“The need to disclose, when to disclose, how to disclose as well as a person’s rights and responsibilities regarding disclosure are issues faced by most students who have a disability or medical condition. In general terms, there is no legal obligation for a student to disclose their disability to an institution unless it is likely to affect their performance to meet the requirements of the course which will result in their need to access support services.” .
A student can have a confidential talk with the NDCO or their institutions Disability Adviser if they are not sure whether or not they are likely to need support services and subsequently need to disclose.
Where a student has not disclosed a disability, teaching and other staff are not responsible for providing education related adjustments. It is not the responsibility of staff to justify why no education related adjustments were provided during the period when the student had not disclosed their disability.
Early disclosure to a Disability Adviser (ie. before your course starts if possible) will allow the time necessary for the arrangement of appropriate support.
It is recommended that you read the information contained in the Internet based resource "Choosing Your Path – Disclosure: It’s a Personal Decision”. This website provides substantial information about options and pathways that people with disabilities can use in disclosing their disability in post-secondary education and employment environments.
Resources relating to Disability Disclosure include: