Hope School in Aqaba .. A Model in Supporting Hearing-Impaired Students
Amman3 min read
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In conjunction with the approaching International Sign Language Day, the Hope School for Inclusive Sign Language in Aqaba stands out as a Jordanian educational model that reflects the importance of providing specialized education for hearing-impaired students, enabling them to access their right to education and integration.
Dr. Abdul-Wahab Al-Hajjaj, Director of Education in Aqaba, emphasized that the presence of a specialized sign language school in the province represents an educational and humanitarian importance, as it provides an educational environment that takes into account the needs of hearing-impaired students and gives them the opportunity to learn, develop, and achieve their aspirations like their peers. Dr. Al-Hajjaj said in an interview with «$» that the Hope School, founded in 2021, currently has 158 students and 46 female teachers, and it accepts students from kindergarten to high school (Tawjihi), providing a comprehensive educational path for hearing-impaired students at all stages of their studies.
He pointed out that the school's mission is not limited to providing academic knowledge, but also works to build the student's personality and enhance their self-confidence and ability to communicate and interact, through an educational environment that uses sign language and takes into account the educational characteristics and needs of the students.
He added that providing this type of specialized education reflects the Ministry of Education's keenness to ensure that education reaches all students, and not to leave any student out of the educational system due to disability, stressing that education is an inherent right for everyone, and providing the appropriate environment is the basis for enabling students to fully benefit from their abilities.
Al-Hajjaj explained that the Hope School represents an important educational experiment in Aqaba Governorate, by combining specialized education and the concept of integration, and providing an opportunity for hearing-impaired students to continue their education at advanced stages up to high school, thereby enhancing their future opportunities in higher education, the labor market, and community participation.
He emphasized the importance of the role played by the educational staff in the school, who work to provide educational and pedagogical support to students, praising the efforts of the female teachers in dealing with the needs of the students and following their educational journey, considering them a key partner in the success of the experiment.
Al-Hajjaj pointed out that the celebration of the International Sign Language Day is an occasion to remind of the importance of enhancing community awareness of sign language and the rights of hearing-impaired individuals, stressing that empowering this category starts with education and extends to various fields of life.
He stressed that the Directorate of Education in Aqaba will continue to monitor the needs of the Hope School and support the educational process within it, contributing to providing a more suitable educational environment for students, enhancing their ability to learn, participate, and integrate, leading to quality education that prioritizes the student and their abilities.
