In a landmark step reflecting Jordan’s commitment to advancing the rights of persons with disabilities and strengthening evidence-based rehabilitation services, the Higher Council for the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, in cooperation with the King Hussein Foundation represented by the National Music Conservatory, announced the launch of a comprehensive national project. The project aims to enhance professional capacities in music therapy, alongside developing auditory assessment and language development skills for cochlear implant users.
The launch of this project comes in response to national data indicating that the number of persons with disabilities in Jordan is approximately 1.2 million, representing 11.2% of the total population. This highlights the need to expand specialized rehabilitation services and improve their efficiency in line with the latest global best practices.
The first component of the project focuses on advancing music therapy as a modern rehabilitation pathway by transforming it from general psychosocial support into an evidence-based professional practice that contributes to achieving tangible functional outcomes for persons with disabilities, particularly in communication, motor skills, and sensory regulation.
In this context, the project adopts an integrated capacity-building model aimed at establishing a national core group of certified music therapy trainers. This will be achieved by equipping eight professionals with advanced skills through a Training of Trainers (ToT) program. These trainers will, in turn, transfer knowledge by training 30 healthcare providers and special education teachers to apply music-based therapeutic interventions within their respective work environments. The project also includes the development of a training curriculum and specialized scientific materials to support the sustainability of this approach at the national level, based on knowledge transfer and long-term continuity.
In parallel, the second component of the project includes the implementation of a specialized training program aimed at building the capacities of 30 healthcare professionals and special education teachers in the field of hearing assessment and language development for cochlear implant users. It also covers the use of advanced standardized assessment tools and includes practical application under the supervision of international experts to enhance the quality of auditory and speech rehabilitation services.
Across its components and phases, the project relies on a progressive training model that combines both theoretical and practical aspects. It includes benefiting from the expertise of an international music therapy specialist, while ensuring knowledge sustainability through skill acquisition followed by direct transfer to professionals within real work settings. The project also provides professional supervision and follow-up, alongside documenting the training process to establish an accessible electronic database, contributing to sustained knowledge and expanded future impact, as well as strengthening auditory rehabilitation services.
The project is expected to have a tangible impact on improving the quality and efficiency of rehabilitation services provided to persons with disabilities, supporting social inclusion, and enhancing opportunities for active participation. It will also contribute to building a sustainable national system in the fields of music therapy and auditory rehabilitation, as well as fostering strategic partnerships to promote innovation in rehabilitation.
This project reflects an effective model of integration among national institutions, combining the regulatory and reference role of the Higher Council for the Rights of Persons with Disabilities with the academic and practical expertise of the King Hussein Foundation – National Music Conservatory. This integration enhances innovation and professionalism in delivering rehabilitation services while aligning with international best practices.
The launch of this project reaffirms Jordan’s commitment to continuing the development of services for persons with disabilities through a comprehensive, rights-based approach.