How to Disclose 
Pre-disclosure Preparation
There are some things you can do in advance to better prepare you for disclosure as a job seeker.
- Network with other individuals with disabilities in your field. Learn about the kinds of accommodations they receive and how they disclosed their disability. Networking can also help you determine which companies and organizations are the best for people with disabilities in general as well as help you research specific potential employers.
- Do an internship. An internship will allow you to field test your abilities and practice disclosing your disability; having your internship supervisor as a reference is invaluable as well.
- Talk with your major advisor and a career advisor for the University Advising and Career Center (UACC). Your major advisor can talk specifically about your field. A career advisor can review your resume and cover letter, do a mock interview with you, and discuss and rehearse disclosure.
- Find a few people you trust (if you can, include at least one person who has experience hiring) to listen to your prepared answers. Take their feedback seriously.
- Anticipate and address employer disability-related questions or concerns. Write a list of potential questions and be prepared with responses.
- Determine any technical support, resources and costs that might be necessary for your employment so that you can respond to questions related to this topic.
- If oral communication is challenging for you due to a disability, you might create a written narrative that details your abilities to help supplement your resume.
You have most likely had to disclose your disability in a variety of ways over your lifetime; be sure to reflect on those experiences. Lastly, don’t forget that you are a person with many strengths and talents. This is your opportunity to showcase those.
Disclosure
Whether or not you have decided in advance to disclose a disability, it is best to be prepared to talk about it. You may not need the material during an interview, but you might be more confident if you feel prepared to answer any potential question.
- Know how to talk about your disability. Be knowledgeable and speak with confidence about any limitations and the strengths of your particular disability. If you have lived with a disability for some time, you may be already prepared to do this. Your own level of comfort with your disability and confidence in your qualifications will often put the employer at ease.
- Use statements about your skills and experience that include examples of previous successful accommodations.
- Keep the focus on the essential functions of the job.
- Emphasize your adaptability, flexibility, and talents in light of your disability.
- Use words that showcase your abilities.
- Disclosing a disability is often most effective within the context of presenting your qualifications for a particular position.
- Often a short and simple disclosure is most effective.
- Communicate that you know the realities of the workplace in your field and your potential need for accommodations.
- Be prepared to handle questions about gaps in your work history if you have been out of work due to illness or hospitalization.
More information and resources for job-seeking, legal assistance, and maintaining employment are available at the Job Accommodations Network (JAN).
