Doha, February 03 (QNA) - A leading disability support center in Qatar has announced a partnership with Microsoft Qatar aimed at expanding digital inclusion and improving access to technology for people with disabilities.

The Shafallah Center for Persons with Disabilities, which operates under the Qatar Foundation for Social Work, said the collaboration seeks to create long-term social impact by empowering people with disabilities, with a particular focus on children and young people.

Under the initiative, beneficiaries will be equipped with future-ready digital skills and given improved access to Microsoft technologies and accessibility solutions. The program is designed to help participants prepare for emerging technology fields and a rapidly evolving labor market in Qatar.

The partnership also includes support for teachers and students to obtain internationally recognized Microsoft certifications upon successful completion of relevant training programs. In addition, beneficiaries will have opportunities to engage directly with Microsoft employees through mentoring and guidance schemes.

Community engagement activities will form part of the collaboration, supporting skills development and rehabilitation programs while helping to create more inclusive and sustainable educational and career pathways.

Executive Director of the Shafallah Center, Maryam Saif Al Suwaidi, said the partnership reflects the center's commitment to building effective strategic alliances that enable people with disabilities to benefit from digital transformation.

She added that the initiative aligns with Qatar National Vision 2030 and national legislation protecting the rights of people with disabilities, particularly in education, training and employment.

Al Suwaidi stressed the importance of tailoring programs to the specific needs of Shafallah's beneficiaries, with an emphasis on practical training and modern learning methods that promote independence and self-confidence.

She said the center remains focused on developing sustainable training models that prepare qualified individuals for integration into the labor market, reinforcing empowerment as a key pillar of inclusive development.

General Manager of Microsoft Qatar, Ahmed Al Dandachi, said the company believes technology should be accessible to everyone and that inclusion is fundamental to building more empowered and sustainable societies.

He said the collaboration demonstrates Microsoft's commitment to supporting digital skills development and enabling people with disabilities to participate more actively in society and the workforce. (QNA)