Familial, social, and legal difficulties facing disabled people in Jordan

Abstract EN

This study investigated the familial, social, and legal difficulties facing disabled people in Jordan.

Data on the subject was gathered by reviewing available literature on the subject, conducting field studies on disabled people in Jordan, reviewing available documents, and by holding a focus group discussion with a group of healthy households having disabled persons.

Our findings revealed the following: First, major familial difficulties were found including individuals not having the needed skills to interact with the disabled and poverty.

Second, social difficulties were found to be closely related to social stigma, powerlessness, and social isolation resulting in increasing chances of marital disputes, high levels of unemployment, educational difficulties, and social exclusion.

Finally, legal difficulties were linked to the fact that the legislation concerning the disabled does not fully cover their needs and rights and is not always applied.

The study concludes with several recommendations including: Providing professional training to key family members, increasing the participation of disabled peoples in the labour sector, and conducting a nation-wide media campaign in order to address the social stigma associated with disabilitie