Director's Message

Hello! I am Fatma AlQassimi, the Student Accessibility Services (SAS) Director at Zayed University in the UAE.

As an Emirati national, I am inspired by the UAE leaders to help build a society that promotes the rights of all people, especially People of Determination, a term designated by H.H. Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the Vice President and Prime Minister of the United Arab Emirates, Minister of Defense and Ruler of Dubai, to describe people with disabilities. My aim is to support Students of Determination at Zayed University to have equal educational opportunities and achieve their full potential to contribute to the advancement of the UAE society.

My vision for the future is to foster inclusion and innovation to make education possible for Students of Determination through the power of technology. This approach will prepare the students to join the Emirati workforce. Through our daily work and interaction with Students of Determination, we have found that technology tools empower students to become independent learners and enhance their autonomy.

Since 2010, the Student Accessibility Services at Zayed University evolved over time. Currently, SAS staff are fully qualified to provide Students of Determination with the necessary accommodation according to their needs, in line with international best practices. We offer wide range of services to students with learning difficulties, such as dyslexia, dyscalculia, dysgraphia, dyspraxia and ADHD. We also, cover students with physical disabilities including visual, hearing and mobility disabilities.

SAS dedicated specialists conduct technical and life skills training to enable Students of Determination to overcome the challenges they face in their academic and social lives.

One of my main interests is to create partnerships with the educational institutions to share SAS expertise and provide an opportunity for all stakeholders to create a knowledge sharing platform, highlighting best practice that are ensuring education equity to Students of Determination.

SAS works with community stakeholders to raise awareness about the challenges that Students of Determination encounter on daily basis. Thus, empowering communities to promote a culture of inclusion that will support Students of Determination to fulfill their highest academic and social aspirations.

Finally, I would like to welcome all Students of Determination to avail of the services offered by SAS and experience a truly empowering and inclusive environment.