Learning Disability Specialist

Position Overview

This role oversees the operational functions of the Student Accessibility Services Department, ensuring alignment with its mission to support students with learning difficulties such as dyslexia, dyspraxia, and ADHD. It involves raising awareness among faculty about these conditions and providing educational and social support to affected students.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and implement clear standards and procedures to determine eligibility for disability accommodations among students.
• Advise faculty and administrators about legal obligations and set procedures for compliance.
• Maintain a confidential, secure database of students with disabilities and prepare management reports as required.
• Represent the department on committees and at university events and contribute to special projects.
• Engage with schools to promote accessibility services and encourage enrollment of students with disabilities.
• Manage caseload and oversee the provision of support services to students with learning disabilities, ensuring UAE Disability Law compliance.
• Coordinate with faculty and departments to ensure accessible curriculum delivery tailored to students' learning needs.
• Train and orient instructors on the educational requirements of students with learning difficulties.
• Support educators in meeting curriculum goals and adapt printed materials into accessible formats.
• Conduct academic evaluations and determine suitable accommodations.
• Provide tutoring, advising, and training in study techniques, time management, review, and test-taking strategies.
• Offer individualized guidance to enhance study skills in specific areas.
• Submit regular progress reports on students as necessary.
• Contribute to policy development and recommend amendments to improve services for students with learning disabilities.
• Review psycho-educational evaluations and related documents to assess eligibility for support services.
• Coach students on effective academic strategies and help resolve classroom issues.
• Monitor ongoing progress of students with learning difficulties throughout the academic year.
• Undertake research projects related to disabilities in higher education.
• Oversee student initiatives aimed at enhancing retention and completion rates for students with disabilities.
• Conduct faculty and staff workshops on learning disabilities and related topics for professional development.

Interaction and Impact

The role requires frequent engagement with diverse internal and external stakeholders including students, faculty, staff, administrators, and families, with the quality of these interactions directly influencing program success.

Qualification & Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in Special Education, Counseling, Psychology, Education, or a related field.
• At least four years of experience delivering services for individuals with learning disabilities, including identifying accommodations.
• Fluency in both Arabic and English languages.
• Proven understanding of UAE Disabilities Law.
• A solid grasp of developmental challenges facing culturally diverse university students.
• Experience with disability assessments, accommodations, related services, and assistive technologies.
• Strong organizational, administrative, planning, and facilitation skills.

Remuneration and Benefits

The position offers a competitive tax-free salary with additional benefits such as cash housing allowance, annual vacation airline tickets for the employee and immediate family, educational support for children, and health coverage for the employee and sponsored dependents.