Disclosing your disability

The law does not say that you have to disclose your disability to an employer, unless the nature of your disability could cause health and safety issues in a work environment.

Disclosing your disability can be a daunting prospect and you may be concerned that by disclosing your disability you are putting yourself at a disadvantage during the recruitment and selection process, but most employers favour disclosure as it enables them to make any necessary adjustments or arrangements you might need and make sure their recruitment processes are accessible.

Many employers also operate a Guaranteed Interview scheme for disabled people applying for jobs. This means that If you meet the minimum job requirement you will be guaranteed an interview for the role.

Remember as well, that if Remploy is working with the employer, you know that they are positive about employing disabled people and consider the skills and abilities of individuals. Remploy will also support them to understand and adapt to any aspects of your disability that could affect you at work.

How do you disclose your disability?
There is obviously no set formula for disclosing your disability. You should take this step when you feel comfortable doing so, but here are some hints on how to tackle the subject

• Be confident and clear when disclosing your disability.
• Emphasise the positives; the skills, abilities and experiences you have gained.
• Be prepared to discuss how your disability affects your work, you should not have to discuss your disability in any other context.
• Always be professional, try to avoid emotive language.
• Remember, it is possible that your interviewer may not know a great deal about your disability, or they may have preconceptions about what impact your disability will have on your work. Either way this is your opportunity to educate them.
• Always end on a positive. As with any interview situation, you want to leave a positive lasting impression.

The most important thing to remember when disclosing your disability is to remain confident, be positive and remind people of your skills and abilities.