Just a sweet minute
It comes as Cork College of Commerce (CCOC) announced the introduction of JAM cards in both of their college campuses in Cork city and Skibbereen.
JAM stands for Just a Minute and was developed specifically by Belfast-based social enterprise NOW Group for people with learning disabilities to allow them to ask for just a minute of patience in customer service situations.
However, the JAM card can also be used by anyone with a communication barrier such as Asperger’s or autism but can also be used by those with a brain injury or people who may feel self-conscious about their ability to effectively communicate when engaging with other people.
Cork College of Commerce, a Cork Education and Training Board College, has said it is committed to providing an inclusive space for all of its students and becoming a JAM card friendly environment is just one of a number of ongoing steps that they are taking to continue enhancing student experience at the college.
Cork College of Commerce Principal Helen Ryan said: “Becoming a JAM-friendly environment as a college community was very important to us and is an initiative we wholeheartedly support as it reflects our and Cork Education and Training Board’s core values of inclusion while striving to provide a more positive student experience.”
“The JAM card can be used simply and effectively by any of our students in a simple, effective non-verbal manner and it just one of a number of initiatives at our college which aims to provide assistance and support to students, not just in their educational pursuits but also in their everyday lives.”
Chief Executive of Cork Education and Training Board, Denis Leamy said that inclusion within the Cork Education and Training Board Colleges, Centres, Schools and Services is crucial as he commended Cork College of Commerce for embracing this initiative head on.
He said: “Students of all abilities must be given every opportunity to communicate and stay connected, ensuring a pride of place and hope for the future. We at Cork Education and Training Board subscribe very much to values of care for our students. We value inclusion, equality, access, and we also very much value academic excellence.”
Maeve Monaghan, CEO of NOW Group said: “I am delighted to welcome Cork College of Commerce to the JAM Card family. By training their staff to recognise when students, and others with hidden disabilities, may need just a minute of extra time and patience the college is demonstrating a real commitment to inclusion and equality of access and service across its sites.”