Amman: Jasour – News Desk
The Higher Council for the Rights of Persons with Special Needs is working on introducing training programs aimed at enhancing the integration of special needs individuals into society by enabling various institutions to achieve this integration based on equality.
In a press statement, the Council’s spokesperson, Raafat Al-Zaitawi, stated that these programs aim to increase awareness about the rights-based approach to the rights of special needs individuals and to educate participants on proper communication etiquette with them according to the standards specific to this group.
Regarding the scope of training, Al-Zaitawi mentioned that the training programs offered by the Council cover several aspects, ranging from general awareness to specialized training. These include general training on the rights-based approach and communication etiquette, as well as more specialized training, such as training engineers on building quality to ensure buildings are accessible to special needs individuals, training media professionals on addressing issues related to special needs individuals in a manner that reflects their rights without resorting to emotional or caretaking narratives, and training teachers on inclusive education methods to ensure equal opportunities in schools.
He emphasized that the Council places special importance on training media professionals on how to address issues related to special needs individuals from a rights-based perspective, avoiding stereotypical portrayals that depict them either as superheroes or as victims in need of sympathy.
Al-Zaitawi noted that the training focuses on using appropriate language and avoiding exaggeration in depicting the struggles of special needs individuals, while emphasizing the internal and social issues that hinder their integration. He added that these training sessions are organized regularly, and journalists have been trained on how to address election-related issues from a rights-based perspective.
Al-Zaitawi highlighted that one of the main challenges faced by institutions in integrating special needs individuals is the lack of knowledge about the rights-based approach and the necessary requirements for effective integration. He mentioned that prevalent stereotypes about the inability of special needs individuals to work or integrate contribute to delaying the achievement of the required equality.
He also explained that the Council works on identifying the training needs of each institution based on its specified role in the law, holding meetings with various entities to identify their needs and develop tailored training programs for them. The Council’s dedicated training directorate is responsible for determining training requirements, preparing necessary materials, and measuring the impact of training upon its completion.
They also evaluate the performance of trainers and the quality of the training process to ensure the desired results and improve services provided to special needs individuals. These programs are announced through the Council’s official pages or direct communication with media institutions, as happened during the recent elections when journalists were trained on how to address election-related issues from a rights-based perspective.
