At least 11,000 people with disabilities benefited from gov’t services in 2014 — ministry

AMMAN — The Ministry of Social Development on Saturday said it spares no effort to ensure persons with disabilities are provided with services in line with human rights standards 

The ministry said it works within the context of laws concerning rights of people with disabilities directly or indirectly to provide better services for them.

In a statement sent to The Jordan Times, the ministry said that it — along with the National Aid Fund (NAF) and other partners — provides diagnosis services, rehabilitation and vocational training to beneficiaries through 27 centres.

In 2014, 11,008 people with disabilities benefited from different services in these centres, according to the ministry, while the number of beneficiaries in 2013 and in 2012, stood at 10,249 and 6,750 respectively.

An average of 12,098 people with disabilities receive financial support through the NAF every year.

The ministry also runs awareness campaigns and has reached 68,485 people across the Kingdom in 2013 and 2014.

In addition, the ministry supports around 245 affiliated associations and private sector care centres that accommodate persons with disabilities and provide different services to them. 

Social Development Ministry Spokesperson Fawaz Ratrout said priority is given to supporting underprivileged families and those who cannot support the accommodation of their children in these centres.

Moreover, the ministry said it monitors private centres that serve persons with disabilities in Jordan and will not be lenient with any facility that violates regulations. 

According to ministry figures, 17 centres received warnings in 2014, three were penalised with temporary closure while two were permanently closed for violating laws.

The number of employees punished for violating laws stood at 49 last year and 13 in 2013.