The Arab Open University celebrated the International Day of Persons with Disabilities under the patronage of the University Director, Prof. Tahrir Hamdi, by organizing a seminar on: The Reality of Disability in Jordan: Aspirations and Empowerment.
The seminar featured esteemed guests including H.E. Asia Yaghi, a member of the Jordanian Senate, and Mrs. Ghadeer Al-Hares, Assistant Secretary-General for Academic Affairs at the Higher Council for the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, along with Dr. Esraa Abu AlKeshek, Faculty Member at the Arab Open University. The seminar was moderated by Prof. Moayyad Homidi, Head of the Training and Community Service Center.
The University Director emphasized that this event stemmed from the university's mission to support the rights of persons with disabilities and the necessity of their participation in all aspects of life and development. She highlighted the importance of empowering them to exercise their legally guaranteed rights and to showcase their essential role in community development.
Prof. Homidi pointed out that the World Health Organization estimates that over one billion people worldwide suffer from some form of disability, with 80% of them living in developing countries. The International Day of Persons with Disabilities is observed on December 3rd each year, a day designated by the United Nations since 1992 to support individuals with disabilities, raise awareness of disability issues, and promote their inclusion in political, economic, cultural, and professional life.
In this context, H.E. Asia Yaghi's participation provided an inspiring presentation about her contributions to advocating for the rights of people with disabilities and her role in promoting their empowerment within society. She also highlighted the progress made in this field under the Hashemite leadership, which has supported necessary legislation to ensure their participation in an active, inclusive society.
Mrs. Ghadeer Al-Hares discussed the role of the Higher Council for the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, and the efforts towards comprehensive integration, and referred to the upcoming Third Global Disability Summit (2025), co-hosted by Jordan and Germany. This summit represents a pivotal moment for the Kingdom in defending the rights of people with disabilities.
Dr. Esraa Abu AlKeshek provided insights into etiquette and the best practices for interacting with individuals with disabilities, emphasizing the importance of social awareness in this area.
The seminar concluded with Prof. Tahrir Hamdi presenting plagues to the participants in recognition of their contributions. The event was attended by the University's academic and administrative deputies, faculty members, and students, alongside distinguished members of the local community.
