Why does Saudi Arabia have fewer leaders with disabilities?: changing perspectives and creating new opportunities for the physically challenged in Saudi Arabia

People with disabilities face discrimination around the world. This has a negative impact on society, individuals and the economy. In Saudi Arabia, people with physical disabilities face serious challenges. This research addressed the negative perceptions and attitudes toward disability in Saudi Arabia that resulted in discrimination against people with disabilities, create challenges for them and prevented them from participating in society equally. This mixed- method study investigated the challenges that face the physically disabled in Saudi Arabia in their personal, political, economic and professional paradigms. This research used quantitative and qualitative methods, to reflect the sentiment and impressions of both the disabled and non- disabled populations in Saudi Arabia on the topic of physical disability. There were 14 participants in the interview component of this research and 403 participated in the survey. This research identified the main challenges facing people with disabilities in Saudi Arabia as inaccessible environments, judgmental society, family and self-image, health care services and enforcement of existing laws and regulations. Furthermore, the results highlighted a number of steps needed for people with disabilities to overcome the challenges in their personal and professional lives