Article 8 of the Saudi Rights of Persons with Disabilities Law
المادة 8 من نظام حقوق الأشخاص ذوي الإعاقة · الباب الثاني: الحقوق والخدمات
The article establishes the right of persons with disabilities to supporting educational and training services at all stages without discrimination, through adapted curricula, early intervention, and opportunities in higher education and scholarships.
Official text (Arabic)
This article has not been amended since the law was issued.
للأشخاص ذوي الإعاقة الحق في الحصول على الخدمات التعليمية والتدريبية المساندة في جميع المراحل، وذلك وفقًا للبيئات التعليمية والتدريبية التي تحقق أقصى قدر ممكن من التقدم الأكاديمي والمهني والتقني والاجتماعي دون تمييز وعلى أساس تكافؤ الفرص، بما في ذلك:
1- توفير وتكييف الاستراتيجيات والخطط والمناهج التعليمية والبرامج التدريبية وأدوات القياس والتشخيص الحديثة والتقنيات المساعدة؛ بما يتلاءم مع احتياجات الأشخاص ذوي الإعاقة، ويمكنهم من تعلم المعارف والمهارات التي تجعل مساهمتهم فعالة في منظومة التعليم والتدريب.
2- مراعاة الاحتياجات الفردية للأشخاص ذوي الإعاقة.
3- تصميم وتنفيذ برامج التدخل المبكر للأطفال من ذوي الإعاقة.
4- توفير فرص قبول الأشخاص ذوي الإعاقة في تخصصات التعليم العالي والدراسات العليا وبرامج الابتعاث.
وتحدد اللائحة آلية تنفيذ أحكام هذه المادة.
This is the official Arabic wording, the only legally binding version. We do not translate the law itself; the explanation below is ours. Official source: Bureau of Experts at the Council of Ministers
Article 8 explained in plain English
This article guarantees the right of persons with disabilities to supporting educational and training services, which under Article 1 are the additional services that the nature of the disability requires in educational and training settings. The right covers all stages, in settings that achieve the greatest possible academic, vocational, technical and social progress, without discrimination and on the basis of equal opportunity.
This includes four matters:
- Providing and adapting strategies, plans, curricula, training programs, modern assessment and diagnostic tools and assistive technologies to suit their needs.
- Taking into account each person's individual needs.
- Designing and implementing early intervention programs for children with disabilities.
- Providing opportunities for their admission to higher education, postgraduate studies and scholarship programs.
The Regulations set the mechanism for implementing these provisions; the article does not name the body responsible for each service or give detailed procedures.
In practice, disability must not be a reason to deprive a student of educational opportunities, and taking account of the student's individual needs is part of their right, not a favor. This article comes after Article 7 on the right to mobility, and before Article 9 on health services.
Anyone who believes they were denied an educational service or an admission opportunity because of their disability can consult a lawyer specializing in the rights of persons with disabilities or in administrative cases.
Practical example
Noura is a student with a visual disability who finished secondary school with distinction and wants to apply for a postgraduate program. Article 8 gives her the right to supporting educational services, such as assistive technologies, and to opportunities for admission to higher education, postgraduate studies and scholarships without discrimination, according to the mechanism set by the Regulations.
Translated from our Arabic explanation with machine assistance. For guidance only; it does not replace advice from a lawyer on your situation.
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Frequently asked questions about Article 8 of the Saudi Rights of Persons with Disabilities Law
Is a student with a disability entitled to supporting educational services?
Yes, at all stages, without discrimination and on the basis of equal opportunity, according to the mechanism set by the Regulations.
Are persons with disabilities entitled to attend university and receive scholarships?
The article provides for opportunities for admission of persons with disabilities to higher education, postgraduate studies and scholarship programs.
Does the Law cover young children with disabilities?
Yes. The article provides for designing and implementing early intervention programs for children with disabilities.
The texts are reproduced from the official website of the Bureau of Experts at the Council of Ministers for reference; where they differ, the officially published Arabic text prevails. This content is not legal advice.