Latest news with #socialinclusion
Zawya
12-07-2025
- Business
- Zawya
Orange Jordan continues empowering persons with disabilities
Orange Jordan continues to strengthen its pioneering role in empowering persons with disabilities and enhancing their digital and social inclusion through its umbrella of solutions and initiatives, "Differently Abled, Definitely Enabled." As part of this commitment, Orange Jordan supported a specialized training titled "The Art of Dialogue Management," organized by Al-Ataa Club Sport for the Blind at the Orange Digital Village, with the participation of more than 20 persons with visual disabilities. The training focused on deepening participants' understanding of the rights of persons with disabilities, with a particular emphasis on visual impairment. It also aimed to raise awareness around psychological and social challenges, encourage the use of positive and inclusive language, and promote a culture of constructive and open dialogue. By fostering collaboration and mutual support, the program helped reinforce the values of equality and social justice among participants. The training aimed to enhance participants' understanding of the rights of persons with disabilities, especially those with visual impairments. It also focused on raising awareness of the psychological and social impacts, empowering them to use positive and inclusive language, and promoting a culture of constructive dialogue. Additionally, the training emphasized fostering a spirit of cooperation and mutual support, contributing to strengthening values of equality and social justice. The training also included developing digital awareness campaigns and programs. In addition, 20% of the participants were selected to help create podcast content in collaboration with specialized producers, aiming to deliver their messages in innovative and impactful ways. Through supporting this initiative, Orange Jordan reaffirmed its ongoing commitment to promoting digital inclusion and providing equal opportunities for all. The company emphasized its belief that empowering persons with disabilities strengthens the values of equality and tolerance, contributing to building a more inclusive and just society. It is worth noting that through its diverse initiatives and programs, Orange Jordan continues to solidify its position as a leading, responsible digital provider and a key supporter of community development. The company reaffirms its commitment to supporting and empowering persons with disabilities, providing them with opportunities for active participation and enabling them to realize their full potential within society. To learn more, please visit our website: About Orange Jordan Orange Jordan, with over 1800 employees across nearly 300 shops and locations throughout Jordan, strives to provide the best customer experience through an integrated set of digital solutions including fixed lines, mobile lines, internet, data, and Smart Life Solutions to around 4.6 million customers in Jordan. Orange Jordan is a subsidiary of Orange Global Group, which is present in 26 countries worldwide. In line with the Group's strategy 'Lead the Future' and through its positioning as a true responsible digital leader, Orange Jordan supports the national digital transformation vision. Orange Jordan prioritizes community service, and in this context, it implements a comprehensive CSR strategy that revolves around 4 pillars including digital education, digital inclusion, entrepreneurship, climate, and environment. In addition to serving individual customers, Orange Jordan offers tailored solutions for businesses through its sub-brand, (Orange Business). To learn more, please visit our website: About Orange Orange is one of the world's leading telecommunications operators with revenues of 40.3 billion euros in 2024 and 127,000 employees worldwide at 31 December 2024, including 71,000 employees in France. The Group has a total customer base of 291 million customers worldwide at 31 December 2024, including 253 million mobile customers and 22 million fixed broadband customers. These figures account for the deconsolidation of certain activities in Spain following the creation of MASORANGE. The Group is present in 26 countries (including non-consolidated countries). Orange is also a leading provider of global IT and telecommunication services to multinational companies under the brand Orange Business. In February 2023, the Group presented its strategic plan "Lead the Future", built on a new business model and guided by responsibility and efficiency. "Lead the Future" capitalizes on network excellence to reinforce Orange's leadership in service quality.
ABC News
05-07-2025
- Health
- ABC News
As the government looks to save money on the NDIS, is this the future of disability support?
Jex Truran-Lakaev is Deafblind and when he moved to regional New South Wales a decade ago, found it hard to socialise. So, in 2015 he started the Hunter Deafblind Project in Newcastle for locals who had hearing loss, vision impairment or both. "As Deafblind individuals, we've all got very similar experiences, but [we had] no real place that we could go and be together," he said. The group started out mostly hosting social gatherings like dinners and sporting events. But over time it became much more than a just place for a very isolated community to make connections. Mr Truran-Lakaev said it was one of the only places his community could access information about important issues. He said during the COVID-19 pandemic, there were options for people who were deaf or blind to access critical information, but not both. Blind people could listen to updates on radio or TV and Deaf people were able to see captions and Auslan interpreters. "But for those of us who are Deafblind, neither of those things were accessible. We went without all of that critical information," he said. Instead, Deafblind group members received updates about lockdowns through the Hunter Deafblind Project. More recently the project has hosted the fire brigade and sessions with health workers about bowel cancer screening. When those workers hold workshops for the group, learning is a two-way street as many have not met a Deafblind person before. Do you have a story to share? Email The federal government hopes more community-led programs like this one could help reduce spending on the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS), which has been projected to cost $48 billion this financial year. Labor has already made a number of changes to bring down costs. It hopes to reach an 8 per cent annual growth target in the coming years, down from the 20 per cent growth it inherited when elected in 2022. Key to realising that target are two words at the centre of generational reforms currently underway: "foundational supports". A recommendation of the 2023 NDIS Review, foundational supports have been pitched as a new tier of services outside the scheme, jointly funded by the federal government and states and territories. Previous minister Bill Shorten indicated foundational supports would begin by the middle of 2025. But as we approach the middle of the year, and as participants report an increase in cuts or reviews of their plans, foundational supports are still yet to be set up or properly defined. A Commonwealth-state and territory funding deal for foundational supports remains unsigned, despite all parties agreeing to fund them in 2023. Autistic people and children with developmental delay will be among those who will rely on foundational supports in the future and Ms Rogerson said their lack of progression had caused concern. "The autism community is nervous because the NDIS has been a one-stop place for us to get children the services and supports they need. To be told that could be no longer true for some, builds some anxiety in those families," Ms Rogerson said. However, Ms Rogerson said she would prefer governments took time to get the "once in a generation" reforms right, rather than rush them. "There has to be some evidence behind these programs, so we're not just allowing private and non-profit service providers to be running towards this pool of funding," she said. In a statement, federal NDIS Minister Mark Butler said the funding negotiations with the states and territories would be finalised as soon as possible. "The first work on foundational supports is children under the age of nine with mild to moderate developmental delay or autism," he said. "The second big piece of work … has been identified as those Australians with ongoing, usually quite severe, psychosocial disability who are not getting any support right now. We know [they] without support are bumping in and out of emergency departments, in contact with justice and police systems, are vastly over-represented in our homeless population and, frankly, deserve better." Mr Butler said that focus was in line with the NDIS Review's recommendations. Meanwhile, the Hunter Deafblind Project has been going from strength to strength, swelling in size. Newer members such as Melissa Henderson have found it an empowering space to come to terms with and find pride in their disabilities. Ms Henderson lost her hearing in her twenties and her vision in her thirties and said it was scary. "When I came to this group I'd never met someone who was blind or completely Deaf before. It helped me overcome the fear of going blind," she said. Funding for the group was recently renewed for another 12 months. Mr Truran-Lakaev might have moved to rural Queensland in the years since starting the group, but said he hoped it would continue long into the future. "We've become a really solid, strong community," he said.
