| The topic of disclosure can be tricky to navigate. You | | | | were interviewed regarding the decision to disclose a |
| can read article after article on this topic and still feel | | | | hidden disability decided to disclose it either during the |
| that you are not 100% sure of whether or not to | | | | interview process or within their tenure with their |
| disclose your disability to an employer. This article | | | | respective employers. One job seeker writes, "The |
| provides an insider's perspective of this | | | | symptoms of my disability are triggered by stress. It is |
| decision-making process taken from the point of view | | | | important that I inform my employer so that the proper |
| of several job seekers who have worked with | | | | care is given if needed. I disclose after a one month |
| Resource Partnership to obtain employment. | | | | period so that the employer can realize that I have the |
| Generally speaking, if you do not need a reasonable | | | | ability to perform the needed tasks to get the required |
| accommodation to help you perform the basic duties | | | | work accomplished." Another job seeker writes, "All of |
| of your job, you do not need to disclose your disability. | | | | my co-workers are disabled also. I disclosed and now |
| The decision to disclose a disability will vary greatly | | | | have a job that I love and that I had to work really |
| depending upon whether the disability is visible or | | | | hard for. I feel that it was not just because of my |
| hidden. With a visible disability, employers in most cases | | | | disability, but because I am a hard worker." |
| will know that a disability exists as soon as you meet | | | | Words of Wisdom from Job Seekers |
| them. The question for these job seekers is, does one | | | | It may take some time for you to figure out what is |
| acknowledge it in the interview? Or even before the | | | | best for you to do when it comes to disclosure. It may |
| interview, let's say in the cover letter or over the | | | | mean that in interview situations you explore different |
| phone? If a disability is hidden, the question then | | | | options before you settle in on what works best for |
| becomes, does one need to disclose this disability and | | | | you. Whatever your decision is, be confident in |
| if so, when and how? What do you say and what do | | | | yourself, the skills you have, and your abilities. I leave |
| you not say? | | | | you now with some selected words of wisdom on this |
| Visible Disabilities | | | | topic from Resource Partnership job seekers... |
| Job seekers with visible disabilities working with | | | | "I never raised the issue at work perhaps because I |
| Resource Partnership are split when it comes to the | | | | wanted to be evaluated like everyone else. |
| decision of bringing attention to their disability. For some, | | | | Nevertheless, one should discuss the issue with an |
| the decision is made for them due to building | | | | employer if he or she feels it has an impact on an |
| accessibility needs. "I always disclose because I need | | | | essential job function." |
| to make sure that the building I would be working in is | | | | "To disclose or not to disclose is up to the individual job |
| accessible to a wheelchair," writes one job seeker. | | | | seeker. I would say it depends on the job seeker's |
| Another job seeker says, "An employer can see that I | | | | comfort level and the situation or surrounding |
| have a disability. If a remark is made about me using a | | | | circumstances." |
| cane, I don't dwell on it, but keep the conversation on | | | | "If you have a disability that is visible or one that you |
| my positive attributes instead." This is a common | | | | know could be affected by the work environment, |
| theme among job seekers with disabilities. Another job | | | | disclose, but make sure you are up front with them, |
| seeker states, "The only thing I do not allow during the | | | | letting them know that you do not want to be treated |
| interview process is to let the interviewer focus on it | | | | any different and with the same respect that they |
| [disability]. I try to take charge of the interview and tell | | | | would give to the average employee." |
| them how we can mutually benefit by hiring me." The | | | | "One thing I feel strongly about whether you decide to |
| same job seeker continues, "If the employer won't | | | | disclose or not is to make sure that you are |
| overlook my disability and hire me for my skills, then I'd | | | | comfortable with your disability because your |
| rather not work for that employer anyway." Finally, one | | | | confidence of who you are will show in an interview. |
| more job seeker with a visible disability states, | | | | One must weigh the pros and cons of each situation. It |
| "Disclosure for me is automatic once I get to the | | | | may even change from interview to interview. Just be |
| interview. It has been a long time since I have had to | | | | comfortable with whom you are, and, should you |
| worry about disclosure. In some ways, it is one less | | | | decide to disclose, I feel strongly not to allow that |
| thing I have to worry about." | | | | disclosure to be the focus during the interview. Talks |
| Hidden Disabilities | | | | of accommodations can always be made after the |
| For those with a hidden disability, the process is very | | | | job offer is in hand. |
| different. Interestingly, most of the job seekers who | | | | |