Publication

Abstract:
The Arab Web Accessibility Study is a pioneering effort led by Mada, the Assistive Technology Center Qatar, to evaluate the state of web accessibility across the Arab region. The Arab Web Accessibility Study Q1 study analyzes 5,000 websites across various sectors in 22 Arab countries, providing an unprecedented overview of the current state of web accessibility in the region. The key findings of the study include a nuanced understanding of web accessibility across the Arab region, revealing both achievements and areas in need of significant improvement. The study calls for the adoption of WCAG 2.0 standards across digital platforms to bridge the accessibility gap. Mada’s initiative in producing the Arab Web Accessibility Study study underscores a steadfast commitment to creating a technologically advanced and inclusive community. This study not only serves as a benchmark for current accessibility standards but also as a blueprint for future action. Through collaboration, innovation, and advocacy, Mada and its partners are dedicated to realizing a digital environment that is accessible to all, embodying their shared vision of inclusivity, independence, and participation for persons with disabilities in the Arab region and beyond. The commitment to enhancing digital inclusivity is evident through the study’s insights, which serve as a call to action for stakeholders across the region. As the first comprehensive study of its kind, the Arab Web Accessibility Study paves the way for sustained efforts to ensure that the digital domain is accessible to everyone, fostering a more inclusive and equitable digital future for individuals with disabilities in the Arab region.