Disabled children given boost with special new card

Tuesday 09 October 2018

Cut prices, free teas and shorter queues are to be offered to disabled and special needs children and their families, as part of a new discount card scheme being launched in Jersey.

The 'Max Card' scheme was founded in the UK to help families who might not normally have the opportunity to get out and try new things with their children, due to learning or physical constraints.

It has since gone on to provide 75,000 families special benefits at locations varying from castles and zoos to bowling alleys, working across 70% of local authorities.

Explaining the benefits of the card, parent Sam Thornton commented: "My son doesn't last long in attractions and we usually pay a lot of money for a brief visit which made us reluctant to go places. Max Card has enabled us to take our son to places for free or discounted so going home early isn't such an issue anymore."

Pictured: The Max Card scheme aims to give discounts, front-of-queue access and other benefits to families of children with disabilities.

Having enjoyed success in the UK, the card is now set to launch locally.

The Child Development and Therapy Centre, which offers treatment and family support service to children with complex developmental and or health needs from birth to 18 years, will be issuing the Max Card in Jersey. Like in the UK, it will be available to families of children or young people up to the age of 25 with disabilities. In the UK, the card costs up to £5 for a 24-month subscription, covering in most cases a household of two adults and two children.

Local families who sign up will be able to use their card in the UK and will have access to the same benefits as UK subscribers. Likewise, UK visitors with a Max Card will be able to use their card in Jersey businesses.

Jersey businesses are now being encouraged to sign up to the scheme. They are free to choose what kind of discounts they offer, ranging from as little as free cup of tea, to free entry. Some businesses also offer front-of-queue access, which is free for a business but helps families a lot as waiting in a queue can be particularly stressful for some children with disabilities and special needs.

The team behind the scheme said: "We aim to provide a sense of community through stimulating learning experiences and enjoyable days out for everyone. We hope that lots of Jersey venues will get on board with this opportunity to make a real difference to children with disabilities both living in Jersey and visiting Jersey."

Shane Jennings, Acting Head of Service for the States' Child Development Team, commented: “The Max Card scheme is still in development. We’re in the process of contacting local businesses and providers who might like to be involved. We want to launch the Max Card scheme because we want every child with a disability in Jersey to be able to access attractions and activities which are available. We’d welcome approaches from anyone who wishes to be involved by offering either discounts or front of queue access to cardholders. They can contact Nikki Holmes (our Community Short Breaks Development Officer) at the Child Development and Therapy Centre on 443759 to discuss this further.”