He said the council was delighted to be a part of the initiative. JAM cards can be requested at www.jamcard.org