Disclosing
As someone with a disability who is applying for jobs, at what point would you recommend that I disclose? Should I wait until a job offer is extended?
Anonymous
01/27/21 at 2:37PM UTC
As a federal manager we aren't allowed to ask by law. If you volunteer the information that's up to you. Managers are always willing to get reasonable accommodations for you if you indicate it.
Darina Randi Woods Segatore
Committed Carrier of Rocks.
25
06/10/21 at 3:08AM UTC
I only wish this were so. I have been ghosted by so many the moment I say the words, “ I don’t drive due to medication )which has no impact on my ability to do every other responsibility ) so I am asking for a reasonable accommodation.” The fact that I work in the behavioral health field should give you some food for thought about whether orgs & companies are passing on their mission statements to their employees.
Sarah McMullen
68
11/30/20 at 7:02PM UTC
Hi there! Great question - my short answer is that it is up to you and when you feel comfortable to share that information. You will have the opportunity to self-identify during the application when it asks if you identify as having a disability. Many companies are specifically interested in hiring people with disabilities and legally, employers cannot choose not to extend a job offer because of assumed abilities or because you disclosed. I highly recommend you look into at what point employers can ask for any information on whether or not you identify as having a disability: https://www.eeoc.gov/laws/guidance/your-employment-rights-individual-disability#:~:text=If%20you%20are%20applying%20for,or%20severity%20of%20your%20disability.&text=An%20employer%20can%20also%20ask,the%20duties%20of%20the%20job.
Sandra D. Young, PhDCompassionate Nonprofit Servant Leader
18
05/08/24 at 10:14PM UTC
I'd just like to add that I also have a disability. Most of the online applications do have the section where you self-identify (where it's optional to disclose if you have a disability or not). I usually disclose it because I feel like if I choose not to answer it, it seems as if I'm hiding something, but I also feel that when I disclose my disability, it could eliminate me altogether because I may be seen as a liability. Is this a real concern, or am I overthinking this aspect of the process?
