President of Jouf University, Prof. Mohammed bin Abdullah Al-Shaya, Launches the “Mowaem” Initiative to Enhance Digital Accessibility in E-Learning, in Conjunction with the University’s Celebration of the International Day of Persons with Disabilities
Under the patronage and presence of the President of Jouf University, Prof. Mohammed bin Abdullah Al-Shaya, the University — represented by the E-Learning Unit at the Vice Presidency for Educational Affairs — launched the “Mowaem” Initiative, which aims to transform digital educational content into accessible and inclusive formats in accordance with the highest global digital accessibility standards (W3C – WCAG). The initiative seeks to enhance the quality of the e-learning experience and ensure that all students — including those with disabilities — can access comprehensive educational content without barriers.
This pioneering initiative aligns with the University’s commitment to improving the quality of e-learning, developing a sustainable digital learning environment, and supporting the national transformation in education as outlined in Saudi Vision 2030, which emphasizes human capability development, technological innovation, and improving the quality of educational experiences.
In his speech during the inauguration, Prof. Al-Shaya affirmed that the “Mowaem” Initiative represents a strategic step toward promoting inclusivity in education.
He emphasized that launching the initiative reflects Jouf University’s unwavering commitment to providing high-quality e-learning that meets the needs of all students without exception. Accessible content, he stated, is not an optional feature but an academic necessity that ensures equitable access, respects diversity, and enhances opportunities for success and excellence. He added:
“We are proud that this initiative aligns with the aspirations of our nation and with Vision 2030, which supports digital transformation, innovation, and the creation of an inclusive and empowered educational society.”
Prof. Al-Shaya further noted that the University will continue supporting initiatives that enhance academic performance, improve user experience, and provide faculty members and course designers with reliable tools and standards that ensure full accessibility, serving the educational process with efficiency and effectiveness.
The Initiative’s Key Objectives Include:
- Enhancing the quality of digital content and improving the student e-learning experience.
- Providing accessible electronic content for all groups, including students with disabilities.
- Strengthening compliance with W3C standards and the National e-Learning Center’s guidelines.
- Building a sustainable institutional culture that promotes universal access in e-learning.
Implementation Framework: Three Core Phases
1. Preparation Phase
Aimed at enhancing readiness among faculty members and course coordinators, and includes:
- Introductory workshops on WCAG 2.1 guidelines.
- Hands-on training on accessibility testing and evaluation tools.
- Providing a brief guide and an approved accessibility checklist.
2. Partial Conversion Phase
A gradual approach to preparing accessible content, including:
- Selecting pilot courses from each college.
- Applying essential accessibility modifications such as:
- Alternative text for images
- Structured headings
- Accessible tables
- Enhanced color contrast
3. Full Conversion Phase
The final phase, which includes:
- Converting all course content into fully accessible formats.
- Applying accessibility standards to all digital files.
- Conducting a comprehensive audit to certify the course’s final compliance level.
The “Mowaem” Initiative represents a significant advancement toward innovative, barrier-free digital education aligned with the Kingdom’s aspirations to build an inclusive knowledge society. It strengthens the University’s position as a leading educational institution committed to improving the efficiency of digital learning services, ensuring equitable and universal access for all students, and empowering them to achieve the highest levels of academic excellence.


