Should You Disclose Your Disability on Job Applications in 2020?
The above picture is of a copy of the Americans with Disability Act on top of a desk.
Disability Disclosure on Job Applications
Searching for a job is
exciting but stressful.
The steps to getting a
job include a resume, cover letter, the application, and the interview.
For disabled
individuals, disability disclosure might be daunting. Not knowing if an
employer shows bias towards disabled people is always a concern.
It can leave many
wondering, "should I disclose my disability? If so, when should I tell
them — while completing an application or during the interview?"
No need to worry.
If you're looking for a
job and want to know when to disclose to a prospective boss, continue reading
to learn more.
What Is the Americans with Disabilities Act?
The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) of
1990 bans employers, state and federal agencies, and labor unions from
discriminating against qualified workers with disabilities during the
application, hiring, job training, promotions, and other phases of
employment — according to the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission
(EEOC).
The ADA includes
companies and state and federal governments with 15 or more employees.
The ADA protects people
with a physical or mental disability that limits one or more life activities,
has a documented impairment, or is regarded as having the impairment.
An eligible disabled
employee must be able to perform job tasks with or without reasonable
accommodation.
Reasonable accommodation
includes making arrangements for the disabled person to perform their job.
These changes might consist of a ramp for wheelchairs, a reader or translator,
altering a work schedule, or purchasing a unique chair or desk.
What Is Disability Discrimination?
Disability
discrimination happens when qualified workers covered by the ADA of 1990 gets
mistreated due to a disability.
The ADA protects
employees from discrimination and offers reasonable accommodations to help them
do their jobs.
What Is Disability Disclosure?
Disability disclosure
occurs when an applicant or employee reveals they have a mental impairment or
physical disability.
The person may say they
have a disability or put it on a job application about limitations.
According to the ADA, a
person is not required to disclose, but without disclosure, reasonable
accommodations can't get made.
When Should I Disclose My Disability?
There is no clear answer
on when a person should disclose their disability.
When you disclose is up
to you and what type of accommodations you'll need.
But timing is essential.
If you do receive a job offer, it's crucial to inform your new employer if
there are things you need.
Disclosure on the Job Application
You may disclose while
filling out a job application in the section on
disabilities.
If a disability is
visible and you need wheelchair accessibility for the interview, put it on the
app.
It may also benefit you
to inform the interviewer so that a room with a wide door or suitable table gets
used.
Of course, the downside
to admission on the application is if the employer decides to pass on you.
While it might be challenging to prove, it could happen.
Disclosure During the Interview
Bringing up your
disability in the interview could help your chances of getting hired.
Employers often want
someone who does their job well but can overcome obstacles. If you spin your
disability in a positive light, it could work out well.
Telling the potential
employer allows them to assess if they have reasonable accommodations or would
need to invest money to get their facility to meet your needs.
Depending on the
necessary changes, this could influence whether accommodations are possible. A
company can decline to make arrangements if it creates a financial hardship to
do so.
Disclosure After the Interview
Waiting until the job
offer occurs is okay, too.
If your disability isn't
visible, this could show you got the job without it being an issue. But even if
your disability is noticeable, it shouldn't matter.
Now that you're close to
starting the job, letting the company know has advantages.
The company might be
more than willing to supply you with whatever is needed for you to perform your
job tasks comfortably.
No Disclosure
If you opt not to inform
your employer, this could end up backfiring.
Although not all
disabilities need many doctor's appointments, physical therapy, or counseling,
they might become necessary someday.
It may also create
awkwardness with your boss if they suspected you're struggling, but they
couldn't approach you about it.
In the end, it's up to
you if you want anyone to know.
What Should You Consider Before Disclosure?
Before telling a
potential employer or Human Resources personnel about your disability, consider
the outcome.
Will admission increase
or decrease your chances of getting hired? Do you know if the company has a
reputation for hiring a diverse staff?
Doing your research
before applying for a job could save you future frustrations. Many
companies go out of their way to inform people through marketing and
social media about their diverse staff workers.
Check online job
boards for reviews about the employer before turning in your
app.
If a negative comment
about a disabled applicant or worker gets mentioned, this could be a red flag.
Although someone might not be the right choice for a job and the reason has
nothing to do with being disabled.
The Choice Is Yours
No one can answer the
question of when is the right time for disability disclosure.
Weigh your options and
make the right decision for you. If your disability is visible, it will become
known at some point — so it might be wise to let the company known early
on.
To learn more
about improving a resume or the best jobs for
people with disabilities, keep scrolling our blog.