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Under the chairmanship of Dr. Badr bin Saad AlHajhouj, Executive Director of the King Salman Center for Disability Research, the Advisory Group for People with Disabilities held its second meeting of the second term today via video conference.

At the beginning of the meeting, the Chairman, Dr. Badr AlHajhouj, congratulated the members on their selection by His Royal Highness Prince Sultan bin Salman bin Abdulaziz, emphasizing His Highness’s commitment to the group. He praised the group’s role in enhancing the services provided to people with disabilities. The group is composed of individuals with disabilities, their families, and experts in the field of disability, all working towards fulfilling the group’s mission and objectives.

During the meeting, the group discussed the key initiatives of its second-term plan, which aims to empower people with disabilities, support their active participation in society, and work on improving policies and coordinating efforts with relevant entities to enhance the quality of life for people with disabilities.

On Thursday, December 5, 2024, the King Salman Center for Disability Research, in collaboration with the Deanship of Scientific Research at Imam Muhammad bin Saud Islamic University, organized a program titled "Enhancing Researcher Skills" at Sheikh Abdulaziz Al-Tuwaijri Hall, Conference Building at the university.

Dr. Nayef bin Mohammed Al-Otaibi, Vice President of the University for Graduate Studies and Scientific Research, attended the event.

Professor Dr. Badr bin Saad Al-Hujooj, Executive Director of the King Salman Center for Disability Research, confirmed that the program is a strategic step aimed at supporting researchers in the Kingdom, providing them with the tools and knowledge needed to improve the quality of their scientific research. He emphasized that the program contributes to fostering an academic environment that encourages publication in prestigious scientific journals, thereby advancing the quality of scientific research in the Kingdom. He also noted that the center, through this collaboration, seeks to strengthen partnerships with academic institutions in order to transfer knowledge and build research capabilities that align with global scientific trends.

Dr. Salem bin Ali Al-Yami, Dean of Scientific Research at Imam Muhammad bin Saud Islamic University, confirmed that organizing this program is part of implementing the cooperation agreement between the center and the university. He explained that hosting the program within the university reflects the academic and research standing of the King Salman Center for Disability Research and strengthens the university's role in developing research skills in the Kingdom.

Dr. Al-Yami emphasized that the program aims to offer comprehensive training courses for researchers and graduate students to enhance their research skills, enabling them to conduct innovative and advanced scientific research. This, he said, will contribute to raising the level of scientific research in the Kingdom, developing the capabilities of local researchers, and building strong research foundations that will help achieve academic excellence in the Kingdom. He added that this initiative is an important step toward building a generation of researchers capable of making innovative scientific contributions with a positive impact on both national and international issues.

The King Salman Center for Disability Research, in collaboration with the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development, organized a training program titled "Comprehensive Education for Students with Multiple Disabilities." The program was held both physically at the Ministry's headquarters and through the electronic training platform of the King Salman Center for Disability Research.

During the program, strategies for educating and training students with multiple disabilities were discussed, along with the areas of assistive technology for their education, modern practices in educational programs, and the psychological and social support provided to them within the school environment. Additionally, the program covered the implementation of inclusive access in educational institutions and evidence-based practices in special education.

It is worth mentioning that the training program, conducted over three days with approximately 15 training hours, witnessed significant attendance from the Ministry's staff, as well as a distinguished group of specialists and stakeholders in the field of disability. The program benefited a total of 170 participants.

The King Salman Center for Disability Research announces the opening of applications for the Research and Innovation Centers of Excellence Program. The program comes as part of the Center’s strategic plan to optimize the impact of research on disability, develop the human workforce, and lead innovation and solutions to enhance the quality of life of the disabled and their families.

