Amman, April 26 (Petra) -- HH Prince Mired bin Raad, Chief Chamberlain and President of the Higher Council for the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (HCD), signed a cooperation agreement on Sunday with Minister of Social Development Wafa Bani Mustafa to accelerate the transition from institutional care to inclusive community-based services.

The agreement focuses on supporting task forces that convert residential care centers into inclusive day centers and provide personal assistant services. The initiative aims to uphold the right of people with disabilities to independent living and full social integration, in accordance with Jordan’s Rights of Persons with Disabilities Law No. 20 of 2017.

Under the terms of the memorandum, the HCD will provide financial support to cover the costs of personal assistant services based on specific regulatory criteria. The partnership also includes technical cooperation, consultancy exchange, and bi-annual evaluations to ensure the efficiency of the transition process.

During the signing ceremony, Prince Mired praised the Ministry of Social Development as a strategic partner, noting that the collaboration serves as a model for integrated institutional work. He emphasized that shifting toward inclusive day services aligns with international best practices and national legislation.

The Prince also highlighted that the Global Disability Summit, scheduled to be held in Qatar in 2028, will provide a strategic opportunity for Jordan to present its pioneering experience in moving away from institutionalized care. He noted that Jordan’s progress in this field positions the kingdom to offer a replicable regional model for other Arab nations.

Minister Bani Mustafa stated that the agreement strengthens the institutional partnership with the HCD and expands the reach of personal assistant services, allowing people with disabilities to access high-quality support that facilitates their community participation.

She added that the HCD plays a central legal role in providing technical support and assisting in the development of policies that ensure the rights of people with disabilities are mainstreamed across national programs.

Bani Mustafa reaffirmed the ministry's commitment to enhancing cooperation with national partners to ensure the delivery of specialized services for people with disabilities and their families, prioritizing quality and sustainability.

//Petra// AF