The German Jordanian University (GJU) represented by the president Prof. Ala’aldeen Alhalhouli, hosting the kick-off event for the project grant contract between the Vision Rehabilitation Center (VRC) at GJU and Christian blind mission (CBM) on Monday 13th of Feb. 2023. The project entitled with “Low Vision Rehabilitation Services and Professional Training in Jordan”. This project is funded by CBM with 400,000 Euro and aims to enhance the quality of life and wellbeing of persons with vision impairment, improve their inclusion, independence and productivity in the society.
During the Kick- off ceremony, the Director of the Vision Rehabilitation Center (VRC) at GJU, Prof. Mohammad Hamed, welcomed the guests and introduced the role of the Vision rehabilitation Center (VRC) in creating an inclusive productive community for persons with vision impairment. He expressed VRC gratitude and thanks to the generous fund from the CBM.
Prof. Hamed pointed out to the challenges facing the visually impaired. They are diverse and fall in several aspects, including the almost complete absence of infrastructure, acquiring the necessary assistive devices, mobility and movement outside the home and carrying out various daily life activities, education and going to schools and universities, and the ability to be financially independent. He emphasized on the importance of collaboration and multidisciplinary approach between different organizations to pave the way for more targeted funded projects, which will improve the quality of life for people with vision impairment.
Prof. Hamed added that VRC seeks, through this CBM funded pioneering project, to raise the level of awareness among the various groups of society about visual impairment, so that those who suffer from visual impairment can feel fully accepted and welcomed in their communities and workplaces. He stressed that we seek, through this CBM funded project, to break the link between poverty and disability by providing vision assessment services and assistive devices free.
From CBM side, the Eastern Mediterranean Programme Representatives, Mr. Omar Alsaket, expressed their pleasure to start such a vital project in Jordan that will improve the services for persons with vision impairment in the region. Mr. Alsaket mentioned that the shared vision and values between CBM and VRC in serving people with vision impairment is a cornerstone to this project. Also, he mentioned that The Eastern Mediterranean Countries Office for CBM is carrying out many vital joint projects that established on Inclusive, community-based development approach, which is the basis for self-empowerment and collective action to build resilient, equitable, and inclusive societies
H.E. the President of the GJU Prof. Ala’aldeen Alhalhouli, highlighted on the GJU commitment toward community services especially people with vision impairment. He mentioned that serving people with vision Impairment to improve their quality of life is an obligation that GJU took upon itself. Prof. Alhalhouli added that GJU represented by the Vision Rehabilitation Center (VRC) believes that every person with vision impairment has the right to have access to the rehabilitation services regardless his origin, age, gender, or financial status. Finally, he expressed his gratitude and appreciation to CBM and VRC team who made this project possible.
Two of the VRC’s service users (Ms. Dania Basomy (16 years old) and Mr. Aymen Nasry (30 years old)) expressed the importance of the rehabilitation services VRC offered for them. Ms. Dania Basomy acted as the event moderator. They mentioned that the vision impairment restricts them in doing their activities of daily living and negatively affect their participation in the community. On the other hand, they were thankful for the rehabilitation services provided them by the VRC including assessment, assistive devices, training and advices, which allow them to be more independent, and empowered.