BBC News
03-07-2025
- Business
- BBC News
Manx Telecom announces 3.5% increase in bills from August
A 3.5% price rise has been announced by Manx telecommunications firm said the increase was "necessary" due to "ongoing, mounting global and national inflationary cost pressures".It said the increase was in line with the average Retail Price Index increase of 3.8% for set to rise from 1 August include fixed-line and mobile phone rentals and charges, and copper broadband and paper billing charges. Rival company Sure is set to introduce a 2.7% rise in its prices on 1 Manx Telecom customers, fixed call charge rates to all destinations are set to go up by 1p or 3.5%, whichever is data and text charges outside of mobile bundles will also rise, and paper billing charges are set to increase by 50p to £ of the company's Low User Choice social inclusion tariff and operator services such at the speaking clock will not increase in firm said it had "made every effort" to keep increases "to a minimum".A spokesman said giving "lengthy notice" of the increases was a requirement of the Telecommunications License, which would give customers time to terminate their contract and switch providers should they so wish. Read more stories from the Isle of Man on the BBC, watch BBC North West Tonight on BBC iPlayer and follow BBC Isle of Man on Facebook and X.
BBC News
30-06-2025
- General
- BBC News
Manx Mencap activity programme to 'enable new experiences'
An activity programme for adults with learning difficulties will enable those taking part to socialise and explore new experiences, the group being the scheme has Mencap has been given a £31,000 grant to fund weekly sessions such as arts and crafts workshops, movie nights, visits to the theatre, and adventure Tinkler from the organisation said the activities were often the "only source of companionship" for those with learning activities were "crucial" in helping members "build confidence, improve physical health, and create lasting friendships", she said. The organisation supports about people and the continued activity programme would have a "significant impact on their lives", she funds would "ensure we can continue providing a safe and supportive space", which would also help members with skill development and community engagement, she added. Read more stories from the Isle of Man on the BBC, watch BBC North West Tonight on BBC iPlayer and follow BBC Isle of Man on Facebook and X.
The Herald
10-06-2025
- Politics
- The Herald
Joburg and Tshwane 'proud' to host international community
'These pressures require more than conversation, but rather co-ordination, commitment and action. By hosting these meetings, we are ensuring that Africa's voice is not only present but is actively shaping the G20 agenda at the highest level. 'As African city leaders we are told that there is a table but we do not have a seat at that table. The intent to host the African Mayors' assembly alongside the U20 Sherpa meeting is to create a table that we deserve, reflect on the challenges we are facing but also, exchange ideas in what we are doing to solve our issues,' Moya said. Morero detailed the four priorities of the U20 agenda. He described the priorities as deeply reflective of South Africa's developmental trajectory but also resonant with global urban realities. 'The first is economic opportunities and urban financing — focused on unlocking investment pipelines for cities and closing the growing infrastructure gap, as well as climate action and urban resilience — recognising that cities must be both front-line responders and proactive planners in an age of climate disruption. 'The third pillar is social inclusion and equity — asserting that urban transformation must dismantle historical inequalities and build a future that leaves no-one behind. Lastly, digital transformation and Innovation — embracing the digital shift not as a luxury but as a public good that enhances how cities function and serve.' Morero said these priorities were endorsed by participating cities across the G20 network and later became the foundation of the U20 communique. 'Throughout the past few months, we have deepened this agenda through a series of high-impact webinars. These platforms drew in a broad spectrum of voices — from the global north and global s outh, from academia, civil society, and the private sector — reflecting the power of shared urban dialogue in shaping solutions that are not only ambitious but grounded in real experience. 'In September, Johannesburg will host the culminating event: the U20 Mayoral Summit, from September 12 to 14. This will be a landmark occasion — not only for our city, but for our nation. 'Here, mayors, Sherpas, and city networks from across the G20 will convene to deliberate, to endorse the final U20 Communique, and to reaffirm the role of cities in solving the grand challenges of our time,' Morero said. TimesLIVE
