The Hashemite Family's Vision, Disability Policies, and Jordanians with Disabilities

This research project seeks to understand the Jordanian policy-making process through critical disability theory. This argues that 1) A social construct, disability changes according to context, and 2) the physical,... [ view full abstract ]

This research project seeks to understand the Jordanian policy-making process through critical disability theory. This argues that 1) A social construct, disability changes according to context, and 2) the physical, attitudinal, and institutional environment socially disadvantage the disabled. This model complicates the narrow medical interpretation, which locates “problems” solely within individuals and directly impacts policy understandings of citizenship definitions, impairment and disability. Historically, Jordan’s royal family actively advocated for disabled people’s rights. However, while the Jordanian government supports the proper approach to disabilities, not all the Jordanians do. Culturally, stigma around the concept of “disability” or people with disabilities is very much part of the Jordanian society. In fact, many families with disabled members are ashamed, and hence are unwilling to come forward to allow their disabled family member to receive the kind of treatment or assistance that the government program makes available. Such distaste concerning the disabled raises a question as to whether one can even talk about “disability” in public. Thus, this project aims to study the policy-making process, specifically the current relationship between the first stage of policy development led by the Hashemite family and the final stage of evaluation of effectiveness by Jordanian citizens with disabilities.