This guide will cover the Why, Who, What, When, and How of disclosure, what to consider when identifying the accommodations you need in your prospective job, and your rights and responsibilities in regards to legal and ethical implications under the Americans with Disabilities Act.
Why should I disclose or not disclose my disability?
When applying for jobs, it will be important to consider the pros and cons of disclosure. Determine your need to disclose based on the essential functions of a job. Remember that the employer only needs to know the information that will affect performance in the workplace and not a detailed medical history. Here are reasons to disclose or not disclose that will be good to weigh during this process.
Pros
- Self-advocate and take control of how people perceive you
- Develop mentoring and peer support structures
- Access support and services needed to be successful in the job search
- Identify resources specifically for disability-targeted services and support networks
- Obtain information in developing a career plan that addresses barriers
- Discuss employment requirements, accommodations process, and disability issues with recruiters to determine if you can meet needs of the position with or without accommodations
- More open communication with employers and co-workers of your choosing about your needs to help prevent misunderstandings
- Get appropriate and helpful accommodations
- Receive legal protection against discrimination
Cons
- Being defined by disability and not abilities
- Experience exclusion from other co-workers*
- Being treated differently than others or experience possible discrimination*
- Overlooked for jobs, teams, groups or organizations*
* If the above experiences occur, you would have the right to seek legal recourse about discrimination, depending on the circumstance.