While for clients I have arranged visits to rural schools in India or orphanages in Africa, I reluctantly admit I have not actively participated in such ventures myself. On a trip to Jordan last month, I was blessed with an opportunity to spend the day in a miraculous place; a facility called the Al-Hussein Society for the Habilitation/Rehabilitation of the Physically Challenged. We take for granted wheelchair ramps, and handicapped-accessible sidewalks and restrooms, but in Jordan this is not the reality. Those confined to a wheelchair, or who use a walker or braces are many times homebound and isolated. This NGO, established in 1971, strives to change this problem, offering rehabilitation and exercise programs, an elementary school, training for parents, free braces and crutches, a mobile clinic and a community for families living with disabilities.

AHS has become the leading facility in the region providing rehabilitation and educational services to children and adults with physical challenges. Their Early Intervention Program focuses on children from birth to 6 years, providing rehab services and counseling. The Elementary School for ages 6-12 follows the curriculum mandated by Jordan’s Ministry of Education, and also offers special education, computer, music and drama classes. The school’s goal is to teach kids how to live more independently and eventually integrate into regular schools and society.

I assisted in the school’s computer class. Technology is essential for these children, as working on computers could be a viable future job for those with limited physical mobility. I was immediately taken with Safia, a vibrant young girl with cerebral palsy and no control of her hands, who had recently learned to type using her chin and a trackball. At the end of each week, every child who has achieved a significant success is honored with a party and gift. After many years, Safia finally had her own, very special celebration. Everyone was jubilant over this progress, which allows her to communicate and learn in an entirely new way.

HRH Princess Majda Raad, President of the Al-Hussein Society, shares in the excitement and recounts, ‘Safia’s performance at AHS School is a miracle achieved with the use of Assistive Technology and the good will of AHS team of whom I feel so proud. With AHS’ early intervention, Safia, proved to be so clever with high potentials who can now communicate with the world to be heard attentively and hopefully fulfill her dream to become a teacher.’

When I reminisce on my time in Jordan, I will conjure up images of the magnificent archaeological site of Petra, recall spending a night in the Wadi Rum desert and floating in the Dead Sea, but my experience with Safia and AHS will truly remain in my heart.

[feature photo taken by the Al-Hussein Society for the Habilitation/Rehabilitation]