Disability Support Services (10.6.8)

Provision of support services such as personal assistants, interpreters, and accessible communication tools.

Introduction:

Al-Ahliyya Amman University (AAU) demonstrates a strong institutional commitment to inclusion and equality through the provision of comprehensive Disability Support Services designed to ensure that all students and staff with disabilities have full and equal access to education, campus facilities, and university life.

AAU’s disability support framework is coordinated by the Disability Support Office, under the supervision of the Dean of Student Affairs, and operates in collaboration with the Health Training Center and the General Supplies and Services Department. The university offers a wide range of assistance services including academic advising, personal assistants, sign language interpretation, note-taking support, and priority registration, in addition to accessible digital communication tools such as speech-to-text software, captioned multimedia materials, and adaptive e-learning interfaces.

Physical accessibility is further enhanced through the installation of ramps, elevators, tactile flooring, and accessible signage across all campus buildings. The university also provides emergency evacuation training for staff and students with mobility or sensory impairments, ensuring their safety and full participation in all university activities.

AAU’s Disability Support Services are guided by a policy of respect, dignity, and empowerment, ensuring that no student or employee faces barriers to learning, communication, or participation. The services align with Jordan’s national disability inclusion legislation, as well as the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UNCRPD), reinforcing the university’s dedication to the principles of SDG 10 (Reduced Inequalities) and SDG 4 (Quality Education).

Centers and Departments:

January
01

1. Disability Support Office – Sustainability and International Ranking Center

The primary unit responsible for providing personalized support services to students with disabilities, including academic accommodations, personal assistance, and accessibility coordination across campus. The office ensures equal participation and inclusion in academic and extracurricular activities.

January
01

2. Al-Ahliyya Amman University Health Training Center

Provides specialized medical and therapeutic support for students with physical or speech impairments. The center offers health assessments, rehabilitation sessions, and workshops on assistive technologies that enhance independent learning and daily functioning.

January
01

3. General Supplies and Services Department

Oversees the maintenance and improvement of physical accessibility infrastructure, including ramps, elevators, signage, and accessible restrooms, ensuring full mobility for individuals with disabilities within the university campus.

January
01

4. Hourani e-Learning Center

Organized by the Deanship of Student Affairs in cooperation with the Disability Support Office, this awareness campaign aimed to promote inclusion and understanding of accessibility challenges faced by persons with disabilities. The event included student-led presentations, experience-sharing panels, and distribution of informational brochures about the rights of people with disabilities in education.

January
01

5. Faculty Of Allied Medical Sciences – Occupational Therapy Department

The Occupational Therapy Department offers help to all individal of all ages to overcome physical and emotional challenges . The facuilty helps to insure the wellbeing of all their individuals.

Occupational therapists assess, treat, and empower patients to engage in meaningful activities, improving their functional abilities and quality of life.

Provided by  high-quality occupational therapy services with clients, professionals, and systems supported by research and service.

While maintaining values of justice and freedom and dignity. Which directlty contribtes to SDG-10.6.8 which provides support services for people with disabilities.

Activities:

January
01

1. Comprehensive Disability Support and Inclusion Program at Al-Ahliyya Amman University

Al-Ahliyya Amman University provides comprehensive and continuous support services for students and staff with disabilities to ensure full inclusion and equal participation in academic and social life. The Disability Support Office, under the Sustainability and International Ranking Center, offers personalized assistance such as academic accommodations, note-taking support, and sign language interpretation, in addition to coordinating personal assistants for students with mobility challenges.

Through collaboration with the Health Training Center, the university provides periodic medical and rehabilitation services for students with physical and speech impairments, as well as awareness workshops on accessibility and communication tools. The IT and E-Learning Center ensures digital accessibility by offering assistive technologies like screen readers, captioned lectures, and speech-to-text software integrated into the university’s e-learning systems.

AAU also signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Al-Hussein Society for Training and Inclusion, establishing a framework for joint training, applied research, and specialized workshops on inclusion, rehabilitation, and accessibility enhancement for children and youth with disabilities.

Furthermore, the university organizes periodic awareness campaigns and practical training for faculty and staff to promote inclusive communication and ensure that all facilities, classrooms, and services meet accessibility standards. These initiatives collectively reinforce AAU’s mission of supporting diversity, equity, and inclusion, in alignment with SDG 10 (Reduced Inequalities) and SDG 4 (Quality Education).

January
01

2. Audiology and Speech Rehabilitation Collaboration with Al Hussain New Salt Governmental Hospital

Cooperative program to train AAU students and provide speech and hearing therapy for patients with disabilities, neurological disorders, and communication challenges.

January
01

3. Physiotherapy Training Collaboration for Enhanced Rehabilitation Services

Cooperative program to train AAU students and provide speech and hearing therapy for patients with disabilities, neurological disorders, and communication challenges.