Department of Social Protection Becomes JAM Card Friendly with 2,900 Staff Trained

The Department of Social Protection has achieved JAM Card friendly status, training nearly 3,000 staff members to better support people with invisible disabilities and communication barriers, Minister Dara Calleary announced today.

The nationwide rollout means all public offices and phone lines across the department now recognise the JAM (Just a Minute) Card, a simple tool that lets people discreetly indicate they need extra time and patience during interactions. The initiative includes 51 specially designed Quiet Rooms in Intreo Centres, with four more currently being installed.

The JAM Card, available as both a physical card and digital app, was developed by social enterprise NOW Group in 2012. It allows people with conditions such as autism, learning disabilities, or communication difficulties to signal their needs without having to explain their situation repeatedly.

Minister Dara Calleary:

"I am delighted to support the introduction of the JAM Card across the Department. We have trained over 2,900 staff to recognise the physical card and the digital app, who are now better equipped to support people who may have an invisible disability or difficulty communicating."

Minister Calleary continued:

"The JAM Card is a simple, practical expression of our commitment to inclusiveness and quality customer service. Our staff have embraced the idea of making the conversation at the counter or over the phone an easier experience for all."

The initiative delivers on two Programme for Government commitments: supporting JAM Card rollout to break down communication barriers and promoting disability awareness training for staff. With over 185,000 JAM Card users across Ireland and the UK, the system has gained widespread support from retailers, businesses, and public bodies.

Maeve Monaghan, Chief Executive of NOW Group:

"With over 185,000 JAM Card users across Ireland and the UK, we are delighted that the Department of Social Protection has invested in JAM Card training. This training ensures that individuals with both visible and invisible disabilities receive the extra time and understanding they deserve."

The Quiet Rooms represent another significant accessibility improvement. These specially designed spaces feature muted blue walls, dimmer lighting, mood lamps, and artwork to create a calming environment. They cater to people who are neurodiverse, those experiencing stress or trauma, and anyone needing privacy to discuss sensitive matters.

A prototype Quiet Room was first developed in Limerick Intreo Centre in 2019, launched by Adam Harris, CEO of autism charity AsIAm. Following its success, pilot rooms were established in Nutgrove and Clondalkin before the wider rollout began.

Minister Calleary, speaking from the Quiet Room in Nutgrove Intreo Centre:

"Having a Quiet Room in our public offices is a very important element in ensuring our offices are welcoming and inclusive. They have been specially designed to provide a sensory-friendly experience to help individuals relax, focus, and conduct their business with us easily and in private."

The JAM Card originated from participants with learning disabilities and autism at NOW Group who designed it based on their own experiences. It puts what the organisation calls "the power to pause" into users' hands, allowing them to manage interactions at their own pace.

The Department of Social Protection's adoption of the JAM Card system marks a significant step in making public services more accessible across Ireland, setting an example for other government departments and organisations to follow.