In a move aimed towards enhancing community development in the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan, a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed on, Monday, August 12, 2024, at the university campus between Jadara University, represented by its President, Prof. Dr. Habes Htameleh, and World Associates Ltd., represented by Head of Programs Mr. Amer Bani Hassan. 

This MoU also aims to strengthen cooperation between the two parties and to offer specialized practical skills courses and evidence based practices tools for students of Special Education in the Faculty of Educational Sciences at Jadara University. These courses are designed to equip caregivers of individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder with the necessary skills to meet the demands of the job market in this critical humanitarian field. This initiative is part of the "Tawahudna" project, which is supported by World Associates, LTD. 

This MoU aligns with our commitment to supporting and developing students of Special Education in Jordan, particularly at Jadara University. Our goal is to equip students with the necessary tools to advance their professional careers and to bridge the gap between our graduates and the demands of the field. Recognizing the numerous challenges and obstacles faced by our Special Education graduates as they enter their careers, this MoU outlines our commitment to offering targeted training courses designed to address and overcome these difficulties. We anticipate training hundreds of students over the coming year, helping them navigate and succeed in their professional journey, and further developing the overall community by eliminating many of the negative practices in the special education centers in Irbid.

Tawahudna is a project that is tailored to the Jordanian context, that aims to offer practical and evidence-based strategies for parents, caregivers, and practitioners to customize the care of their children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). Our approach is rooted in key principles, 

including the introduction of emotional regulation tools to enhance understanding and care, providing a concise yet relevant scientific background on the functioning of the Autistic Brain, and incorporating evidence-based practices applicable for use at home. Additionally, we focus on inclusivity by utilizing homemade sensory tools, such as weighted blankets made with rice and using salt for letter learning and writing as an alternative to the Western practice of white sand, to cater for the underprivileged communities. 

The curriculum also addresses the differentiation between meltdowns and tantrums, offering response strategies for each. Furthermore, we aim to shift the parental/caregiver dynamic from giving orders to spending quality time with their children, allowing the child to initiate and lead interactions for a more enriching experience.