Self-Advocacy: Navigating Disclosure in the Workplace

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Deciding how, when, and why to disclose a disability to an employer is an important part of the job-seeking process. The decision can significantly affect one’s ability to obtain and maintain employment. The different stages of the employment process and the potential impacts of disclosure at each stage deserve thoughtful reflection.

Overview

A key consideration during the job-seeking process is how, when, and why to disclose a disability to an employer. Such a seemingly simple choice can significantly affect one’s ability to obtain and maintain employment. The different stages of the employment process and the potential impacts of disclosure at each stage deserve thoughtful reflection.

What is disclosure?

In the workplace, disclosure refers to the act of making a disability known to the employer or potential employer, typically for the purpose of receiving an accommodation.

Why should I disclose a disability?

The decision to disclose a disability, such as a hearing loss, is a highly personal one. Many factors need to be taken into account. Questions to consider during this decision-making process include the following:

  • Is my hearing loss apparent when someone meets me?
  • Will I need an accommodation to interview effectively or perform the functions of my job?
  • What are the potential risks of not disclosing my hearing loss?
  • Is the employer actively seeking to hire qualified people with disabilities?

It is important to remember that the accommodation process in the workplace is triggered when a person requests accommodations. Generally, an employer is not required to provide an accommodation if an individual does not disclose a hearing loss and request an accommodation.

When should I disclose?

When to disclose a hearing loss is another highly personal choice. It can be helpful to focus on the true purpose for disclosing in the workplace: to obtain a reasonable accommodation in order to have equitable access in the job-seeking process or perform the functions of the job. It can be helpful to consider various scenarios that are likely to occur. Here are some examples:

  • Submitting a cover letter and resume via e-mail to an employer
  • Participating in a phone interview
  • Being interviewed by a panel of people
  • Attending a group meeting in the office
  • Answering phone calls

Each deaf person will have different communication needs for each of these situations. By considering potential situations, the individual can best determine when to disclose a disability and request an accommodation. Remember, disclosure of a hearing loss is not required until there is a need for an accommodation to obtain equal access in the job market and workplace setting.

Several laws mandate the provision of accommodations for people with disabilities on the job, including the following:

  • The Americans with Disabilities Act, Title I
  • Section 501, 504, and 503 of the Rehabilitation Act
 

Important Terminology from the Americans with Disabilities Act

A qualified individual with a disability has appropriate skills, experience, education, or other requirements of an employment position that s/he holds or seeks and can perform the essential functions of the position with or without reasonable accommodation.1

A reasonable accommodation is any modification or adjustment to a job or the work environment that will enable a qualified applicant or employee with a disability to participate in the application process or to perform essential job functions.1

A qualified interpreter is able to sign what is spoken by the hearing person to the deaf individual and can voice to the hearing person what is being signed by the deaf person. Certification is not required if the individual has the necessary skills. To be qualified, an interpreter must be able to convey communication effectively, accurately, and impartially, and use any necessary specialized vocabulary.1

Related Resources 

  • U.S. Department of Justice Civil Rights Division ADA website: www.ada.gov
  • U.S. Department of Labor: Youth, Disclosure, and the Workplace: Why, When, What, and How: click here
 

Additional resources on this subject may be available at www.nationaldeafcenter.org-resources Reference 1 U.S. Department of Justice Civil Rights Division. (n.d.) ADA website. Retrieved from www.ada.gov

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Topic(s): Transition
Type of Resource: Overviews
Useful For: Families, Students

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