Palestinian Ministry and Stars of Hope discuss disability support network

The Palestinian Ministry of Social Development and the Stars of Hope Association are discussing the institutionalization of a ‘Support Services Network’ for persons with disabilities. The initiative aims to enhance equal access to essential services, including protection, justice, and healthcare, by providing necessary communication and accessibility arrangements.

Developed as an initiative to empower women with disabilities, the network addresses existing gaps in service access, particularly within the protection sector. The framework relies on a research paper and a proposed protocol to coordinate efforts, referrals, and communication between various stakeholders. This includes sign language interpreters and communication facilitators for individuals with intellectual disabilities.

Kifah Abu Ghosh, Executive Director of the Stars of Hope Association, highlighted the importance of these services in the absence of existing legislative and institutional frameworks. The discussion also covered a mobile application developed by the association to facilitate easier access to these support services.