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