02/12/2020
NOW Group Reach 60,000 JAM Card Users Milestone
The NOW Group has marked International Day of People with Disability by highlighting that there are now some 60,000 JAM card users across the UK and Ireland.
Launched by the NOW Group – Belfast-based social enterprise that supports people with learning difficulties and autism into employment – in 2012, in just eight years 60,000 people with a learning difficulty, autism or a communication barrier are now using the 'Just A Minute' (JAM) Card and app which allows them to let others know in a discreet, non-verbal way that they need a minute of patience while using shops, services and public transport.
Maeve Monaghan, Chief Executive of NOW Group, said: "For over 60,000 people, our JAM cards are a lifeline – 4 out of 5 users say the card is helpful in their everyday life. Originally developed by NOW group participants here in Belfast, we are so proud to have grown this initiative for both people with visible and hidden disabilities, and to have thousands of people now using our JAM cards across the UK and Ireland every single day."
Having a JAM Card has made a real difference to NOW Group Ambassador, Andrew Herd, who has found added confidence by using his JAM card when travelling to and from his placement at the Ulster Historical Society.
Andrew added: "My JAM card gives me independence. When I'm in shops or travelling on the bus, by simply showing my JAM card, I'm asking for just a little bit of time from others, and people are always happy to do this."
There are now over 1,800 businesses registered as JAM Card friendly, including many transport organisations, retailers, banks, colleges and a University.
Maeve Monaghan continued: "The demand for our JAM Cards has no geographical limitations and it's fantastic to see businesses across the UK and Ireland committing to becoming a JAM Card friendly organisation."
Launched by the NOW Group – Belfast-based social enterprise that supports people with learning difficulties and autism into employment – in 2012, in just eight years 60,000 people with a learning difficulty, autism or a communication barrier are now using the 'Just A Minute' (JAM) Card and app which allows them to let others know in a discreet, non-verbal way that they need a minute of patience while using shops, services and public transport.
Maeve Monaghan, Chief Executive of NOW Group, said: "For over 60,000 people, our JAM cards are a lifeline – 4 out of 5 users say the card is helpful in their everyday life. Originally developed by NOW group participants here in Belfast, we are so proud to have grown this initiative for both people with visible and hidden disabilities, and to have thousands of people now using our JAM cards across the UK and Ireland every single day."
Having a JAM Card has made a real difference to NOW Group Ambassador, Andrew Herd, who has found added confidence by using his JAM card when travelling to and from his placement at the Ulster Historical Society.
Andrew added: "My JAM card gives me independence. When I'm in shops or travelling on the bus, by simply showing my JAM card, I'm asking for just a little bit of time from others, and people are always happy to do this."
There are now over 1,800 businesses registered as JAM Card friendly, including many transport organisations, retailers, banks, colleges and a University.
Maeve Monaghan continued: "The demand for our JAM Cards has no geographical limitations and it's fantastic to see businesses across the UK and Ireland committing to becoming a JAM Card friendly organisation."
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