Accessible Buildings Award
The Higher Council for the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (HCD) launched the Accessible Buildings Award to promote best practices in eliminating environmental barriers and advancing universal design in the built environment. This initiative forms part of HCD’s national strategy to encourage institutions across all sectors to meet their legal obligations and adopt inclusive design approaches that benefit persons with disabilities and the wider community.
First introduced in early 2022, the Award is intended as an annual recognition of excellence in accessibility. It highlights and celebrates buildings across Jordan that demonstrate a strong commitment to inclusive and accessible infrastructure.
Award criteria include:
In its inaugural year, 86 buildings submitted applications. Entries were assessed by a specialised judging panel composed of representatives from Organisations of Persons with Disabilities (OPDs), as well as experts from the public and private sectors. Buildings were evaluated according to a tiered system—Gold, Silver, and Bronze—based on the extent and quality of accessibility measures in place.
As a result, 30 institutions were honoured for their efforts in creating more inclusive environments for all.
Drivers and Vehicles Licensing Department
The Drivers and Vehicles Licensing Department is a key service body under the Public Security Directorate, responsible for delivering all services related to driver and vehicle licensing across the Kingdom. The department serves thousands of citizens daily and is committed to improving the accessibility of its services and facilities for persons with disabilities.
As part of its efforts to promote inclusive service delivery, the department has implemented several accessibility measures, including:
- Provision of an electric mobility vehicle to support the movement of persons with disabilities within the department’s premises.
- Designated accessible parking spaces, equipped with an alert system (bell) to assist individuals who may experience difficulty exiting their vehicles.
- Construction of ramps in accordance with the Building Code Requirements for Persons with Disabilities, ensuring safe and independent access to facilities.
Bank al Etihad: Advancing Accessible Banking Services
Bank al Etihad is a leading Jordanian financial institution offering a wide range of banking and financial services through its extensive network of branches across all governorates of the Kingdom. In line with its commitment to inclusive service provision, the bank has introduced several accessibility measures to better serve persons with disabilities:
- Bank brochures available in Braille, ensuring access to information for persons who are blind or have low vision.
- Voice-enabled ATMs, designed to support independent use by blind persons and individuals with low vision.
- Sign language interpretation services, offered through direct video communication with a qualified sign language interpreter via tablet.
Telecommunications Regulatory Commission
The Telecommunications Regulatory Commission (TRC) is an independent government body responsible for regulating Jordan’s telecommunications and information technology sectors. Mandated under the Telecommunications Law, the Commission ensures the availability and quality of services across the Kingdom.
As part of its efforts to uphold the rights of persons with disabilities, the TRC has implemented several accessibility measures, including:
- Real-time sign language interpretation, accessible via tablet to facilitate communication with individuals who are deaf and individuals who are hard-of-hearing.
- Low-height queue management systems, designed to accommodate persons who use wheelchairs and individuals of short stature.
- An accessible auditorium, equipped to ensure the full and effective participation of persons with disabilities as both audience members and active participants.
Ministry of Transport
The Ministry of Transport is the governmental body responsible for formulating national transport policy, overseeing its implementation in collaboration with relevant stakeholders, and regulating the road freight transport sector and its services across the Kingdom.
In alignment with its commitment to inclusive service provision and the rights of persons with disabilities, the Ministry has implemented several key accessibility measures within its facilities:
- A designated reception desk with a lowered height, to ensure ease of access for persons who use wheelchairs and individuals of short stature.
- Tactile ground surface indicators, installed to support the independent navigation of individuals who are blind and individuals with low vision within the building.
- Ramps constructed in accordance with the Building Code Requirements for Persons with Disabilities, enabling safe and dignified access to the premises.
Tariq Station / Bus Rapid Transit (BRT)
Tariq Station is one of the primary hubs within the Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) network in Amman, designed and constructed in coordination with the Higher Council for the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (HCD). The station functions as a central transfer point connecting various transit lines and is a model for inclusive and accessible public transportation infrastructure.
To ensure full and equal access for all users, including persons with disabilities and older persons, the station incorporates the following accessibility features:
- Buses equipped with accessibility features, enabling safe and independent boarding and travel for persons with disabilities.
- Designated accessible parking spaces for vehicles used by persons with disabilities.
- A low-height reception desk, designed to accommodate persons who use wheelchairs and individuals of short stature.
- An escalator accessible to persons with disabilities and older persons, supporting ease of movement within the station.
King Abdullah II Cultural Centre
The King Abdullah II Cultural Centre, located in the heart of the city of Zarqa, is a prominent cultural landmark dedicated to enriching the city’s cultural life and ensuring that all residents, including persons with disabilities, can fully enjoy and participate in cultural events and activities.
In line with national accessibility standards and the principles of the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UNCRPD), the Centre has introduced a range of inclusive features, including:
- A hydraulically adjustable stage, enabling persons with disabilities to attend or actively participate in performances, conferences, and public events.
- Designated accessible parking spaces to facilitate convenient access for persons with disabilities visiting the Centre.
- Tactile ground surface indicators installed throughout the building to support independent navigation for individuals who are blind and those with low vision.
These measures reflect the Centre’s ongoing commitment to making culture accessible to all, fostering equal participation and inclusion within the cultural sphere.
