Promoting equal opportunities: Empowering persons with disabilities in Jordan

In the mission to ensure equal opportunities for all, the United Nations in Jordan lead in empowering individuals with disabilities and their families. Despite the obstacles they encounter, tales of remarkable resilience and empowerment unfold.

Meet Samaher, Hasan, Abeer, and Israa, each on their unique path yet bound together by their resilience. Through their experiences, we witness firsthand the tangible results of inclusivity and equitable access to opportunities.

Samaher's Inspiring Journey

At the age of 15, Samaher's life took an unexpected turn when she experienced a life-altering accident in Syria, resulting in a disability that would shape her future. Her initial struggle to come to terms with this new reality was marked by tears and isolation. With no support system and limited resources, she faced overwhelming challenges.

However, Samaher's story takes a remarkable turn when she decides to embrace life despite the odds. With the support of her family and UNHCR, she embarked on a journey to rebuild her life. Samaher received a wheelchair that offered her newfound mobility and independence. Additionally, she connected with a community center supported by UNHCR, which provided her with the opportunity to develop her skills in candle making and various handicrafts.

Today, at the age of 40, Samaher is one of the 49,000 refugees with disabilities living in Jordan.

UNHCR's protection programs play a vital role in providing targeted support to individuals like Samaher. UNHCR's partners offer psycho-social support, and community service centers, numbering 23 across Jordan, empower women and men with disabilities to become part of the volunteer teams that coordinate the centers' daily activities. Furthermore, UNHCR distributes essential assistive devices such as hearing aids, eyeglasses, crutches, and wheelchairs to those in need. From January to August 2023 alone, refugees received over 1,700 such assistive devices across Jordan.

Samaher currently resides in Irbid, North of Jordan, where she has transformed her modest apartment into a hub of creativity and entrepreneurship. Here, she has established her own workshop, "House of Candles and Soups," where she crafts unique candles and other handmade items. Her living room has been transformed into a vibrant showcase of wax sculptures, a testament to her indomitable spirit and creative talents.

Samaher's journey not only brought her newfound independence but also served as a wellspring of inspiration for others living with disabilities in her community. Her resilience has become a source of motivation, proving that with determination and access to opportunities, one can overcome life's most challenging obstacles.

Reflecting on her journey, Samaher states, "I only truly became self-confident in Jordan." This transformation did not happen overnight. Initially, she found a sense of belonging in a community center supported by UNHCR, which offered her the opportunity to enhance her candle-making skills—a cherished hobby. "I also took other handicraft courses," she adds, emphasizing her commitment to self-improvement and empowerment.

Hasan's Triumph: Defying Odds and Breaking Barriers

Hasan Khalil Al Ziq, a 15-year-old Palestine refugee, was born facing tremendous odds. Weighing only 750 grams at birth, he spent 33 days in the hospital's nursery, battling severe health complications. Born as part of a triplet, Hasan's journey has been defined by resilience and determination, despite being paraplegic due to a spinal deformity.

Over the years, Hasan has undergone more than 21 surgeries, with the promise of more in the future to address his ongoing health needs. However, his spirit remains unbroken, and he carries his favorite phrase, "I'm the champion of the world," as a testament to his unwavering determination.

Supported by his brothers, Mohammad and Omar, Hasan's family adopted the motto "Nothing Can Stop Us." Together, they've exemplified the power of sibling bonds, with Mohammad and Omar acting as Hasan's protectors and supporters in all aspects of life, from schoolwork to cheering him on during his participation in the Paralympic Table Tennis Championship.

Throughout his education at UNRWA schools in Jordan, Hasan received vital support. UNRWA provided him with specialized equipment and facilities, including a specially designed elevator for students with physical disabilities, ensuring his safe access to classrooms. His teachers offered unwavering support, nurturing his academic, physical, and psychological growth.

Hasan's talents extend beyond the classroom. He's a skilled chess player, a dedicated parliamentarian at his school, and a passionate table tennis player. Inspired by a Jordanian table tennis champion in a wheelchair, Hasan dedicated himself to the sport. He practiced for hours daily, even amidst his surgeries, and participated in the Jordan International Paralympic Table Tennis Championship. Despite being the youngest player, Hasan achieved an impressive ranking, earning an international classification and the opportunity to participate in global championships.

Hasan's journey has been a testament to his refusal to let physical challenges define him. With the support of his family, UNRWA, and his community, he's shattered barriers and pursued his dreams as a successful student and athlete. UNRWA's commitment to providing support and inclusion for students with disabilities has been pivotal in helping students like Hasan realize their potential and become champions in their own right.

Abeer's Oasis of Transformation

Abeer Abu-Rizeq, a 48-year-old from Jordan, found herself facing challenging circumstances a single mother with health challenges resulting in the amputation of her right foot. Her journey at the UN Women-operated Oasis Centre in Madaba, reflects the empowering impact of the center on vulnerable women's lives.

She learned about the Oasis Centre through friends and was grateful for the opportunity it provided. The center's courses offered her a chance for a fresh start.

Initially concerned about accessibility due to her disability, Abeer found that the center was well-equipped, with a supportive staff. She enrolled in tailoring courses and found them highly enjoyable and beneficial.

During her time at the center, she received a salary that eased her financial burdens. After completing her training, Abeer established her own tailor business from home, continually improving her skills.

Her story is a testament to determination, resilience, and the opportunities provided by initiatives like the Oasis Centre, empowering women like Abeer to overcome challenges and build better futures.

Israa: Crafting Compassion, One Game at a Time

In the heart of Irbid, Jordan, Israa Omar (28) shines as a beacon of hope. Arriving in Irbid in 2013 as a Syrian refugee, Israa faced displacement and loss. She lost her husband when she was just 18 years old and in the final trimester of her pregnancy. In Jordan, she gave birth to her only son, Lutfi, who was born with Rett Syndrome, a rare developmental disorder.

Despite these challenges, Israa was determination to provide Lutfi with the best care. She enrolled him in a private special education school tailored to children with similar challenges. Recognizing the pivotal role of education in shaping Lutfi's future, Israa embarked on a journey to acquire various techniques and methods to support her son in overcoming his learning difficulties.

A turning point in Israa's life arrived in April 2023 when she received a grant from UNHCR, facilitated by its implementing partner, the Jordan River Foundation. Empowered by this support, she founded "Lutf" in the summer of 2023, named after her son, which translates to 'compassion' in Arabic. Lutf's mission revolves around creating and offering educational games and exercises tailored to children with learning difficulties, including those with autism.

Israa's dedication knew no bounds. Within a few months, she initiated the sale of educational games in the form of brain exercises. The "Lutf" games that Israa developed are carefully crafted to address a range of learning difficulties and are designed to be engaging and enjoyable for children. They encompass a variety of activities that stimulate cognitive development, problem-solving skills, and creativity.

This story is a compilation of narratives originally featured on the UNHCR and UN Women websites, and a story contributed by UNRWA to UN Jordan website.