Jordan

In Jordan, HI actively supports rehabilitation services for people with disabilities. The organisation identifies risks or early signs of disability in young children and provides timely rehabilitation services to mitigate potential complications. Additionally, HI promotes inclusive employment and ensures access to education for all, focusing on children with disabilities. HI also supports livelihood opportunities for people with disabilities and supports deinstitutionalisation efforts, promoting community-based care and independent living for individuals with disabilities.

Actions in process

Since 2012, HI has been working alongside Syrian refugees and vulnerable individuals in Jordan, particularly those with disabilities. The organisation supports physical therapy services and provides orthopaedic equipment to individuals with disabilities or injuries in partner hospitals and health centres. HI also trains Jordanian health professionals to enhance the quality of services.

Additionally, there is a strong focus on Early Childhood Development to detect and intervene early in cases of disabilities in children, thereby mitigating the risks of complications. The organisation, in collaboration with local partners, strives to improve access to education for everyone, targeting early years (nursery school level), and creates job opportunities for young people with disabilities.

HI aims to foster the inclusion of children and adults with disabilities in their communities, working to limit or prevent their placement in institutions. Furthermore, HI collaborates with the Ministry of Social Development (MoSD) to advance deinstitutionalisation efforts, promoting community-based care and independent living for individuals with disabilities.

Areas of intervention

Situation of the country

Jordan is one of the most stable countries in the region. Although it has an average human development index, there are still significant inequalities among the population and a high unemployment rate.

Near 700,000 Syrian refugees are living in Jordan. In 2018, a survey conducted in Jordan by HI and IMMAP showed that 22.9% of Syrian refugees, more than 140,000 individuals, have disabilities. People with disabilities represent one of the most vulnerable population groups in the country, particularly those living in rural and remote areas. Disability prevalence among Jordan's general population is estimated to be between 11% and 15%, which amounts to approximately 1.1 million individuals. A study found that 30% of Syrian refugees in Jordan had specific physical and intellectual needs. Most children with disabilities (between 85% and 95%) are excluded from the general education system.

Number of HI staff members: 56
Programme launch date: 2006

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Funders

European Union (EU)

German Organisation for International Cooperation (GIZ)

Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO)

U.S. Department of State - Bureau of Population, Refugees and Migration (PRM)

Bernard van Leer Foundation

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