Learning Disability Specialist

Role overview

Zayed University is looking for a Learning Disability Specialist to oversee the day-to-day functioning of the Student Accessibility Services (SAS) Department. The role supports the department’s mission, vision, and goals by strengthening awareness across the university community and by helping students with learning differences such as dyslexia, dyspraxia, and ADHD receive appropriate academic and social support.

What you will do

• Set and uphold clear, professional procedures for deciding which students qualify for disability-related accommodations and support.
• Guide faculty and administrators on their legal duties and help put compliance processes in place.
• Keep a secure and confidential record system for students with disabilities and prepare management reports when needed.
• Take part in committees, represent the department at university events, and contribute to special assignments and projects as required.
• Visit schools to raise awareness of accessibility services and encourage prospective students with disabilities to consider joining the university.
• Manage a student caseload and coordinate support services to ensure suitable accommodations and compliance with UAE disability legislation.
• Work with faculty and other departments so course content is provided in accessible formats matched to students’ learning needs.
• Deliver training and orientation sessions for instructors on the needs of students with learning difficulties.
• Support teachers in meeting curriculum goals while accommodating diverse student requirements.
• Adapt printed classroom materials into alternative accessible formats for students with special needs.
• Assess students with learning issues and determine the most appropriate accommodations.
• Provide academic tutoring, guidance, and skills training in areas such as course content, study methods, time management, revision techniques, and test-taking strategies.
• Offer one-to-one sessions to strengthen study approaches and targeted skills.
• Prepare progress updates on students as appropriate or when requested.
• Help develop plans and initiatives, and recommend policy, procedure, and practice changes that improve support for students with learning disabilities.
• Review psycho-educational evaluations, Individualized Education Plans, and related diagnostic records to determine eligibility for services and reasonable accommodations.
• Coach students in applying effective academic strategies in class.
• Address classroom and academic difficulties as they arise.
• Monitor the progress of students with learning difficulties throughout the academic year.
• Carry out special research tasks and projects related to disability in higher education.
• Support the development of student initiatives that improve completion outcomes for students with disabilities.
• Lead workshops and presentations on learning disabilities and other disability topics for faculty and staff development.

Working relationships

This position works closely with students, faculty, staff, administrators, and parents/family members. The quality of these interactions has a direct influence on the success of the program.

Requirements

• A bachelor’s degree in Special Education, Counseling, Psychology, Education, or a closely related field, or an equivalent mix of education and experience.
• At least 4 years of relevant experience administering services for people with learning disabilities, including identifying needs and arranging suitable accommodations.
• Fluency in both Arabic and English.
• Prior professional experience supporting individuals with disabilities and implementing student accommodations.
• Strong understanding of UAE Disability Law.
• Awareness of developmental issues affecting university students from diverse cultural and social backgrounds.
• Knowledge of disability assessment, accommodations, support services, and assistive technologies.
• Excellent organizational and administrative ability, with strong planning and facilitation skills.

Benefits

• Competitive tax-free salary in the UAE.
• Cash housing allowance.
• Annual vacation airfare for the employee and immediate family.
• Education support for children.
• Medical coverage for the employee and sponsored family members.

Application requirements

Applicants must submit an online application along with a cover letter, an up-to-date CV, and the names and contact details of three professional references.

Additional information

Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted for interview. For further inquiries, applicants may contact Recruitment@zu.ac.ae.