This program emanates from the Center’s belief in the importance of science in serving the community since its establishment three decades ago. As well as the Center’s continuation of its national and international pioneering mandate in confronting the challenges of disability. In addition to seeking collaboration with organizations, centers, and research teams that possess a comprehensive ecosystem of research equipment, human capabilities, and scientific competencies and are able to carry out innovative research and products in the health, scientific, and humanitarian fields related to disability, pioneer scientific discoveries, and publish them in prestigious international journals such as Nature Journal, Science Journal, and other elite journals.

The Center invites interested centers, groups, and individuals to apply for the Centers of Excellence and to learn more about the initiative. Please visit https://kscdr.org.sa/en/node/3502 for more.

The Journal of Disability Research (JDR), affiliated with the King Salman Center for Disability Research, has achieved a significant milestone on the ScienceOpen platform for scientific research by being selected as the success story of the year 2023. It stands out as a pioneer in innovation and excellence in the field of disability research as part of its annual review campaign of successful applications on its website.

This global achievement, which we are proud of today at the Disability Research Center, comes in the context of the accelerating scientific and technological developments in the field of disability, and the serious efforts undertaken by the King Salman Center for Disability Research to improve life and provide new opportunities for people with disabilities worldwide. It further enhances the role of the journal in continuing to lead impactful disability research and expanding its high-quality scientific content to meet the needs of the scientific community. The focus is on empowering research, enhancing innovation in the field of disability, supporting researchers, and encouraging them to take significant steps towards better understanding and improving the quality of life for people with disabilities, through the Disability Research Journal, which provides a platform for researchers to publish their research results and exchange their scientific experiences.

It is worth mentioning that ScienceOpen platform is one of the largest digital platforms containing more than 91 million research records, serving as a stage where scientists and researchers exchange knowledge and interact with the latest innovations, discoveries, and ideas in various fields.

In the presence of His Royal Highness Prince Sultan bin Salman bin Abdulaziz, the Special Advisor to the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques and Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the King Salman Center for Disability Research, the center held its sixteenth annual meeting for its founding members (General Assembly), totaling 114 members, on Wednesday, November 9, 2023, in Riyadh. The meeting was hosted by the center's founding member, Sulaiman bin Abdulqader Al-Muhaidib.

Prince Sultan bin Salman bin Abdulaziz met with the founding members of the center who had come from various regions of the Kingdom. As is customary, the annual meetings for the center's founders are organized in different cities. The meeting was also attended by partners of the center from ministries, authorities, national institutions, companies, businessmen, as well as members of the working committees of the King Salman Center for Disability Research.

The meeting was attended by the families of the founding members, including spouses, children, and daughters. Membership in the founding members is lifelong, extending to their children, to contribute to achieving the center's mission and goals, affirming the strengthening of communication bridges between the center and its founders. They believe in the mission and goals of the center, with its motto "Knowledge That Benefits People."

Prince Sultan bin Salman bin Abdulaziz commended the Board of Trustees and the founders of the center for the establishment of the center, which laid the foundation for its charitable initiatives and the support it has received for its initiatives, programs, research projects, and event sponsorship. He expressed gratitude to the founders and supporters for their contributions, which, after the grace of God, have been instrumental in the center's achievements.

Prince Sultan bin Salman bin Abdulaziz highlighted the key milestones and achievements of the center's scientific journey until it reached this stage of excellence and uniqueness. He thanked the center's founders and supporters for their contributions, which, after the grace of God, have been instrumental in the center's achievements. He stated: "We thank God Almighty that we meet on this day to reaffirm the effective and distinguished partnership of the center with its founders, the elite of this generous country, including individuals, companies, banks, associations, charitable institutions, banks, families. This partnership has achieved pioneering accomplishments thanks to your support, which was characterized by generosity."

