Zarqa, July 20 (Petra) – The Hashemite University and Special Olympics Jordan signed a cooperation agreement on Monday to develop training and rehabilitation programs, expand scientific research and community service, and enhance services for people with intellectual disabilities.

The agreement, signed by His Royal Highness Prince Raad bin Zeid, president of Special Olympics Jordan, and Hashemite University President Khaled Hayari, establishes a framework for sustainable cooperation in training, research and community engagement. The signing ceremony was attended by officials and representatives from both sides.

Under the agreement, the two sides will implement joint programs and initiatives to support people with intellectual disabilities and provide field training opportunities for students majoring in special education, adapted physical education, applied medical sciences and related disciplines, helping strengthen their practical skills and prepare them for the labor market.

The partnership also provides for the delivery of Special Olympics-accredited health screenings and medical assessments, as well as joint organization of specialized conferences, seminars and training courses to advance scientific knowledge and professional practices related to people with disabilities.

In addition, the agreement calls for promoting volunteerism among university students, fostering a culture of inclusion, and organizing local and international sporting events to encourage the health and physical activity of people with disabilities, in line with the Sustainable Development Goals and Jordan's vision of building a more inclusive and equitable society.

The partnership also seeks to expand opportunities for applied scientific research by providing a supportive research environment for studies related to people with intellectual disabilities and integrating healthy community concepts into university curricula.

Hayari said empowering people with disabilities is a core component of the university's social mission, describing the partnership as a model for cooperation between higher education institutions and national organizations serving the community that integrates academic expertise with practical experience.

He added that the Hashemite University is among Jordan's leading higher education institutions in disability inclusion through the provision of an accessible learning environment and the broad implementation of inclusion standards.

He highlighted the university's efforts to adopt best practices, including improving campus infrastructure and preparing qualified personnel to promote the empowerment and integration of people with disabilities into society.

//Petra// AJ