UJ to open library for visually impaired students

University of Jordan (UJ) "It’s time" Campaign for the rights of students with special needs celebrated its life-time achievements in a ceremony held at the University of Jordan (UJ). The ceremony began by unveiling the campaign flame to remark the achievementsof the campaign and the pursuit of its members to disseminate and promote its culture, social and humanitarian sense.
The ceremony was attended by UJ President, Vice Presidents, Dean of Student Affairs, the Campaign members and supporters.
"The University’s response to the demands of the campaign stems from the administration’s absolute belief in the role of this group,” UJ President, Prof. Ekhleif Tarawneh said in his speech.
Tarawneh confirmed UJ’s eagerness to participate in integrating people with special needs in the society and supporting them based on the principle of equal opportunities and in line with the vision of His Majesty the King.
Dean of Student Affairs, Dr. Nayle Al Shura’a shed light on the role assumed by the Department of Student Counseling at the Deanship, since its inception in 2002, in providing support for students with special needs, presenting an overview of the most important services provided by the Department, such as guidance and creating a proper surrounding environment for them, as well as providing materials commensurate with their academic needs.
From her part, Director of the Students Initiatives Office, Dr. Nedaa Zaqzouq expressed pride on the campaign, pointing out that it has achieved tangible results in a short duration.
The ceremony included a film screening highlighting the achievements of the campaign until August of this year; achievements includes the creation of accustomed rest rooms and slopes for wheelchair users, recruitment of sign language translators, increase of examination time and the creation of studio in the library to record subjects, as well as the establishment of a committee to follow-up the implementation of the campaign’s demands.
The ceremony included a number of paragraphs submitted by members of the campaign, where the coordinator of the campaign, student Hadeel Abu Soufa presented a paragraph titled "Our Story" dealt with the beginnings of the campaign, and challenges faced by the members of the campaign during their study at the University and made them more determined to claim their rights.
A number of campaign members displayed their demands through live sketches that won the admiration of the audience. Their demands included the need to provide adequate educational materials, books and references, sign language translators and the creation of the a proper environment around them to be able to exercise their rights to education on the basis of equal opportunities and without discrimination.
Source: University of Jordan