1. Introduction
The National Research and Development Center for Sustainable Agriculture (Estidamah) is committed to providing a comprehensive and accessible digital experience for all visitors to its website, in line with the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030 and the National Digital Transformation Program. The Center believes that access to digital information and services is an inherent right for all members of society and strives to ensure that its digital platforms are usable by all groups, including persons with disabilities, older persons, and users with special needs.
This policy is an official document that defines the Center's commitments to digital accessibility and clarifies the adopted standards, available features, communication mechanisms, and continuous review mechanisms.
2. Policy Objectives
The Digital Accessibility Policy at "Estidamah" aims to achieve a number of key objectives, most notably:
1- Providing equal and fair access to all information and electronic services provided by the Center, regardless of the user's physical, sensory, or cognitive disability.
2- Improving the user experience for all website visitors regardless of their physical, technical, or environmental capabilities.
3- Complying with relevant national laws and regulations, including the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Law issued by Council of Ministers Resolution No. 110 of 1445 AH, and the directives issued by the Digital Government Authority.
4- Applying best practices and international standards in the field of digital accessibility and enhancing confidence in the Center's digital services by ensuring their inclusiveness and ease of use.
3. Scope and Application
This policy applies to:
| Scope | Details |
|---|
| Website | All pages and content of estidamah.gov.sa |
| Electronic Services | The digital services provided through the website (Product Testing Request, Visit Request, Consultation Request, etc.) |
| Related Digital Platforms | All applications and digital platforms associated with the Center |
| Employees and Contractors | All Center employees, contractors, and service providers involved in designing, developing, and maintaining digital platforms |
4. Adopted Accessibility Standards
The Center's accessibility policy is based on the following principles:
1- Perceivable: Presenting content in ways that enable all users to perceive it.
2- Operable: Designing interfaces that can be used through multiple means, including the keyboard.
3- Understandable: Providing content that is clear, organized, and understandable to all groups.
4- Robust: Ensuring the compatibility of content and services with current and future assistive technologies.
5. Accessibility Standards
The Center is committed to the following requirements:
1- Applying the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG 2.1) at the appropriate level for digital government services, with the level being gradually increased according to the readiness of the platforms.
2- Ensuring compatibility with assistive technologies, such as screen readers, magnification tools, and keyboard navigation.
3- Conducting periodic technical and functional audit tests to verify compliance and address gaps.
4- Including accessibility requirements throughout the digital development lifecycle (analysis, design, development, testing, and launch).
6. Accessibility-Supportive Design and Content Requirements
The Center is committed to incorporating the following requirements into its digital platforms:
1- Text alternatives for non-text elements (images, graphics, and icons) where necessary.
2- Appropriate color contrast that improves readability for people with visual impairments.
3- The ability to enlarge text without loss of content or disruption of essential functions.
4- Clear and logical navigation that supports quick access to sections and services.
5- Keyboard support for browsing and interacting with all essential elements.
6- Accessible electronic forms with clear error messages and understandable input instructions.
7- Accessible visual/audio content (such as captions when needed).
7. Support for Assistive Tools
The Center seeks to support accessibility solutions and technologies, including, depending on technical feasibility and the nature of the service:
1- Screen readers.
2- Enhanced contrast modes.
3- Font size controls.
4- Improved usability for touch-enabled devices.
5- Providing alternative support channels for beneficiaries who experience difficulties with digital accessibility.
8. Device Compatibility
The Center's digital platforms must be:
1- Responsive to different screen sizes (computer, tablet, and smartphone).
2- Suitable for touch use in terms of button sizes, spacing, and ease of interaction.
3- Efficient in varying connectivity environments to the extent possible, supporting users in different agricultural areas.
9. Roles and Responsibilities
Digital Transformation / Governance Management
Supervising the implementation of the policy and approving compliance plans. Monitoring performance indicators related to accessibility. Approving corrective improvements and gap closure plans.
Technical Development Teams
Implementing accessibility requirements in design, development, and testing. Addressing technical observations within specified timeframes. Documenting compliance as part of digital project deliverables.
Content Teams
Writing clear, simplified, and well-formatted content. Adding text alternatives and the necessary descriptions for media. Periodically reviewing content to ensure continued accessibility.
Suppliers and Contractors
Complying with the policy requirements in all assigned work. Providing technical compliance evidence upon delivery. Addressing accessibility-related observations in accordance with Service Level Agreements.
All Relevant Employees
Attending periodic training on accessibility requirements. Complying with approved practices when producing content or digital services.
10. Beneficiary Feedback and Support
The Center encourages all beneficiaries to report any difficulties related to accessibility through the following official channels:
4- Reports are handled according to their impact on beneficiaries, with the reporting party being notified of the status of the resolution.
11. Commitment to Continuous Improvement
1- Periodically reviewing and updating the policy in line with developments.
2- Conducting regular technical and operational audits to measure the level of compliance.
3- Raising awareness among internal teams and building specialized digital accessibility capabilities.
4- Adopting modern technological solutions that support digital inclusion in agricultural research services.
12. Compliance and Monitoring
The Center's relevant departments monitor the implementation of this policy periodically and work to address any cases of non-compliance as soon as they are identified, while taking the necessary corrective actions to ensure continuous compliance and ongoing improvement.
13. Review Cycle
This policy shall be reviewed at least once a year, or when new regulatory requirements are issued or significant updates are made to the Center's digital platforms.