RIYADH: The Literature, Publishing and Translation Commission has signed a cooperation agreement with the Authority for the Care of People with Disabilities aimed at enabling visually impaired people to access cultural and literary content through digital platforms.
The agreement facilitates access to digital content and aligns with the Marrakesh Treaty, which promotes such access for visually impaired individuals, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Monday.
The commission and the authority will periodically review the platforms and involve visually impaired individuals and experts, considering global experiences in this area to ensure the project’s success.
Commission CEO Mohammed Hasan Alwan and authority CEO Hisham Al-Haidary signed the agreement at the authority’s headquarters in Riyadh. The signing ceremony was attended by several visually impaired people.
Alwan said the agreement is part of the “Books for All” initiative, launched by the commission to widen access to books, and to revitalize and promote reading through projects that increase the diversity and scope of available books, catering to all segments of society.
He emphasized the importance of enabling people with disabilities to access content, noting that all local and international regulations guarantee this right.
The collaboration is an extension of the leadership’s support for people with disabilities and the opportunities created by the government to ensure their empowerment and inclusion.
Recently, the Museums Commission and the Authority for the Care of People with Disabilities also signed a memorandum of understanding to develop joint policies and strategies to empower people with disabilities in museum-related fields.
The MoU underscores the commitment of both entities to provide a safe, inclusive environment that upholds the rights of people with disabilities and enhances their participation in society.
It also aims to highlight the Kingdom’s cultural and historical identity while addressing the physical and emotional needs of people with disabilities, ensuring their full access to museums and cultural programs.
