Proceedings of the International Conference on Industrial Engineering and Operations Management
Publisher: IEOM Society International, USA
Published: August 5, 2025
Study of the Accessibility for Students with Disabilities to Faculty of Engineering Buildings at University of Tabuk
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Abdullah Abdulkarem, Khaled Turki Alanzi, Ead Fahad Alanazi and Ahmed Hassan Ahmed Yassin
Industrial Engineering Department
University of Tabuk
Tabuk, Saudi Arabia
411008248@stu.ut.edu.sa, 421007912@stu.ut.edu.sa, 411007590@stu.ut.edu.sa, a.yassin@ut.edu.sa
Eltayeb H. Onsa Elsadig
Civil Engineering Department
University of Tabuk
Tabuk, Saudi Arabia
Abstract
Modern facility design must prioritize inclusive design to guarantee everyone may access and make use of public places, regardless of their physical capabilities. The assessment of accessible facilities and services for individuals with disabilities at University of Tabuk (UT) is the main subject of this study aiming to evaluate the planning and execution of facilities catered to the requirements of people with disabilities and to pinpoint areas in need of improvement. A field assessment was conducted in selected buildings on the UT Faculty of Engineering campus (namely: two classrooms, Laboratory and the Library Building) using King Salman Standard (KSS) for Universal Accessibility. The evaluation covered external elements, internal features, and communication and safety systems. Measurements were compared against standard criteria to identify gaps and recommend improvements. The field assessment identified key accessibility gaps in the studied Faculty of Engineering buildings that impact students with disabilities. The results indicated varying compliance rates with KSS standards. For external elements, the high priority must give to redesign kerb, install tactile paving & AV signals at crossings, redesign stair with correct handrail heights. For internal elements, high priority in installing automatic doors, provide grab bars in all accessible toilets, introduce accessible classroom seating and upgrade elevators to meet minimum cabin dimensions. For communication & Safety Systems Elements, priority is to correct exit door swing and provide Braille signage in buildings. Addressing these issues through proper design and inclusive infrastructure will improve safety, independence, and align with Vision 2030 goals for equal education access.
Keywords
Students with disabilities, Facility Planning & Layout, Accessibility, King Salman Standard for Universal Accessibility.