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Assessing the Readiness of Government and Semi-Government Institutions in Qatar for Inclusive and Sustainable ICT Accessibility: Introducing the MARSAD Tool

Author

Listed:
  • Achraf Othman

    (Mada—Assistive Technology Center Qatar, Doha P.O. Box 24230, Qatar)

  • Amnah Al Mutawaa

    (Mada—Assistive Technology Center Qatar, Doha P.O. Box 24230, Qatar)

  • Amani Al Tamimi

    (Mada—Assistive Technology Center Qatar, Doha P.O. Box 24230, Qatar)

  • Maha Al Mansouri

    (Mada—Assistive Technology Center Qatar, Doha P.O. Box 24230, Qatar)

Abstract

Information and Communication Technology (ICT) has revolutionized the lives of persons with disabilities globally through opportunities for improved social inclusion. Technology enables persons with disabilities to access information, media, education, employment, and ICT-related assistive technologies. Decision makers must clearly understand the current state of available ICT products and services, their compliance with international accessibility standards, and their usage within the country to propose effective inclusive policies and legislations. This paper presents an e-readiness assessment tool (called MARSAD) created and implemented from 2019 to 2021 to identify factors that influence the adoption of ICT accessibility for people with disabilities in Qatar. It aims to measure the national ICT accessibility adoption rate and develop key recommendations to improve digital access for persons with disabilities to access digital platforms of various Qatari government and semi-government institutions. The tool was administered to 14 institutions in the domains of education and culture. It was found that participating institutions had considerable gaps in their ICT infrastructure to offer an inclusive digital environment, which is in line with the principles of sustainability and SDG 11, to make cities and human settlements inclusive, safe, resilient, and sustainable. The participating institutions demonstrated a genuine willingness to invest in implementing the required changes based on the results acquired by conducting MARSAD. As a suggestion, the tool can be used as a foundation to conduct e-readiness assessment studies to offer accessible ICT products and services catering to the needs of persons with disabilities, women, children, and older persons.

Suggested Citation

  • Achraf Othman & Amnah Al Mutawaa & Amani Al Tamimi & Maha Al Mansouri, 2023. "Assessing the Readiness of Government and Semi-Government Institutions in Qatar for Inclusive and Sustainable ICT Accessibility: Introducing the MARSAD Tool," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 15(4), pages 1-25, February.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:15:y:2023:i:4:p:3853-:d:1074662
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Markus Blut & Cheng Wang, 2020. "Technology readiness: a meta-analysis of conceptualizations of the construct and its impact on technology usage," Journal of the Academy of Marketing Science, Springer, vol. 48(4), pages 649-669, July.
    2. Moath Al-Yahya & Martin Skitmore & Adrian Bridge & Madhav P. Nepal & David Cattell, 2018. "E-tendering readiness in construction: an a priori model," International Journal of Procurement Management, Inderscience Enterprises Ltd, vol. 11(5), pages 608-638.
    3. Ben Oldfrey & Giulia Barbareschi & Priya Morjaria & Tamara Giltsoff & Jessica Massie & Mark Miodownik & Catherine Holloway, 2021. "Could Assistive Technology Provision Models Help Pave the Way for More Environmentally Sustainable Models of Product Design, Manufacture and Service in a Post-COVID World?," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 13(19), pages 1-18, September.
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    1. repec:bcp:journl:v:9:y:2025:i:10:p:6739-6759 is not listed on IDEAS
    2. Moosa Elayah, 2025. "Transformative Pathways in Qatar's E‐Government: Integrating Societal Engagement and NGO Partnerships for Sustainable Digital Governance," Public Administration & Development, Blackwell Publishing, vol. 45(3), pages 228-241, August.

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