Learning When and How to Disclose Information About Your Disability

Although self-advocacy means speaking up for yourself, it does not mean that you need to disclose information about your disability in all situations. Remember that your disability is, in large part, a function of your environment. For example, a farm laborer with dyslexia (a reading disability) would probably not experience much difficulty with his disability on the job. On the other hand, a college student with the same disability would probably need specialized supports and accommodations in order to do well in class.

You will need to make decisions about how and when to disclose information about your disability throughout your entire life. It is best to think about disclosing information about your disability on a “need to know” basis. Generally speaking, if you will not need any accommodations as a result of your disability it is probably best to keep the information private. If you will need accommodations, the only way you will be able to get them under disability laws (ADA and Section 504), is by making your disability known. As an adult, the primary responsibility for requesting accommodations falls on your shoulders.

Things to Think About When Applying for a Job:

• Employers may not ask whether you have a disability during a job interview, although they may ask probing questions such as “This job is stressful for many people as it involves tight deadlines and coordinating multiple projects. How would you handle this?” If you disclose your disability, however, an employer may ask you follow-up questions regarding your disability.
• Does the job require a pre-employment examination? These tests must measure your ability to do the tasks required by the job (e.g. a proofreading test would be an appropriate skill measure for an editorial assistant position, but probably not for a job as a server in a restaurant). An employer is only allowed to give you a pre-employment exam if this is something they do with all prospective employees.
• Will you need accommodations in order to take the test? The employer must provide reasonable accommodations (such as extended time, use of a reader, etc.) in pre-employment examinations, but you may have to provide proof of your disability in order to receive them.
• Is a medical exam required? If all job applicants are required to take a medical examination, an employer may give you a medical examination, but only after an employment offer is made. Do you have any physical limitations that would get in the way of your ability to do the job? Can you perform the job with appropriate and reasonable accommodations?
• Will drug testing be done? Some employers may test applicants for illegal drugs. If you take prescription medication for your disability, ask your doctor whether these are likely to show up in the test results. Decide whether or not you should disclose information on your prescription drugs prior to taking the drug test.
• Will you need accommodations to perform the essential functions of a job? In most cases, if you need accommodations to perform the essential functions of a job, the best time to disclose your disability is after you receive a job offer, but before you begin work.

For more information on employment rights and disclosure considerations see the article The Americans with Disabilities Act: Civil Rights for You by Dale S. Brown at www.ldonline.org/article/5999.

Things to Think About When Applying to College:

• The college admission form cannot require you to disclose whether or not you have a disability. The application form may, however, invite you to indicate that you have a disability.
• If you decide to disclose your disability to the college, this information cannot be used to deny admission. Colleges and universities cannot discriminate solely on the basis of disability.
• Disclosing a disability does not guarantee admission. Colleges and universities do not have to alter their admission requirements or standards. Students with disabilities must meet the same admissions criteria as all prospective students.
• Disclosing a disability can provide you with an opportunity to explain possible discrepancies in your academic record. For example, it is typical for students with learning disabilities to have good high school transcript grades and low SAT scores or vice versa. Does this describe you? If so, you may want to consider disclosing your disability during the application process either through the required essay or during a personal interview, if there is one. You can put your self-advocacy skills to good use by explaining how your academic strengths and weaknesses relate to your proposed course of study.
• If you choose not to self-disclose during the application process, you may still do so at any time after you have been accepted to a college or university. At that point you will need to go to the Office of Disability Support Services (or person responsible for coordinating services for students with disabilities) and request services. You will also need to provide recent documentation of your disability.

For more information on preparing for college and disclosure considerations see the article Getting Ready for College: Advising High School Students with Learning Disabilities from the HEATH Resource Center, November 1995, at  www.ldonline.org/article/Getting_Ready_for_College:_Advising_High_School_Students_with_Learning_Disabilities

Adapted from “An Educational Journey from Self Discovery to Advocacy: A Handbook for Students,” 2003. Debora M. Presbie, MA, Connecticut State Department of Education

Click to download a PDF of Disclosing Information About Your Disability.