During his speech, Prince Sultan bin Salman bin Abdulaziz invited the guests to bless the new Board of Trustees for the next term, which includes new members from the families of the founders, whom the center is proud of. He described the new Board as "exceptional" and emphasized the importance of the Board's role in harnessing its efforts for the center's future in accordance with its future aspirations, which have been built over the past two years of development for the center. It has also become a landmark on the world scientific research map. With such achievements, come ambitions, and with the responsibilities come initiatives. With you and alongside you, we embody the center's motto "Knowledge That Benefits People" to see hope on the faces of all those who trusted us yesterday with their issues and worked to solve them. With our efforts, we strive to achieve this goal, and the journey continues for generations to come, for the families and children of the founders, seeking further successes that benefit people with disabilities.

At the end of his speech, Prince Sultan bin Salman bin Abdulaziz thanked the founding member, Sulaiman bin Abdulqader Al-Muhaidib, and his family for their support and efforts in making this meeting a success. Then, the host of the event, Sulaiman bin Abdulqader Al-Muhaidib, presented a commemorative shield to Prince Sultan bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud in appreciation for his attendance at this exceptional meeting. In return, he received a commemorative shield from His Royal Highness in the name of the King Salman Center for Disability Research, honoring him and the Al-Muhaidib family for hosting this exceptional meeting.

His Royal Highness Prince Sultan bin Salman bin Abdulaziz, Special Advisor to the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the King Salman Center for Disability Research, Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Society for Children with Disabilities, praised the decision of the Council of Ministers held under the chairmanship of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz - may God protect him - By approving the system of rights of persons with disabilities.

His Highness explained that the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz - may God protect him - gives the issue of disability the utmost care and is credited with establishing the Association for Children with Disabilities and the King Salman Center for Disability Research more than thirty-five years ago. His Highness noted the state’s great support for people with disabilities and made them among the priorities and programs of the Kingdom’s ambitious Vision 2030 led by His Highness the Crown Prince.

His Highness pointed out that the issuance of this system comes in the context of the state’s continued interest in enabling people with disabilities to practice their normal lives, participate in the development of their country, serve their community, and develop services and capabilities to achieve this.

His Highness appreciated the role played by the Authority for the Care of Persons with Disabilities, the strategic partner of the King Salman Center for Disability Research and related institutions in preparing this system, the most important of which is the King Salman Center for Disability Research, which worked under the directives of King Salman - the founder of the Center - to participate effectively in an advanced stage since its founding in What serves the issue of disability scientifically and organizationally.

King Salman Center for Disability Research, Airport Holding Company, and Saudi Aramco signed a memorandum of cooperation aimed at improving the quality of services provided to people with disabilities and facilitating their travel experience through Saudi airports. This initiative includes the opening of dedicated sensory waiting rooms for people with disabilities at King Abdulaziz International Airport in Jeddah and King Fahd International Airport in Dammam.

This collaboration builds upon the success of previous efforts, notably the trial at King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh, which began in November 2021.

The signing ceremony took place last Sunday at the King Salman Center for Disability Research, in the presence of Prince Sultan bin Salman bin Abdulaziz, the special advisor to the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques and chairman of the board of trustees of the King Salman Center for Disability Research, Abdulaziz bin Abdullah Al-Duailij, president of the General Authority of Civil Aviation and chairman of the board of directors of Airport Holding Company, and Khaled Al-Mulhem, Aramco's senior vice president for public affairs. They were joined by several officials.

Prince Sultan bin Salman bin Abdulaziz emphasized the government's support and interest in people with disabilities, aiming to enhance and develop the quality of services provided to them across all sectors. He highlighted the positive impact of such initiatives on the targeted groups and their families, stressing the importance of cooperation between government, private, and third-sector entities in implementing these distinguished initiatives for people with disabilities.

Abdulaziz bin Abdullah Al-Duailij, president of the General Authority of Civil Aviation and chairman of the board of directors of Airport Holding Company, stated that the national aviation strategy aims to improve the traveler's experience, placing them at the forefront, especially individuals with disabilities. He commended the collaboration and integration between the King Salman Center for Disability Research, Airport Holding Company, and Saudi Aramco as demonstrated in this agreement.

