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