Amman: President of the Higher Council for the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (HCD) Prince Mired bin Ra'ad launched the "Everyone's Camp" model on Wednesday. The pioneering initiative is Jordan's first national effort to promote de-institutionalisation (De-I), aiming to foster inclusive, family-centered community services.
According to Jordan News Agency, the launch ceremony was attended by Minister of Social Development Wafa Bani Mustafa, numerous international experts and specialists in disability rights, as well as representatives from official institutions, local and international organisations. This initiative is part of ongoing efforts to promote alternatives to institutional centres and develop supportive services that prioritise families and communities.
It was advanced through a tripartite memorandum of understanding signed during the event between the HCD, the Ministry of Social Development, and the "Inclusive Jordan" Foundation. The "Everyone's Camp" model is the first of its kind in Jordan and the Middle East. It brings together children with severe and multiple disabilities and their non-disabled peers in a collaborative educational and recreational environment. Supervised by qualified personnel and aligned with a robust protection policy, the camp aims to foster inclusion and mutual understanding.
In his speech, Prince Mired commended the initiative, praising its distinguished services and calling for broader support to serve as a model for similar projects. He emphasised that the camp aligns with the provisions of the National Strategy for De-Institutionalisation, representing a comprehensive and supportive approach.
Bani Mustafa highlighted that integrating persons with disabilities into society is a holistic process aimed at enabling their full participation across various spheres of life, free from discrimination or barriers. She stressed that inclusion involves removing obstacles to education, employment, healthcare and community engagement, while empowering individuals to make decisions and contribute to community development.
She underscored that this approach is supported by national laws, such as the Law on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities and complemented by community awareness initiatives, partnerships across sectors, assistive technology and accessible environments. She further explained that the goals of inclusion encompass respecting dignity and rights, promoting equality, supporting independence, encouraging community participation and combating stereotypes and discrimination.
Bani Mustafa emphasised the significance of the memorandum with "Everyone's Camp" as a practical model supporting alternatives to residential centres. The camp provides a safe, inclusive environment through rehabilitation, educational and recreational activities, either in specialised centres or natural settings.
Ghadir Hamarneh, Director of the Inclusive Jordan Foundation, described the camp's services, including home visits, caregiver support, psychological assistance for mothers and various activities and seasonal events for children. She highlighted that the camp offers children with disabilities and their families a genuine "life opportunity," facilitating social interaction, participation and integration.
International expert Georgette Mulher shared insights on global trends in integrating children with disabilities and stressed the importance of developing service models that enable persons with disabilities and their families to live with dignity and independence. During the event, several children shared personal stories. They described how it helped them overcome isolation, experience new activities ranging from tourism and entertainment to sports and boost their self-confidence while building positive peer relationships.