An exploration of the development of disability organizations in Saudi Arabia

In this study, an Islamic perspective was used to examine the development of disability organizations in Saudi Arabia. As disability research in Saudi Arabia has most often been approached from a medical perspective, the purpose of this study was to focus on a social model of disability as well as the Islamic model of charity. Using inductive analysis of interviews, documents and website data, both the Islamic perspective of charity and the social model of disability were evident throughout the research. The findings concluded that the development of disability organizations have been and continue to be affected by charity, staff Islamic beliefs and values, their role in society and the need for a place. The development and continuation of disability organizations were also strongly supported by dedicated Head Managers and staff who loved their work and especially the children, and felt they would be rewarded by Allah [God].