You should have a plan about how you would like to disclose before
you talk to your employer about it, so you feel in control. Disclosure
will be most successful if you have knowledge about your disability,
and can effectively communicate your disability-related needs while
emphasising your skills.
When disclosing disability to your employer:
- be open about why you are disclosing and the outcome you aim for
- be knowledgeable about your disability
- provide some options and strategies for workplace adjustment. (See ‘Negotiating Workplace Adjustments with Employers’ .)
The way you talk to potential employers about disability can have a
big impact. Be skills and solution focused and use positive language.
For example, say: “I am skilled in using voice recognition software.”
Rather than: “I can’t read so voice recognition software helps me.”
Remember, the purpose of recruitment is to exchange information to
determine if you are suitable for the position. Likewise, disclosure is
not admitting a weakness, but about displaying the skills you have
developed to manage the situation. If you feel confident you can do the
job, they will be to.
If your disability is visible you may wish to anticipate concerns
and answer those specifically. One strategy is to do this at the
beginning of the interview, so that the interviewer is not distracted
and the focus turns to your skills and suitability to do the job.
Alternatively, you may wish to bring it up during the interview when
you feel it is warranted. For example: “We have not discussed my
disability, or how it might impact on the role. I notice that it
involves driving and some overnight travel. I have my own car with hand
controls, and frequently travel by myself. So this won’t be a worry.”
Tips
- Remember not to assume that an employer will view your disability negatively.
- Make decisions on the basis of career opportunities themselves,
rather than restricting yourself to employers who already have positive
disability practices.
- You may find it helpful to ask yourself what your life experience
with disability has taught you. Write it down on one side of a page,
and then beside it write how this skill could be transferred to the
workplace. Use this list when you disclose your disability.
- You may also wish to rehearse with family, friends or a career advisor.