Tag: JAM Card

Bank of Ireland becomes the first Irish bank to be Hidden Disabilities Sunflower friendly

Bank of Ireland is the first Irish bank to become Hidden Disabilities Sunflower friendly, with all of its 182 branches across Ireland and Northern Ireland now recognising the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower symbol, as well as extending its JAM Card partnership.

The Hidden Disabilities Sunflower is a simple tool for people to voluntarily share that they have a “non-visible” disability or condition that may not immediately be apparent to others. Those availing of the service can wear a Hidden Disabilities Sunflower lanyard or pin to indicate that they may need a helping hand, or more time in bank branches, with Bank of Ireland branch colleagues trained to identify the Sunflower ensuring additional supports can be provided when required.

The JAM Card is another discreet way to let others know that you need ‘Just A Minute’ of patience and support, with Bank of Ireland first becoming JAM Card friendly in July 2020. Customers can show their JAM Card in branches to let a member of staff know they need a little extra time or assistance when doing their banking and all Bank of Ireland branch teams have also been trained to recognise the JAM Card.

In addition to the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower and Jam Card initiatives, Bank of Ireland is introducing a broader programme of customer accessibility enhancements, including accessible ATMs, simpler customer communications, and new supports for customers with hearing impairments. These changes are part of a wide range of accessibility improvements being carried out across the Bank following the introduction of the European Accessibility Act.

Áine McCleary, Chief Customer Officer, Bank of Ireland said: “Providing an accessible and welcoming banking experience for all our customers is a priority, and I am delighted that we are the first Irish bank to become Hidden Disabilities Sunflower friendly. We also recognise the JAM Card across our entire network, are installing 650 new accessible ATMs, and have improved supports for customers who are deaf or have hearing or speech difficulties with SignVideo – an on-demand sign language video interpretation service. These initiatives help remove barriers that some customers encounter on a daily basis, and we will continue working to provide inclusive banking services across our entire customer base.”

Paul White, CEO at Hidden Disabilities Sunflower, said: “We are delighted to have worked with Bank of Ireland to ensure all their branches are now Hidden Disabilities Sunflower friendly. I want to recognise the continuing steps the Bank is taking to provide an inclusive banking experience for all its customers.”

Vodafone becomes Ireland’s first JAM Card friendly mobile retailer in new partnership with NOW Group

Vodafone has announced a new partnership with JAM Card and NOW Group, becoming Ireland’s first JAM Card friendly mobile retailer. This partnership enables customers with hidden disabilities or communication barriers to tell staff in Vodafone 86 stores nationwide that they need extra time and understanding in a private and easy manner.

The JAM Card (Just A Minute) allows people with invisible disabilities to discreetly request patience during daily interactions—whether in stores, on public transport, or elsewhere. More than 1 in 5 potential consumers have a disability, and it is estimated that almost 1 in 5 people of working age has a disability.

As a JAM Card partner, Vodafone will provide tailored eLearning training for all retail teams, equipping staff with the skills required to support people with visible and invisible disabilities. Vodafone retail staff will be trained to recognise and respond to the JAM Card, enhancing customer service in 86 stores, making in-store experience less daunting and more efficient for shoppers with non-visible disabilities, whilst fostering a culture of understanding and neurodiversity across Vodafone.

Welcoming the partnership, Jenny Hayes, Head of Consumer Sales at Vodafone, said: “At Vodafone, we want to make sure no one is left behind. Over the coming weeks, we will work closely with our retail teams and JAM to make sure our staff are equipped with the correct training to recognise JAM Card users nationwide, providing them with support they need. Uplifting our ‘Inclusion for All in the Digital World’ initiative, this partnership is a meaningful step towards breaking down barriers, ensuring that everyone who enters a Vodafone store feels welcomed and supported.”

Aligning with Vodafone’s Diversity & Inclusion (D&I) policies, the partnership complements initiatives already in place, such as the retail stores’ sensory hours , which are from 9-11 am every Wednesday. All Vodafone retail stores will feature JAM Card signage to highlight this service, setting it apart from competitors who do not currently offer this support.

JAM has seen significant growth, with 123,000 JAM Card users and 10,000 JAM Card app users since it first launched in 2012. Leading global brands are choosing JAM Card to make their workplaces more inclusive, efficient, and happier. Developed for and by people with disabilities, the JAM Card is easy to use and discreet, making it the go-to choice for thousands of businesses.