Space can teach us about supporting people with disabilities 
People with disabilities around the world continue to face significant barriers in accessing education, employment, healthcare and social services. According to a recent report on a survey conducted by Saudi Arabia’s General Authority for Statistics, about 1.8 percent of the Saudi population lives with some type of disability. The World Health Organization estimates that 15 percent of the world’s population, about 1 billion people, are living with disabilities.
Saudi Arabia has launched several initiatives focusing on supporting and empowering people with disabilities. The Kingdom’s Vision 2030, under the leadership of the visionary and forward-thinking Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, places a strong emphasis on improving quality of life for all citizens, including those with disabilities. Vision 2030’s pillars — a vibrant society, a thriving economy and an ambitious nation — also focus on providing adequate job and educational opportunities for people with disabilities to support their success.
Initiatives in the Kingdom to support those with disabilities include: The Disability Code, which ensures the rights and protection of people with disabilities by providing equal opportunities in education, employment and public services; The Saudi Sign Language Dictionary, launched by the Saudi Association for Hearing Impairment, to standardize sign language across the Kingdom; and the King Salman Center for Disability Research, founded by King Salman and overseen by Saudi Arabia’s first astronaut, Prince Sultan bin Salman, who also serves as chairman of the Children with Disabilities Association.
I am the project lead and lead author of a recent international research journal publication in Nature’s Communications Medicine. My project involved experts from NASA and the European Space Agency, focusing on disability inclusion and lessons from the space sector. My co-authors are Dana Bolles, who has been working for NASA for 30 years and is a disability ambassador, being part of the first crew of disabled professionals that flew in zero-gravity under Mission AstroAccess; and Dr. Thu Jennifer Ngo-Anh, an expert from the ESA.
Historically, space exploration limited the involvement of women, diverse communities and those with disabilities. However, space has undergone significant changes, increasingly promoting diversity, inclusion and breaking down barriers. NASA’s upcoming Artemis missions will further highlight this shift by sending the first woman, first black astronaut and first non-American to the moon’s orbit. Additionally, Saudi Arabia and more than 40 countries have signed the Artemis Accords to foster international cooperation in the future of space exploration.
Our publication highlights steps the space sector has taken to increase awareness and involvement among those with disabilities. One significant leap forward is the European Space Agency’s Parastronaut program, which invited people with physical disabilities to apply to become astronauts. Physician and Paralympic athlete Dr. John McFall was selected as the world’s first parastronaut and has now been cleared to fly into space.
Our publication also highlights the example of Gallaudet 11, where 11 deaf individuals contributed to the development of NASA programs. Their experience shows that in certain conditions and environments, those with disabilities may have an advantage over those without disabilities. This example, along with the achievements of historical figures with physical disabilities such as Julaybib (R.A.), Ata ibn Abi Rabah (R.A.), Terry Fox, Helen Keller and others, serves as inspiration to end ableism. We need to champion ending discrimination and ensure everyone has equal opportunity. Saudi Arabia can further enhance equity, diversity, inclusion and accessibility in STEM, and meet Vision 2030's goals, by expanding its space pursuits to include initiatives involving health and socio-economic benefits.
Dr. Farhan M. Asrar is a Canadian public health and family physician with leadership appointments at the University of Toronto, International Space University, McMaster University and Trillium Health Partners. He is internationally recognized for his expertise and research in public health, space medicine, primary care, health innovation and environment.
