Office of Communications, communications@aub.edu.lb
The American University of Beirut (AUB) has been named to the
2026 Forbes Accessibility 200, becoming the only institution from the region to be recognized on this prestigious global list of organizations and leaders advancing accessibility and inclusion.
Compiled by
Forbes, the annual Accessibility 200 recognizes organizations, companies, nonprofits, and individuals making significant contributions to improving accessibility across sectors including education, technology, communication, workplace innovation, digital services, mobility, and inclusive experiences. The 2026 list was developed through more than 700 interviews and conversations with industry experts, with guidance from a 12-member global advisory board. Selection is based on the breadth and impact of an organization's work, and there is no fee for consideration or inclusion.
AUB's commitment to inclusion and accessibility is reflected in the integrated efforts of its academic, administrative, and support units, including the Accessible Education Office (AEO), which facilitates equitable access to academic programs and university life for students with disabilities. Building on this foundation, AUB advances digital accessibility by embedding inclusive practices across teaching, learning, research, and digital transformation. Through accessible technologies, services, innovation, and training, the university enhances digital experiences for students, faculty, staff, and the wider community.
The recognition highlights the work of AUB's Office of Innovation and Transformation (OIT), the Digital Accessibility Department, and ABLE (Accessibility for a Bolder Learning Experience), together with the many faculty, staff, students, and partners who have contributed to accessibility initiatives across the university.
This milestone also reflects the leadership and vision of Maha Zouwayhed, Director of the Talal and Madiha Zein AUB Innovation Park and Digital Accessibility at AUB, whose work has helped shape accessibility into a university-wide and regional priority. Inspired by the belief that barriers are created by inaccessible systems rather than by disability itself, Zouwayhed has championed ABLE as a platform for awareness, capacity building, collaboration, and innovation, bringing together students, educators, technology experts, policymakers, and partners to advance more inclusive learning and digital experiences.
Over the past several years, AUB has established one of the region's leading digital accessibility programs, expanding its work across training, assistive technology support, accessibility-centered innovation, policy development, digital compliance, and regional engagement around inclusive education and technology.
Today, these initiatives have:
- Trained more than 3,500 individuals in digital accessibility and inclusive design;
- Supported more than 200 persons with disabilities through assistive technologies and accessibility services;
- Advanced research and innovation projects that address real-world accessibility challenges; and
- Improved the accessibility of digital platforms, learning materials, and university services through audits, remediation support, and inclusive design practices.
These efforts reflect AUB's belief that accessibility is not simply about compliance, but about creating equitable opportunities for everyone to participate, learn, and succeed.