Ali Sharbini Chair Brings Innovation Technologies To Support Persons With Disabilities At Taibah University

Taibah University has signed a contract to launch the "Ali Sharbini Chair for Innovation Technologies to Serve Persons with Disabilities," creating a research chair based on a patented device that moves scientific innovation into real-world use, particularly for people with hearing and visual impairments in Saudi Arabia.

The chair aims to link scientific research, charitable efforts, and community development. It supports Saudi Vision 2030 targets that seek to empower persons with disabilities, improve quality of life across the Kingdom, and back Quran education using sensory technologies that can reach communities inside Saudi Arabia and internationally.

Central to the chair is a wireless tactile communication device that changes audio content into precise vibration patterns. This allows users to sense sound through touch. The technology is designed to help deaf and hard of hearing individuals, among others, to access educational material in a new sensory way.

The innovation places special attention on learning the Holy Quran. It seeks to support reception, recitation, and Tajweed through touch-based interaction with audio content. This approach is intended to deepen understanding, improve engagement with recitation, and open Quran education to people who traditionally face major communication barriers.

The project is being developed by a specialised academic research team at Taibah University. The team is responding to growing demand for advanced assistive technologies within the Kingdom. The university expects the device to have a significant social effect by offering new communication options for individuals with hearing and visual impairments.

The product is planned for several environments, including schools, universities, and rehabilitation centres. It is also expected to be introduced at the Prophet's Mosque Library, as well as organisations focused on Quran teaching and disability support. Planned deployment can be summarised as follows:

By establishing this chair, Taibah University is creating a structured framework to develop, test, and apply the tactile communication device across key institutions. The initiative is intended to strengthen inclusive education, extend access to Quran learning, and provide practical technological support for persons with disabilities within Saudi Arabia and beyond.

With inputs from SPA