Schools platform to support education for people with disabilities in Saudi Arabia | Full coverage
In a strategic move aimed at enhancing the quality of educational services provided to students with disabilities, the Saudi Ministry of Education announced the launch of the “Madaris” digital platform. This platform serves as the official and accredited portal for the “Educational Services Purchase” program, also known as the “Educational Vouchers” system, which aims to empower families to choose suitable private schools for their children and facilitate their easy access to government support.
Background of the initiative in the context of Vision 2030
The launch of the “Madaris” platform comes as part of the comprehensive transformation underway in the education sector in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, aligning with the goals of Vision 2030 and the Human Capital Development Program. Historically, special education services in the Kingdom have undergone several phases of development, from specialized centers to inclusion programs within mainstream education. Today, this initiative represents the culmination of efforts to achieve inclusive and equitable education by leveraging digital transformation to overcome bureaucratic obstacles and ensure that support reaches those who need it efficiently and transparently. It reflects the Kingdom’s commitment to providing equal opportunities for all students, empowering them to reach their full potential and become active members of society.
Comprehensive benefits and integrated support
The initiative to purchase educational services through the “Madaris” platform offers a range of exceptional benefits that alleviate the financial and logistical burden on families. These benefits include full coverage of tuition fees at accredited private schools within the program, giving parents the freedom to choose the educational environment best suited to their children's needs. The benefits extend beyond financial considerations, encompassing the provision of suitable and convenient school transportation services, as well as a guarantee of all support services that contribute to creating a stimulating and supportive learning environment for students' academic and personal growth.
Target groups for support
The Ministry of Education has identified four main categories of students with disabilities to benefit from this specialized program, namely:
- Students with autism spectrum disorder.
- Students with intellectual disabilities.
- Students with multiple disabilities.
- Students who face challenges related to hyperactivity and attention deficit (ADHD).
Expected impact and importance of the platform
Domestically, the “Madaris” platform is expected to have a profound positive impact, contributing to improving the quality of life for thousands of Saudi families by easing financial burdens and streamlining procedures. It will also encourage private schools to develop their special education programs and compete to provide the best services. Regionally and internationally, this initiative positions the Kingdom among the leading countries that utilize technology to serve inclusive education, offering a model that can be leveraged to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals related to quality and equitable education for all.
A convenient digital journey for parents
The “Madaris” platform was designed to provide a seamless and integrated user experience for parents, allowing them to register directly, view program details and application requirements clearly, upload required documents, and follow up on the application status electronically step by step, which reflects the Ministry’s diligent efforts to improve the quality of educational services provided to this precious group.
