AUK Leads the Way in Bridging Accessibility Gaps in Kuwaiti Higher Education

AUK hosted the launch of the initiative Bridging Accessibility Gaps: Enhancing Online Presence for Kuwaiti Universities and Colleges. This pivotal event united academic leaders, IT professionals, and accessibility advocates to tackle the pressing need for inclusive digital platforms in Kuwaiti higher education. 

In her opening remarks, AUK President, Dr. Rawda Awwad highlighted the critical role of accessibility in education, stating, “Providing access to digital platforms for all students, including those with disabilities, is not just a technical upgrade but a societal responsibility.” 

Keynote speakers Dr. Belal Gharaibeh, project lead; and Dr. Iyad Abu Doush, accessibility expert, outlined the initiative's ambitious goals of assessing and enhancing the accessibility of university websites in line with international standards. They emphasized the importance of institutional collaboration in closing the accessibility gap. 

Discussions took place with Ms. Dunia Hassoun and Mr. Hussain Alfailakawy from the Australian University; Dr. Ismaeel AlRadhawi, Dr. Zeid Bouide, and Ms. Raghad Al-Khatib from Kuwait College of Science and Technology (KCST); and Ms. Heba Al Dalou and Mr. Saleem Aboobacker from AUK. Together, they addressed challenges, shared best practices, and underscored the value of partnerships between universities, NGOs, and IT teams. 

A highlight of the event was an inspiring talk by Mr. Ahmad Bahar, a visually impaired professional and renowned radio host with Kuwait's Ministry of Information. Drawing from personal experiences, he shed light on the barriers faced by individuals with disabilities when navigating online platforms. His insights reinforced the urgency of creating accessible digital environments. 

The Bridging Accessibility Gaps initiative, spearheaded by AUK and its partners, marks a significant stride toward digital inclusivity in Kuwaiti higher education. AUK reaffirms its dedication to fostering an accessible and equitable educational environment for all. 
   
    

Dr. Rawda Awwad
  

Dr. Belal Gharaibeh  
 
   
  
Audience members during the event