The Universal Access Program in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is one of the pioneering and important initiatives adopted by the King Salman Center for Disability Research. It aims to enhance the rights of people with disabilities. The program focuses on removing architectural and social barriers that hinder the participation of people with disabilities in various aspects of life by developing specific standards and specifications that ensure easy access to all facilities and services. Through collaboration with governmental and private entities, the program seeks to achieve an inclusive and integrated environment that allows people with disabilities to actively participate in society. Therefore, under King Salman bin Abdulaziz, the royal decree number (35362) dated (22-9-1434H) was issued, approving and endorsing the preparation of comprehensive access guides as a national project.
Introduction
In this era of rapid digital transformation, access to digital information and services has become a fundamental right that everyone, including people with disabilities, should enjoy. With the increasing reliance on technology in all aspects of daily life, from education and work to entertainment and social communication, there is a pressing need to ensure that all digital platforms and applications are fully accessible and easy to use for everyone, regardless of physical or sensory abilities.
The "Web Accessibility Guide" serves as a comprehensive tool aimed at guiding designers, developers, and decision-makers towards adopting best practices and global standards in designing and developing inclusive digital platforms. The guide addresses various aspects of digital accessibility, from user interface design to making content accessible, with a focus on meeting the needs of all users, including those with motor, auditory, visual, and cognitive disabilities.
Objectives of the Web Accessibility Guide
- Enhancing Digital Inclusion: The guide aims to provide clear guidelines to ensure that all digital platforms are accessible and usable by all people, including those who face physical or sensory challenges.
- Compliance with International Standards: The guide aims to achieve compliance with globally recognized standards and protocols in the field of digital accessibility, such as the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG), which enhances the quality of digital services and ensures their global compatibility.
- Raising Awareness about the Importance of Digital Accessibility: The guide seeks to raise awareness among developers, designers, and decision-makers about the importance of Web Accessibility and the need to incorporate it as a fundamental element in the development processes of digital platforms.
- Improving User Experience: By providing guidelines on how to improve the user experience for people with disabilities, the guide aims to create digital environments that are easier and smoother to use.
- Promoting Independence: The guide contributes to enabling people with disabilities to access services and information independently, which enhances their ability to fully participate in the digital society.
- Supporting Innovation: By encouraging the adoption of new techniques and methods in digital accessibility, the guide aims to promote innovation in developing digital solutions that meet the needs of all users.
By achieving these objectives, the guide contributes to creating a more inclusive and just digital environment, where everyone can benefit from the opportunities offered by the digital world, making the guide, God willing, a source of beneficial knowledge for people.
