What resources are available in Jordan to support people with disabilities?

In Jordan, there are various resources available to support people with disabilities, aimed at facilitating their access to services and various exemptions. One of the most prominent resources is the Identification Card issued by the Higher Council for the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (HCD). This is an official document that indicates the type and degree of disability, eliminating the need to provide repeated medical reports to access services.

The Identification Card for Persons with Disabilities

The Identification Card is an important document for people with disabilities in Jordan. It is issued by the Higher Council for the Rights of Persons with Disabilities following an assessment and diagnosis by specialized medical committees. This card replaces the multiple medical reports required to obtain services and exemptions stipulated in Jordanian laws and legislation, based on the instructions of the service provider [4].

To apply for the Identification Card, you can visit the Higher Council for the Rights of Persons with Disabilities website dedicated to application submissions. This requires registration, completing the required fields, and attaching the necessary documents. After submitting the application, the designated officer schedules a medical examination appointment with the diagnostic committees, and the applicant is notified of the appointment via a short text message (SMS) on the registered mobile phone [5].

Assessment and Examination Centers

Applicants for the Identification Card are assessed at the Family Health Institute (FHI) centers. These centers are located in several Jordanian governorates to facilitate access. These locations include: Amman (Sweileh Center), Irbid (Irbid Center), and Karak (Karak Center) [4].

The technical committee performing the assessment consists of a specialized medical team, in addition to physical and occupational therapists, a social worker, and an independent living expert. The disability status is determined and classified according to the approved disability classification list [4].

Application Priority and Objection Mechanism

Given the large number of applications for the Identification Card, they are handled according to criteria that determine the priority of each application. For example, priority is given to university students who wish to benefit from the student fund, as well as those seeking health insurance services, according to the specified priorities [4].

In the event of an objection to a specific procedure that was not considered during the assessment process, an objection request can be filed. A specialized objection committee has been formed to review these requests. However, this committee does not intervene in the diagnosis made by the multidisciplinary doctors unless there is proven need for re-evaluation beyond a reasonable doubt [4].

Additional Services and General Support

In addition to the Identification Card, there are other resources that can assist people with disabilities. These resources include assistive devices and mobility aids that facilitate daily tasks [1]. Schools can also develop educational plans that suit the special needs of children with disabilities, aiming to enable them to perform at the same level as their peers [1]. Support networks, such as disability organizations, provide information about available resources, while support groups help connect with individuals facing similar challenges, offering emotional and social support and the exchange of practical advice [1]. You can visit Living with Disability: Supporting Individuals and Families in Jordan (Arabic) for more general information on this topic.

Medical references

• Disabilities
• البطاقة التعريفية - المجلس الأعلى لحقوق الأشخاص ذوي الإعاقة
• الخدمات الالكترونية - المجلس الأعلى لحقوق الأشخاص ذوي الإعاقة