JORDAN: King Abdullah Academy for visually impaired students in Amman offers children hands-on education to help them succeed in their day-to-day lives

Record ID: 406498

  • Title: JORDAN: King Abdullah Academy for visually impaired students in Amman offers children hands-on education to help them succeed in their day-to-day lives
  • Date: 6th December 2011
  • Summary: (AMMAN, JORDAN) (DECEMBER 5, 2011) (REUTERS) SIGN READING ACADEMY OF BLIND, MINISTRY OF EDUCATION STUDENTS GETTING OFF OF BUS STUDENTS DOING MORNING EXERCISE
  • Embargoed: 21st December 2011 12:00
  • Keywords:
  • Location: Jordan, Jordan
  • Country: Jordan
  • Topics: Education
  • Reuters ID: LVA53F56PRK3U6OIWZMICM8FBNRL
  • Story Text: The newly opened Royal Academy for the Blind offers inspiration to visually impaired children from around Jordan.
    Through education and advanced technology, children learn vital skills to help them in their day-to-day lives.
    Gassem Ugizat, director of the academy, says the school has been equipped with the latest technology and teachers are following the mainstream curriculum provided by the ministry of education to provide their students with a well-rounded education.
    "Blind Academy consists of different departments; most importantly is the academic section, which teaches syllabus of ministry of education. We also have supportive sections including a section for the partially sighted, sensual training, functional therapy, mobility and movement, computer section, music room and day to day activities section. We also have a typewriting unit to convert syllabus of ministry of education using Braille," said Ugizat.
    The academy was officially inaugurated in October by Jordan's King Abdullah and Queen Rania.
    Classes start from elementary level up to the sixth grade. For some students, the school represents an ideal place to fulfil their ambition and become active members of society.
    "I want to study psychology and special education. I loved this because initially, I asked if it was possible to become a doctor but I was told I could not do that. Since I can not be a doctor, I wanted to study special education," said Malak, one of the students at the academy.
    Instructors teach a variety of methods including working with tactile materials for hands-on experiences and a number of non-visual teaching techniques.
    Students also lean how to type in Braille.
    "This is a great feeling as I share the experience I've gained myself and they can learn from me. They feel relaxed and happy when they are taught by someone like them," said Braille teacher Habeeb Mohammad, herself visually impaired.
    The academy does not yet cater to all age groups. Nearly 150 students currently attend elementary classes in the academy, learning a variety of topics as well as special therapy sessions to improve their motor skills.
    ''The most important thing that pushes someone to continue his study is the will to do so. For us, the visually impaired people, education is the best way to improve one's life, '' said Ebrahim Zyoud, a visually impaired teacher at the academy.
    According to the staff, the academy was established by the Jordanian government to integrate visually impaired children in society and provide skills needed to take steps in building their future.
    The academy brings together students from around the country, including children from impoverished areas in east Amman as well as residents of rural towns with no facilities to cater for the needs of blind children.
    Officials say the school will soon open its doors to older students looking to earn their high school certificate.
  • Copyright Holder: REUTERS
  • Copyright Notice: (c) Copyright Thomson Reuters 2012. Open For Restrictions - http://about.reuters.com/fulllegal.asp
  • Usage Terms/Restrictions: Footage contains identifiable children: users must ensure that they comply with local laws and regulations governing the publishing of this material.
Register