Introduction
The Small and Medium Enterprises General Authority, “Monsha’at” is committed to providing an inclusive digital environment that is accessible to all users, including people with disabilities and the elderly.
This policy aims to ensure that all users can access our digital platforms and services by adopting advanced technologies and supporting assistive tools in alignment with local regulations and international accessibility standards.

Policy Objectives:
This policy seeks to:

1- Ensure that all digital platforms and services offered by Monsha’at are accessible to users of all abilities.

2- Employ innovative technologies to enhance access to information and services for people with disabilities and the elderly.
3- Comply with local regulations and best international practices, such as the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.1, while integrating additional tools and technologies that support accessibility.

This policy applies to:
1- All websites, applications, and digital services owned or operated by Monsha’at.
2- Monsha’at employees, contractors, and service providers involved in the design, development, and maintenance of digital services.
3- Any newly developed or modified digital service provided by Monsha’at.

Core Principles:
This accessibility policy is based on the following principles:
1- Perceivability: Ensuring that all content and interface elements are presented in ways that all users can perceive.
2- Operability: Designing interfaces that are easy to navigate and compatible with assistive technologies.
3- Understandability: Making content and user interfaces intuitive and comprehensible, regardless of users’ cognitive abilities.
4- Sustainability: Ensuring content is resilient and compatible with a variety of assistive technologies, so it remains accessible as technologies evolve.

cessibility Criteria:
Monsha’at adheres to the following standards to support accessibility:
1- WCAG 2.1 AAA Compliance: All digital services comply with Level AAA of the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.1, ensuring maximum accessibility for  individuals, including seniors and people with disabilities.
2- Compatibility with Assistive Technologies: Monsha’at’s digital platforms support a wide range of assistive technologies, including screen readers and magnification tools, enabling seamless user interaction.
3- Regular Audits: Routine audits will be conducted to evaluate accessibility performance and ensure continuous compliance and improvement.

AcIntegrated Accessibility Technologies:
1- Text Alternatives: Text descriptions must be provided for all non-text elements (e.g., images, audio, and video) to support users with visual impairments.
2- High Contrast Ratio: A minimum contrast ratio of 7:1 must be maintained to enhance text readability for users with low vision.
3- Text Resizing: Users must be able to resize text up to 200% without losing content or functionality.
4- Keyboard Navigation: The website must offer intuitive navigation and full support for keyboard-only browsing to ensure accessibility.

Assistive Features:
1- Text-to-Speech: Integration of text-to-speech functionality to convert content into audio formats for users with visual impairments.
2- Voice Input: Enabling voice search and voice navigation to assist users with physical disabilities.
3- Contrast Adjustment: Allowing users to activate high-contrast modes to improve content visibility.
4- Font Adjustment: Allowing users to change font sizes to enhance readability.
5- Sign Language Support: Providing technical support in sign language to improve user experience and accommodate users who rely on it.

Mobile-Friendly Design:
1- Responsive Design: The website must be fully responsive and compatible with a range of devices, including desktops, tablets, and mobile phones.
2- Touch-Friendly Interface: Buttons, menus, and forms must be designed to facilitate easy access on touchscreen devices.

Roles and Responsibilities:
1- Digital Governance Team: Oversees the implementation of this policy and ensures all digital services comply with accessibility standards.
2- Content Creators: Ensure that all published content is accessible, including the use of alt text for images and captions for videos.
3- Third-Party Vendors: Must comply with Monsha’at’s accessibility standards when delivering services or developing digital solutions.
4- Monsha’at Employees: All employees involved in content development or service design must be trained in accessibility standards and guidelines to ensure compliance.

User Feedback and Support:
Monsha’at encourages users to report any accessibility-related issues. Multiple channels are available for users to submit feedback or suggestions, including:
Support Hotline: 8003018888

Commitment to Continuous Improvement:
Monsha’at is dedicated to continuously enhancing the accessibility of its digital services by:
1- Periodically reviewing and updating this policy to reflect technological advancements and emerging best practices.
2- Conducting regular audits and evaluations to assess and improve platform accessibility.
3- Embracing innovation by adopting new technologies and methods that support greater accessibility.

Compliance and Monitoring:
Monsha’at actively monitors the implementation of this policy through regular evaluations and reviews. Any non-compliance will be addressed promptly, and necessary corrective actions will be taken to ensure continuous adherence to the policy.

Policy Review Cycle:
This policy is reviewed annually to ensure its continued relevance and effectiveness, and to implement updates as needed to maintain compliance with local regulations and technological developments.