Deaf Education in Jordan: Current Situation, Obstacles, and Future Aspirations

This chapter provides a review of deaf education in Jordan, emphasizing the following issues: the current state of deaf education in Jordan, including the role of the Jordanian Royal Family; the history of deaf education in Jordan; the policy framework; the provision of services, including the curriculum, use of sign language, and teacher preparation and professionalism; and current challenges, including the prevalence of hearing loss, early childhood education, the emotional characteristics and mental health of deaf students, and technology. These issues are discussed in light of the available supporting research. The chapter provides a description of a Jordanian model school for deaf people in the Middle East, the Holy Land Institute for the Deaf. Recommendations and goals are also outlined.