The Authority of People with Disability (APD) and the Saudi Electronic University signed a memorandum of cooperation on Monday, February 26, 2024, to enhance the quality of services provided to individuals with disabilities and to support their participation and integration in the academic environment. The memorandum was signed by the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the APD, Dr. Hisham bin Mohammed Al-Haidari, and the President of the Saudi Electronic University Dr. Mohammed bin Yahya Mardi. In order to achieve the goals of the Kingdom's Vision 2030, the memorandum seeks to strengthen the role of integration between the two parties by facilitating the acquisition of disability-related rights for individuals with disabilities and collaborating to develop and promote the services offered by the relevant authorities. This will ensure that individuals with disabilities have the means to live a decent life and are able to participate fully and effectively in society.
The memorandum will promote the exchange of technical, empowerment, and knowledge-based support and expertise between the two parties, in accordance with their respective areas of expertise and shared interests. Furthermore, it seeks to leverage the exceptional academic abilities, programs, and qualitative research endeavors of the Saudi Electronic University, support in the graduation of a distinguished group of individuals with disabilities who have acquired skills that meet the demands of the labor market, contribute to the development of the knowledge economy, and serve the local community.
As stated by Dr. Mohammed, the university endeavors to establish an all-encompassing partnership with diverse entities to foster and advance societal services and ensure equal access to education. This is accomplished through the provision of high-quality academic programs within a modern educational setting that leverages communication technology and artificial intelligence to facilitate the learning process. The university endeavors to advance social responsibility beyond its research output by providing suitable educational opportunities for individuals with disabilities. These opportunities should foster their personal growth and empower them to actively engage in society; doing so would fulfill the shared objectives of the university and the APD, while also contributing to the realization of the Kingdom's Vision 2030.
Dr. Hisham Al-Haidari, for his part, conveyed his gratitude regarding this collaboration and the favorable consequences it will have upon students with disabilities and the academic community. Additionally, he emphasized how collaboration with the Saudi Electronic University would facilitate academic program access and benefit for students with disabilities, while also contributing to the advancement of disability-related research and studies. With the objective of providing comprehensive support for individuals with disabilities, the APD endeavors to empower them through collaboration with diverse organizations, ensure their full rights, and increase their participation in numerous development initiatives. The APD additionally endeavors to enhance their independence and empowerment through active participation in a multitude of activities and full integration into all aspects of life, with the ultimate goal of establishing an inclusive and harmonious society.