1. Introduction

The digital world is evolving rapidly, making equal access to digital services and products a fundamental necessity for fostering inclusive participation in society. As the scope of digital services expands, digital inclusivity emerges as a core principle to ensure that all individuals, regardless of their circumstances, can benefit from the opportunities provided by technology.

In this context, digital accessibility plays a pivotal role in achieving digital inclusivity. It enables people with disabilities to engage effectively with digital technologies through established accessibility standards and solutions that improve usability and enhance the overall digital experience. With an estimated 16% of the global population (1.3 billion people) experiencing significant disabilities [1], ensuring accessibility is crucial for fostering social inclusion, economic participation, and independence.

In Saudi Arabia, advancing digital inclusivity is a key pillar of the government's digital transformation journey. The kingdom continues to implement national policies and frameworks aimed at improving accessibility across digital platforms, ensuring that technology caters to diverse user needs, including individuals with visual, hearing, mobility, or cognitive disabilities. These efforts align with global best practices to remove barriers, enhance user experiences, and promote inclusive digital participation.

Beyond accessibility, digital inclusivity guarantees that no one is excluded from the digital landscape. It empowers all individuals, including those facing disadvantages due to age, physical ability, or socioeconomic status, to fully engage with and benefit from digital innovations. Research shows that organizations embracing diversity and inclusion strategies can achieve up to a 20% increase in engagement [2], reinforcing the positive impact of inclusive digital practices. Additionally, the global digital inclusivity market is projected to grow from $7.5 billion in 2020 to $15.4 billion by 2026 [3], highlighting the increasing significance of these initiatives in shaping the future of digital transformation.

The success of digital inclusivity depends on four key drivers:

• Policy & Regulation: Establishing frameworks to support accessible digital services.

• Infrastructure: Ensuring the availability of a secure and advanced digital infrastructure to support digital inclusivity and enhance access to services.

• Innovation & Advanced Technology Usage: Adopting innovative solutions and advanced technologies to enhance digital inclusivity and improve user experience.

• Capacity Building & Education: Developing the skills needed to promote and sustain inclusion

• Monitoring & Evaluation: Ensuring continuous progress and identifying areas for improvement

This study aims to raise awareness about digital inclusivity, exploring the Digital Government’s journey, efforts, achievements, and the future steps needed to advance this cause. Among these achievements is the kingdom’s first-place ranking in the 2023 Government Electronic and Mobile Services Maturity Index [4]. By focusing on the key drivers of inclusivity, these digital initiatives will advance Vision 2030 and foster equity, participation, and societal progress. 

2. Defining Digital Inclusivity

Understanding the diverse needs of people with disabilities is fundamental to creating an inclusive digital environment. By examining the different types of disabilities and the global statistics surrounding them, better digital accessibility solutions can be tailored, which address the unique challenges faced by each group.

2.1 People with Disabilities (PwDs)

According to the Persons with Disabilities Rights System, issued by the Expert Commission at the Bureau Of Experts At The Council Of Ministers, a person with a disability is anyone with a long-term disorder or impairment in physical, mental, intellectual, sensory, or psychological functions, which may prevent them, when facing various challenges from fully and effectively participating in society on an equal basis with others. [5]

2.2 Types of Disabilities

 People with disabilities (PWDs) represent a diverse group of individuals who experience different types of disabilities, including visual, hearing, mobility, and cognitive disabilities. Additionally, some individuals face learning difficulties, disabilities resulting from accidents, or due to life changes, such as aging. Here is a breakdown of the main types of disabilities: 

• Visual Disability: A condition or disability affecting vision, leading to partial or complete vision loss, limiting an individual's ability to perceive and distinguish visual information.

• Mobility Disability: A disability that impacts an individual's ability to move or use their limbs effectively, often causing challenges in physical coordination and movement.

• Learning Disabilities: Clear headings, simple instructions, and plain language help users with learning difficulties navigate and understand web content.

• Hearing Disability: A disability that affects an individual’s ability to hear sounds, ranging from partial to complete hearing loss.

• Cognitive Disability: A condition that affects a person’s ability to think, comprehend, learn, or remember.

• Other Disabilities: Accessibility features like content zoom, large buttons, and responsive design support seniors and users with hearing, motor, or visual coordination challenges.
   

To view and download the report, please click one of the links below:

Overview of Digital Inclusivity in the Digital Government

Accessible version of the report for people with disabilities