Amman: Under the patronage of Prince Mired bin Raad, Chief Chamberlain and President of the Higher Council for the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (HCD), the council launched the Inclusive Art and Music Therapy Program. The ceremony was attended by ambassadors, representatives of international donor agencies, advocates for persons with disabilities, national partner institutions, and cultural and rehabilitation experts.
According to Jordan News Agency, the initiative is part of a national strategy to secure the right of persons with disabilities to participate fully in cultural and artistic life and to develop innovative rehabilitation services. The program is supported by the Abdul Hameed Shoman Foundation through strategic partnerships connecting HCD with the King Hussein Foundation's National Music Conservatory and the Haya Cultural Center.
The program functions as an integrated national platform that combines art as a tool for expression and social inclusion with music therapy as a modern rehabilitation practice. Following international best practices, the initiative aims to enhance communication, motor skills, and sensory regulation for persons with disabilities.
Hana Shahin, Executive Director of the King Hussein Foundation, stated that music therapy is an internationally accredited clinical discipline utilizing rhythm, melody, sound, and movement within structured professional interventions led by qualified specialists to achieve specific therapeutic and rehabilitative goals. She emphasized its effectiveness in improving cognitive capacities and emotional regulation.
Valentina Kassisieh, CEO of the Abdul Hameed Shoman Foundation, mentioned that the initiative bridges cultural development with human rights and rehabilitation, creating avenues for persons with disabilities to express themselves, develop skills, and actively participate in public life. She stressed the importance of collaborative efforts to build an equitable society.
Reem Al-Adwan, Director General of the Haya Cultural Center, noted that the partnership with HCD has strengthened inclusive practices within cultural programming by training personnel, modifying artistic spaces, and adapting content for accessibility. She highlighted efforts to draft a national framework for inclusive art policies and comprehensive protection strategies in Jordan, alongside providing inclusive artistic grants.
Muhannad Al-Azzeh, Secretary General of HCD, highlighted that the initiative marks a significant step toward embedding creative therapies into Jordan's formal rehabilitation framework and building national capacity using evidence-based scientific methods. He added that the program extends beyond standard cultural activities by establishing music therapy as a tool to improve counseling, psychological support, and specialized care.
The program's upcoming agenda includes inclusive musical performances, art exhibitions showcasing talented individuals from the disabled community, and the production of documentary materials to highlight success stories and raise public awareness.