Bani Mustafa: Expanding disability services supports inclusion and the shift away from residential care Bani Mustafa: Ayl center to provide free specialized services to around 40 children with disabilities Ma’an, Sept. 14 (Petra) -- Persons with disabilities in Ayl and surrounding areas will gain access to specialized rehabilitation and early-intervention services closer to home following the opening Monday of a new inclusive day services center in Ma’an Governorate.

Minister of Social Development Wafa Bani Mustafa inaugurated the Ayl Comprehensive Center for Inclusive Day Services, established in partnership with the Ma’an Governorate Council to serve residents of Ayl and nearby areas, including Mreigha and Udhruh.

The center brings a range of services under one roof, including special education, physical and occupational therapy, speech therapy, family counseling, life-skills development, rehabilitation and training.

An early-intervention unit at the facility is equipped to serve around 40 children with disabilities, providing services from birth to age six for children requiring early support. The center will also serve persons with disabilities above the age of six.

Bani Mustafa said providing these services locally would ease access for children and their families and reduce the need to travel outside the district for specialized support.

She said early intervention is a key part of the ministry’s expanding disability services, allowing developmental needs to be identified and addressed at younger ages and improving children’s prospects for development, independence and inclusion.

The center’s services will be provided free of charge and are intended to support children in developing skills and greater independence while strengthening their inclusion within their families and communities.

Bani Mustafa said the expansion of community-based services also forms part of a national shift toward alternatives to residential care, with greater emphasis on enabling persons with disabilities to receive support while continuing to live within their families and communities.

She added that the ministry is expanding social and rehabilitation services across the Kingdom in line with Royal directives on the care and protection of persons with disabilities and government priorities aimed at ensuring equitable access to services regardless of where beneficiaries live.

Speaking on behalf of the local community, Mahmoud Museib Al-Naimat said having services available in Ayl had reduced the burden on families who previously had to travel to other areas and governorates to obtain specialized care for their children.

He said the services were helping children develop their abilities and skills while making support more accessible to their families.

//Petra// RZ