An initiative helping passengers with communication difficulties has launched on Virgin Trains.
JAM cards, which can be presented physically or on an app, stand for “Just A Minute”.
The cards allow holders to signal to train staff that they have an “invisible disability” in a discreet way, and avoid embarrassment.
Communication barriers include aphasia — a language disorder caused by a stroke or head injury that affects the ability to speak — and conditions such as Parkinson’s disease and dementia.
Teams have been trained to help with those with the card and will give more time to communicate where possible.
The cards are designed and launched by Belfast-based social enterprise NOW group. This is the first time they have been used outside of Northern Ireland, where there are there are currently more than 20,000 cardholders.
Minister for Disabled People, Health and Work, Sarah Newton, said: “Travelling by train can be a stressful experience for people with communication barriers, but initiatives like the JAM card go to show that making small changes can have a massive impact I want to encourage other British train providers to follow Virgin Trains’ lead.”
- To apply for a card visit jamcard.org
