Building upon her graduate studies at Hamad Bin Khalifa University’s (HBKU) College of Humanities and Social Sciences (CHSS), Sarah Saad, a Class of 2017 alumna, continues to improve the living standards of individuals with special needs.
At present, Saad is focusing her efforts on developing her university capstone project – the creation of inflight safety information that seeks to transform the travel experience of passengers who suffer from sensory loss, especially blindness.
Her latest project involves further development of a multisensory safety kit Saad worked on while pursuing her studies at HBKU. The kit aims to serve travellers with special needs, and comes inclusive of a model life vest, an oxygen mask replica as well as instructions in braille and a sound player that emits an audio description.
Saad said, “Estimates suggest that 15% of the world’s population experience some form of disability. The truth is nearly 100% of the global population knows or loves somebody with one. The issues our suffering friends, family, and community members face are a collective concern – and I won’t stop working until I play my due role in shaping a more accessible and inclusive environment in Qatar and the world.”
Audiovisual translation has become a valuable tool in the trans-adaptation of messages to suit the needs of users of the most diverse profiles. 
Saad’s  project involves determining if the information provided inflight is adequate, and finally developing an audio-tactile information kit for blind travellers, before moving on to validate the new approach to inflight information with the aviation industry for blind travellers.
Saad attained her Master of Arts in Audiovisual Translation (MAAT) from CHSS last year. In 2016, a validation for the MAAT programme  from the University of Geneva was officially announced, bringing the Faculty of Translation and Interpreting Quality Label.
Following her involvement in special trans-adapted screening projects during Ajyal Youth Film Festival 2016 and 2017, Saad developed an interest in assistive support for people with special needs. Today, she serves her alma mater in a professional capacity at CHSS’s Translation and Training Centre.