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I s s u e s o f d i s c l o s u r e |
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A common question asked |
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One of the most commonly asked questions by students and graduates with a disability who are looking for work concerns if, when, and whether they have to tell an employer about their disability or medical condition. When considering this issue, it is important to recognise that your disability is not the central issue of concern in the process of applying for work. In fact, it may not even be relevant at all.
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As with any job application process... |
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The emphasis should be placed on the applicant’s skills and knowledge relevant to the position, not on issues that may have no bearing on whether the applicant can do the job well. In the majority of cases, it will not be necessary to mention anything about your disability or medical condition in cover letters, forms or resumes. There is no need for you to feel that you should warn an employer or that there is some legal requirement for you to disclose. |
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Although discrimination is illegal.... |
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It can occur and you need to weigh up the benefits and necessities of disclosure before doing so. Your decision about disclosure of your disability to a prospective employer is an individual one that should be based on the nature of the disability and what is known about the employer and the job. |
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When and how to disclose will be affected by such factors as |
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 the type of disability;
the type of employment opportunity;
the need for some type of accommodation, either at the interview or at the time of the job offer
whether your disability is apparent or not and how this might affect your prospective employer’s judgement as to how you would perform particular duties;
the need for work-place alterations or supports;
the attitudes of the interviewer(s) |
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Remember that, if you do need to disclose at some point.... |
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This can be done in a positive way. You can make a firm statement, presenting your disability not as a problem but as a positive experience which can give evidence of your problem-solving skills, personal qualities and other talents which may be related to the job. |
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 Back to support for students with disabilities |
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