Ali Jadallah
Amman — July 24, 2025
Prince Mired bin Ra’ad, Chief Chamberlain and Chairman of the Higher Council for the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, inaugurated a groundbreaking initiative on Wednesday aimed at transforming services for persons with disabilities in Jordan. The new model, known as “Camp for All,” was launched in the presence of Minister of Social Development Wafa Bani Mustafa and leading figures from civil society.

Camp for All is the first inclusive experience of its kind in Jordan and the Middle East, uniting children with severe and multiple disabilities with their non-disabled peers in a shared educational and recreational environment. The initiative reflects a strategic shift toward inclusive, family-centered community services and away from institutional housing.

As part of the launch event, a tripartite memorandum of understanding was signed between the Higher Council for the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, the Ministry of Social Development, and the nonprofit organization Inclusive Jordan, which developed and operates the camp. The agreement aims to support the national move toward sustainable, community-based alternatives to institutional care.

In his remarks, Prince Mired praised the Camp for All model, describing it as “a comprehensive and supportive initiative” that aligns with Jordan’s National Strategy for Shelter Alternatives. He called on stakeholders to support such efforts, noting their potential to serve as models across the region.

Minister Wafa Bani Mustafa highlighted the importance of full societal integration of persons with disabilities. “Inclusion is a comprehensive process that ensures equal participation in education, employment, healthcare, and cultural life,” she said. “It requires removing barriers, empowering individuals to make their own decisions, and enabling them to contribute meaningfully to society.”

The camp offers a wide range of services, including rehabilitation, educational programming, caregiving support, and seasonal recreational activities. Psychological support for mothers and home-based services are also key components. The initiative is rooted in inclusive values and implemented in safe, natural environments.

Ghadeer Hamarneh, Founder and Director of Inclusive Jordan, emphasized the camp’s mission of providing children and their families with a “true life opportunity.” She explained that the program is based on national laws such as the Law on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities and focuses on raising public awareness, strengthening partnerships, and ensuring access to assistive technologies and inclusive infrastructure.

International expert Georgette Mulher, known for her work on reforming institutional care, presented global trends in disability inclusion and stressed the importance of community-based service models that promote dignity, independence, and long-term empowerment.

Children who participated in Camp for All shared emotional testimonies about how the experience helped them break out of isolation, build confidence, and enjoy new social and recreational activities. From tourism and sports to arts and peer engagement, many said the camp was a turning point in their lives.

The launch of Camp for All marks a significant step forward in Jordan’s efforts to promote equality and inclusion, offering a model that could inspire similar initiatives across the region and beyond.