Jeddah, King Abdulaziz University’s efforts to enrich scientific research and develop innovative projects and initiatives have achieved global progress by winning the Zero Project Award for the third consecutive time, amidst competition of 523 candidates from 97 countries, at the United Nations headquarters in Vienna.
The award is presented annually for innovative projects and initiatives to empower people with disabilities worldwide. The university won the award for its scientific innovation: “We Hear You… The Preparatory Year for the Deaf.” Additionally, the university secured the second position globally among universities through achieving the 10th goal of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals via reducing inequalities among students.
University Spokesman Dr. Musab bin Falah Al-Harbi stressed that the university’s win of the Zero Project Award is a clear indication of utilizing scientific research in projects with added value. He highlighted the ongoing efforts to develop services, especial
ly concerning the university’s students with disabilities, which increased from 68 students in 2014 to 1,867 in 2023. The university accommodates 30% of students with disabilities at all universities in the Kingdom. He explained that the Preparatory Year Program for the Deaf at the university falls under the category of comprehensive education, through which the university won this award. The program, conducted annually, intensively develops language skills for 72 accepted students, providing specialized courses in Arabic, sign language interpreting and training. It also promotes deaf culture and sign language within the university community.
Source: Saudi Press Agency