Jordan experience in use of ICT By Dr. Munther Ammari Chief of Center for Early Detection & Diagnosis of Disability MCH – MOH Jordan

Background of national policies Lows of disabled persons in Jordan: - Temporary low on 1987 . - Low of disabled persons 1992. - The new low of disabled rights 2007.

National strategy for disabled persons for the comming 15 years : including 80 activities in all the fields. some activities related to ICT

The AVSI ( the association of volunteers in international service ) and UNDP ( UN’s global development network ) with AHS (AL- Hussein society for habilitation / rehabitation of physically challenged). Are working together to offer new opportunities education and professional training to people with disabilities .

There were three main component of cooperation A. Establishment of a specialized information technology ( IT ) center at the AHS, with proper equipment training, and access for people with disabilities . B. A program to increase awareness among community members on rights and opportunities of people with disabilities . C . Provision of advice and services for business development and other income generating initiatives for people with disabilities .

His majesty recognizes the potential of utilizing The IT center at AHS will be part of broader national initiative supported by king Abdullah II found for Development. His majesty recognizes the potential of utilizing IT as a tool for sustainable human development and has expressed a national vision of developing Jordon into IT hub in the region. And empbasized the importance of providing children with tools that meet their specific needs will improve their quality of life and accelerate their development .

Vision of AHS The physically challenged children deserve to have equal opportunities in all life aspects .

The medical rehabilitation unit provided its services through the medical clinics , psychological counseling , dietary counseling department and orthotic and prosthetic workshops .

The out reach unit rehabilitates beneficiaries In addition center based activities include:- Education through the center’s elementary school, Early Intervention and Vocational Training . The out reach unit rehabilitates beneficiaries within Jordan through three programs: Portage ( educational program for mothers and their disabled children ). Community Based Rehabilitation, and Mobile clinic .

The goal of AHS . Is to ensure that the national vision applies to all segments of the Jordanian society, including people with physical disabilities , improving The life conditions of people with disabilities Other existing knowledge stations, and civil society organizations will be involved in the project and will be provided with structural adjustment’s, capacity building, expertise, and advice and consultation services on training and fulfilling the needs of people with physical disabilities .

In AHS both physical assistance devices such as wheel chairs, crutches, and walkers, as wall as learning tools to enhance their writing , reading and speaking skills. The IT center established in 2002 . The requirements were :- Training of therapists, teachers, students. Assistive tools and special programs . Cooperation with international organization of this field. A computer training programs for teachers to integrate ICT into education and training also for students .

Special assistance has also been provided for the individual children particularly those with cerebral pulsy who have difficulty in speaking, reading , and writing .

The school became part of the IT center, the computers were placed in the regular classrooms. The student got very good computer skills and teachers are capable for using computer assisted instruction programs to support their own teaching .

Physical therapists, speech therapists, special educationists and computer instructors trained how to assess the capabilities of disabled children in order to identify the most appropriate assistance for them . And give support to create individual curricula to suit each child’s special needs and physical abilities.

Actually partially using ICT . Programs of communication skills, speech training and language are available . Multimedia send of students. Observing the response & give them feedback . The IT center also provide beneficiaries with ICT skills to help them in their job.

We look a better instructional technology in the future. New software programs. Also hardware changes . modified keyboard & mouse to improve the life conditions of physically challenged.