Consultancy for the Development of Accessibility Guidelines

ARCS Arci Culture Solidali

1. Background

The project Sustainable Jerash: enhancing cultural heritage for inclusive tourism (AID 12584/01/0), funded by the Italian Agency for Cooperation and Development (AICS) and implemented by ARCS Arci Culture Solidali (ARCS) in partnership with Un Ponte Per (UPP), Monumenta Orientalia (MO), Italian Association of Responsible Tourism (AITR), Horizon for Green Development (HFGD) and Sana for Special Individuals, aims to:

• Strengthen the management and conservation of Jerash s cultural heritage;

• Improve the accessibility and usability of the archaeological site and the urban area;

• Promote sustainable and inclusive tourism that generates socio-economic opportunities for the local community.

2. Objective of the Consultancy

To provide, on behalf of High Council of People with Disabilities, institutional accessibility standards, coordinate inclusive participation, map accessibility needs, and validate proposed interventions to ensure accessible, safe, meaningful, and dignified tourism experiences for Persons With Disabilities at the Jerash Archaeological Site and in selected urban area (Eastern Bath).

3. Scope of Work

The selected consultancy will be responsible for carrying out the following two interrelated tasks:

A. Accessibility Assessment

The Consultant shall:

• Conduct joint on-site assessments with HCD, ARCS, MoTA, DoA, Municipality.

• Identify physical, sensory, cognitive, and informational barriers.

• Validate the proposed accessible golf-cart circulation route and alternatives.

• Provide institutional recommendations aligned with:

• Jordan Code of Building Requirements for PwD

• Universal Design Principles

• Cultural site conservation constraints

B. Mapping Needs for Aids and Inclusive Services

The Consultant shall:

1. Develop methodology for user involvement in target area: Archeological Site and Urban area of Jerash, in relation to touristic attractions and public spaces

2. Recruit and coordinate persons with disabilities for participatory sessions and site-testing.

3. Facilitate structured focus groups, walk-throughs, and usability observations.

4. Identify needs for:

• mobility aids

• signage and sensory guidance

• tactile interpretation tools

• inclusive audio and visual communication

• staff support and service protocols

5. Produce structured accessibility requirements for:

• the inclusive mobile application

• 3D tactile models

• Site Management Plan and SoPs

6. Conduct user-testing sessions for prototypes (App + 3D models) and issue formal recommendations.

C. Awareness raising and advocacy activities in the local community served by the interventions.

The Consultant shall:

• Cooperate with ARCS for the realization of One disability inclusion campaign (materials, events, outreach initiatives).

• Cooperate for the realization of One cultural heritage and tourism awareness campaign (materials, events, outreach initiatives).

• Contribute for the Strengthened community awareness, improved attitudes toward PwD, and increased local ownership of Jerash s cultural assets.

5. Duration and Timeline

The consultancy will be carried out over a maximum period of 3 months from contract signature.

The Consultant is expected to provide an estimated 14 days working weeks of effective work within this timeframe. This structure allows for additional time, if needed, to complete coordination processes and ensure the timely submission of all deliverables.

7. Supervision

The consultancy will work under the supervision of the ARCS and UPP Project Managers.

Coordination will be ensured with:

• PM ARCS Amman Office, PM UPP Amman Office

• Project Partners (MO, SANA, HFGD, AITR)

• MoTA, DoA, and Municipality of Jerash

Regular coordination meetings will be held with HCD, Municipality of Jerash, MoTA and DoA representatives to validate key outputs and ensure institutional ownership. The consultant(s) will also coordinate with the architect(s) supposed to realize the works as per activities: 2.1.2 Development of accessibility improvement interventions and 2.1.3 Implementation of Accessibility Enhancements, with Private Sector Involvement.

8. Notes

• The working language of the consultancy will be English.

• The location of the work will be in Jerash (80%) and Amman (20%)

• The consultant(s) are expected to respect ARCS ethical standards and AICS visibility and compliance guidelines.