Nabil bin Abdullah Al-Jammah, executive director of human resources and support services at Saudi Aramco, stated that this step is part of Aramco's efforts and initiatives to support this important segment of the nation. He affirmed the company's commitment to enabling and integrating individuals with disabilities into society, providing a safe and inclusive environment to facilitate the lives of children with disabilities, their families, and their service across all sectors. Saudi Aramco is honored to support the preparation of sensory rooms, equipped with advanced tools and devices to assist psychologically disabled children in facilitating their travel experience.

Kholoud Ibrahim Al-Shaya, advisor to the chairman of the board of trustees of the King Salman Center for Disability Research and project manager of the sensory rooms project at the center, explained that the memorandum of cooperation will contribute to expanding the provision of sensory room services at these airports after the successful evaluation of this experience at King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh for over 16 months, which has received the satisfaction and appreciation of the targeted groups and their families.

Al-Shaya expressed her gratitude to Prince Sultan bin Salman for his constant support for all initiatives that support and assist people with disabilities and their families. She also thanked all the center's partners in this initiative.

To enhance and develop services provided to people with disabilities and the elderly, a memorandum of understanding was signed between the Presidency for the Affairs of the Two Holy Mosques and the King Salman Center for Disability Research.

His Royal Highness Prince Sultan bin Salman bin Abdulaziz, Special Advisor to the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques and Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the King Salman Center for Disability Research, and His Excellency Sheikh Dr. Abdul Rahman bin Abdulaziz Al-Sudais, President-General of the Presidency for the Affairs of the Two Holy Mosques, signed the memorandum of understanding today, Tuesday, 24/06/1444 AH, corresponding to 17/01/2023 AD, at the center's headquarters in the Diplomatic Quarter in Riyadh.

This memorandum aims to achieve mutual interests between the General Presidency for the Affairs of the Two Holy Mosques and the King Salman Center for Disability Research to contribute to improving and developing services provided to people with disabilities and the elderly, facilitating their performance of prayers, rituals, and worship with ease and tranquility.

Integration of efforts to serve the cause of disability. 

In a press statement, Prince Sultan bin Salman bin Abdulaziz stated that the goal of this agreement is to integrate, develop, and enhance efforts in accordance with the best international practices provided by the King Salman Center for Disability Research, which was established by King Salman bin Abdulaziz, may God protect him, 30 years ago with advanced international and research experiences. He explained that all recommendations of the six conferences held by the center have been fully implemented, including comprehensive access, early screening, and other programs.

Leadership in serving people with disabilities.

For his part, Sheikh Abdul Rahman AlSudais stated that the goal of this agreement is for the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to lead in serving people with disabilities at the Two Holy Mosques, providing an unprecedented project for this category to facilitate their performance of Hajj and Umrah in the Two Holy Mosques as the greatest and largest project of its kind in the world. This would not have been achieved without the grace of God Almighty, the support of the blessed leadership, and the stance of Prince Sultan bin Salman.

Sheikh AlSudais announced that Prince Sultan bin Salman bin Abdulaziz has accepted to be the honorary president for developing the project for people with disabilities at the Two Holy Mosques and the honorary president of the Quranic competition for people with disabilities at the Two Holy Mosques.

Preparing the Two Holy Mosques to become a friendly environment for people with disabilities.

The memorandum aims to contribute effectively and comprehensively to achieving its objectives by enabling the work team to perform their tasks at the Grand Mosque and the Prophet's Mosque, in addition to sharing periodic reports, enriching the scientific methodology and study approach followed in the project to develop comprehensive access standards for people with disabilities and the elderly, adapting all practices, trends, and pioneering studies locally and internationally, and involving specialized experts in the comprehensive access project to prepare the Two Holy Mosques to be a disability-friendly environment for people with disabilities and the elderly.

Video | Speech by His Excellency Sheikh Dr. Abdul Rahman bin Abdulaziz Al-Sudais during the signing ceremony of the agreement