The JAM card is an all-Ireland initiative which allows people with a learning difficulty, autism or communication barrier to tell others they need ‘Just A Minute’ discreetly and easily.

JAM Card was originally developed for those with learning disabilities and difficulties. However, it can be used by anyone with a communication barrier.

For instance, JAM Card can be used by people with Asperger’s or autism. It can also be used by those who have a brain injury and people who otherwise feel self-conscious about their ability to effectively communicate when engaging with others.

Many businesses, including banks and transport agencies, across Ireland already recognise the JAM card and have trained their staff to do the same, and more information about the initiative can be found on https://jamcard.org/

Keith McLernon, Managing Director,  said, “The JAM Card is a fantastic initiative which has already gained great traction since its launch a few months ago. As a company, McLernons are always keen to help support our customers look after their patients and sponsorship of the JAM Card and picking up the cost of the training makes perfect sense to us. We are delighted to be sponsoring the roll out of the JAM card throughout community pharmacies in Ireland.”

What are the benefits of being a JAM Card friendly business?

As a JAM Card Friendly business your staff will gain valuable knowledge about how to provide excellent customer service when serving a person with a disability. Your customers will be aware that you are a socially conscious business and have taken the initiative to train your staff in disability etiquette.

The benefits of your business becoming disability aware speak for themselves. This is a chance for your organisation, and staff, to gain valuable knowledge about different types of disabilities and learn how to engage with a customer with a disability.

The JAM Card App allows you to ask your customer service, and front of house team members, to take part in a simple online training exercise. You can invite your staff to access interactive training materials on their smartphone or tablet. The App also allows you to check which team members have completed the training platform.

Customers with disabilities have the same preferences and needs as customers without disabilities and they are looking for the same quality of products and services. Help your team become disability aware by becoming JAM Card Friendly.

You will be provided with JAM Card window stickers to display in your organisation with logos and marketing material to promote yourself as a JAM Card Friendly business on your website and social media. Your business will also be given priority appearance on the JAM Card app and you will be tagged as a JAM Card Friendly Business.

McLernons are sponsoring JAM Card e-learning for all their customers in Ireland, north and south, for up to four members of staff. The training is a multiple choice questionnaire of 15 questions, and you get 3 attempts to pass.

Anyone interested in getting involved in this initiative is asked to email ‘[email protected]’ with the names of their three members of staff and Anne Marie or Helen will be in touch with a link to the email addresses needed for the training.