منطقة الجوف-جامعة الجوف

Under the patronage of His Excellency the President of Jouf University, Prof. Mohammed bin Abdullah Al-Shaya, the University organized a distinguished celebration on the occasion of the International Day of Persons with Disabilities—an event that reaffirmed the University’s unwavering commitment to promoting inclusivity, enhancing the quality of university life, and providing integrated services that support students with disabilities academically, socially, technologically, and health-wise. The celebration reflects Jouf University’s alignment with the goals of Saudi Vision 2030 and its own strategic priorities that place students at the heart of all plans and programs.

The event featured an accompanying exhibition that included several thematic booths, each representing a key component of the University’s comprehensive support system for persons with disabilities:

1. Scientific Research Booth

This booth showcased the rapid development in research focused on supporting persons with disabilities, reflecting the University’s direction toward enhancing community-oriented research output and advancing its strategic goal of elevating the quality of scientific research and aligning it with national priorities.

2. “Qader to Challenge Disability” Initiative and “Mustasharak” Initiative Booth

Launched in collaboration with the Prince Nawaf bin Abdulaziz Chair for Sustainable Development, the initiatives provide educational, psychological, and advisory services—an embodiment of the University's commitment to strengthening social responsibility and national development partnerships.

3. Admission and Registration Deanship Booth

This booth presented models of academic preparation services and streamlined procedures, supporting the University’s goal of enhancing the student journey and ensuring equal opportunities for all.

4. E-Learning Booth

The booth highlighted digital accessibility projects and assistive e-learning technologies for students with disabilities, in line with the University’s objective of advancing a modern technological infrastructure that supports innovation and digital transformation.

5. Physical Therapy Laboratories – College of Applied Medical Sciences Booth

It provided information about rehabilitation and therapeutic support programs, complementing the University’s strategic goal of promoting health and well-being and offering supportive services to students.

6. Innovations for Persons with Disabilities Booth

This booth featured student and technological innovations, underscoring the University’s focus on fostering a culture of innovation and entrepreneurship and achieving its strategic aim of empowering creative students and enhancing the University's innovation ecosystem.

7. Deanship of Student Affairs Booth

It showcased artwork, handicrafts, taxidermy pieces, and photography by students with disabilities, reflecting the University’s ability to identify talent, nurture skills, and build well-rounded student personalities.

His Excellency the University President toured the exhibition, reviewing the services provided and praising the efforts of the University’s staff in promoting inclusivity. He reaffirmed that the University adopts the principle of “Human First” across all its programs and plans.

The ceremony began with the national anthem, followed by a recitation from the Holy Qur’an, and then a visual presentation highlighting the University’s efforts in mobilizing its academic, technological, and human capabilities to serve persons with disabilities through accessible facilities, improved educational systems, and innovative initiatives.

A speech on behalf of students with disabilities was delivered by student Musaad bin Qatn Al-Ruwaili, expressing deep gratitude for the support they receive at the University. The speech stated:

“We thank Jouf University for believing in us before others could see our potential. The University believed that human ability cannot be reduced to physical strength, nor measured by movement or senses, but by depth of will, breadth of vision, and purity of determination.

We found here an environment that embraces everyone—excluding none and leaving no student behind. We found accessible classrooms, supportive services, and academic and technical assistance that lightens the path and strengthens our resolve. We found people who listen before we speak and who understand our challenges before we express them.
But perhaps the greatest thing we found is the profound care shown by the University’s leadership, especially His Excellency the President, Prof. Mohammed bin Abdullah Al-Shaya. His support was not merely directives—it was inspiration, reassurance, and a belief that each of us deserves our rightful place, our irrefutable opportunity, and our full university experience.”

The student then addressed His Excellency the President:

“Your Excellency the President… Thank you for turning empowerment into reality, inclusion into everyday practice, and the human being—every human being—into the center of the University’s plans and aspirations. Thank you for helping us see our disabilities not as barriers but as parts of our story—through which we create impact, build awareness, and offer our nation a brighter future.”

His Excellency the University President then inaugurated “Momken”, a comprehensive platform designed to empower students with disabilities and provide specialized academic and advisory services, based on the principles of equality of opportunity and inclusive higher education aligned with Vision 2030’s aspiration to build an inclusive and empowered society.

The platform aims to:

• Provide an accessible and supportive environment for students with disabilities
• Promote institutional integration across colleges and deanships
• Offer advisory and training services to students and their families
• Plan and implement developmental programs that enhance university and societal inclusion

His Excellency also launched “Moa’em”, a transformative initiative aimed at advancing the quality of e-learning at the University. Its objectives include:

• Transforming digital content into fully accessible materials compliant with W3C–WCAG standards
• Providing content suitable for all user categories
• Improving the quality of the e-learning experience
• Supporting digital transformation in line with the University’s strategic goals

“Moa’em” represents a major step toward building a sustainable institutional culture grounded in universal digital accessibility.

His Excellency delivered a comprehensive speech affirming the University’s deep commitment to empowering persons with disabilities:

“Jouf University’s celebration of this international day is not merely an annual occasion—it is a reaffirmation that disability does not hinder creativity, nor diminish contribution, nor prevent anyone from participating in building their homeland. Challenges shape stronger individuals, deeper willpower, and greater creativity.”

He extended appreciation to the national leadership:

“It is my honor to extend my deepest gratitude to the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques and His Royal Highness the Crown Prince—may God preserve them—for their generous support to this cherished group through pioneering programs, enabling policies, and national initiatives that embody Vision 2030, placing the human being at the core of development.”

He emphasized that supporting persons with disabilities is a national and humanitarian responsibility:

“The University has developed an integrated support system that includes accessible facilities, assistive technologies, advisory services, volunteer opportunities, and interactive initiatives—driven by our belief that every student deserves an equitable, inclusive, and excellence-oriented learning environment.”

He linked this commitment to the University’s five strategic goals:

• Enhancing the quality of education and learning
• Improving the quality of university life
• Empowering students
• Strengthening innovation and social responsibility
• Advancing digital transformation

He concluded:

“My sons and daughters… You are partners in shaping the future. Your success stories will remain the greatest testament that when opportunities are granted fairly, excellence flourishes, nations grow stronger, and universities shine brighter.”

At the close of the celebration, His Excellency honored several distinguished students in scientific, athletic, and volunteer fields:

• Abdullah bin Nair Al-Anzi – Excellence in Volunteerism
• Faris bin Abdullah Al-Zarea – Academic Achievement
• Khalaf bin Mohammed Al-Ruwaili – Athletic Achievement
• Musaad bin Qatn Al-Ruwaili – Outstanding Contribution to the Disability Day Events

This celebration reflected the University’s advanced role in supporting inclusivity, providing integrated educational and humanitarian services, and building a university environment that places human dignity at its core—opening pathways to excellence for every student within an ambitious strategy fully aligned with Saudi Vision 2030