Funded by the Italian Government and implemented in cooperation with the Al Hussein Society for the Habilitation/Rehabilitation of the Physically Challenged, this project is considered as phase 2 and will build on the achievements of the phase one project “Improving the life conditions of people with physical disabilities through the use of ICT tools and applications”.  The initial project started in 2003 with the overall aim to provide equal opportunities for the people with physical disabilities to be integrated within and participate in society both socially and economically. 

The project addresses one of the greatest challenges for human development.  Starting from a physical or functional impairment, disabilities have many implications on all aspects of life including educational, occupational, health, and social dimensions.   As a consequence of cultural beliefs, lack of awareness, and/or inadequate services, persons with disabilities are often marginalized and are not given the same opportunities of contributing to and participating in community life.

The first phase of the project established a specially equipped IT center at the Al Hussein Society for the Habilitation/Rehabilitation of the Physically Challenged, in addition to pioneering special IT rooms in seven other organizations.

As part of its awareness raising component on the rights and opportunities of people with physical disabilities, the project has helped in publishing ERADA, the first national quarterly publication on disabilities with a distribution of over 10,000 copies.

Phase 2 of project will contribute to the integration of persons with disabilities within society through training and skill building. It aims at raising awareness on the rights of the people with disabilities and improve coordination and networking among governmental and non-governmental organizations who are working on disability issues.

The event of today will bring together representatives of both the social development and the planning and international cooperation ministries in addition to partners in the field of physical disabilities.  It will include statements by the Italian Ambassador in Jordan, the UNDP Resident Representative, a.i., a presentation by the project and screening of the movie “Le Chiavi di Casa” a story about a disabled abandoned child.

 For further information kindly contact Ms. Rania Tarazi, UNDP Poverty Analyst at mobile no. 0777 229910 or Mr. Simon Sweiss, Project Manager at mobile no. 0777 433200