His Majesty King Abdullah issued directives on Friday to facilitate the academic studies of 100 blind university students by providing a programme called IBSAR (vision), a software programme to support the educational process for the blind.

Several students appealed to King Abdullah last week in local newspapers in order to have the system acquired and implemented.

His Royal Highness Prince Raad, president of the Higher Council for the Affairs of People with Disabilities, expressed his appreciation for the King's generosity and concern, stressing that persons with special needs can consistently rely on the King's concern for their well being and care.

In 2006, the King entrusted Prince Raad, chief chamberlain, with chairing a Royal committee to draft a strategy to deal with special needs persons so that they enjoy equal opportunity and are integrated into the community.

In a letter to former Prime Minister Marouf Bakhit in October 2006, King Abdullah underlined the importance of giving people with special needs great attention and care to preserve their dignity, freedom and right to a decent life.

Also in 2006, the King ordered financial support to 76 institutions and 12 clubs concerned with the disabled in order to alleviate the institutions' financial difficulties and allow them to continue to provide care and expand their services.