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PREPARING TO DISCLOSE

• Explore your feelings about your disability…how comfortable are you talking about your disability
• Identify (by yourself or with other's help) what accommodations you may need during the hiring process or on the job.
• Weigh the benefits, risks and timing of disclosure.
• If you decide not to disclose, make sure you can perform the essential functions of the position before accepting it.
• If you decide to disclose, plan in advance how you will handle it
  • Who to tell (interviewer, HR representative, etc.)
  • What you will say

WHEN YOU DISCLOSE

• Decide how specific you will be in describing your disability.
  • General terms: a medical condition, a disability, etc.
  • Specifically refer to your disability
  • Exact diagnosis
  • Remember, try to use language that is informative, yet non- threatening. Be concise in your explanation and prepare brief answers for anticipated questions.
• Describe the skills that you have that make you able to perform the essential functions of the job.
  • Qualifications
  • Technical Skills
  • General Work Skills
• Describe any functional limitations caused by your disability that may interfere with your performance and identify those accommodations you may need to overcome those limitations.

PREPARE SCRIPT (If Necessary)

"I have (name of disability). Currently, I have (the skills required) to do
the essential functions of the job. Sometimes, (functional limitations) may
interfere with my ability to (duties you have trouble performing). It helps
if I have (name the specific accommodations you need). I work best when
(other accommodations)."

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