The Al-Baha region has solidified its position as a national model in empowering people with disabilities, after obtaining the 'City Friendly to Persons with Disabilities 2026' accreditation from the World Federation of the Disabled, an achievement that reflects the integrated efforts of government, private, and non-profit entities, and aligns with the goals of Saudi Vision 2030 aimed at building a more inclusive society and quality of life. The region has witnessed in recent years an expansion in services provided to people with disabilities, including rehabilitation programs, physical and occupational therapy, speech and language therapy, inclusive education, psychological and social support, in addition to providing assistive devices and implementing programs and activities that enhance their integration and community participation. The Children with Disabilities Association in Al-Baha provides its services to about 280 children within an integrated rehabilitation system, while specialists confirmed that Al-Baha's accreditation came after meeting international standards in preparing facilities and services, despite the mountainous nature of the region, which posed a challenge that was overcome through engineering solutions and direct participation of people with disabilities in designing solutions. The Secretary of Al-Baha Region, Dr. Ali Al-Swat, explained that the accreditation came after a field visit by an international specialized delegation, during which they inspected public facilities, hospitals, schools, parks, and government buildings, and met with beneficiaries and partner entities, praising the institutional integration, quality of implementation, and sustainability of work. He pointed out that the municipality implemented extensive projects to apply universal access standards, including the development of more than 120 public facilities, preparation of 71% of the city's facilities, creation of 170 dedicated paths, rehabilitation of 178 parks and 120 equipped restrooms, in addition to developing pathways, ramps, and guidance elements, enhancing the independence of people with disabilities and ease of mobility. He stated that the number of people with disabilities in the region exceeds 15,000 beneficiaries, stressing that the next phase will witness the launch of qualitative initiatives, expansion of digital services, and strengthening of local and international partnerships, cementing Al-Baha's position as a leading city in universal access and empowerment of people with disabilities.

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