Assignment 10.1: Disclosure Informational Outline
Purpose: Sometimes it is difficult to know when to disclose your disability or not to disclose at all. It is also difficult to know how much to disclose. Do you just say, “I have a disability” or do you explain more about your disability? It is important to know the advantages and disadvantages of disclosing as well as knowing when and how to disclose. Disclosing or not disclosing can determine success at school or the job site
Instructions: Below is an informational outline about “disclosure”. Your teacher or case manager will have activities to guide your learning. TEACHER GUIDE
Consider viewing TIG’s Self-Advocacy Guidance and read over the disclosure section under student led IEP.
After the review of the outline, use it to complete a Disclosure Problem Solving Worksheet.
Should you Disclose?
Disability is visible
Accommodation is needed
Working relationships may be jeopardized
Individuals with disabilities feel they want to disclose
Opportunities for Disclosure
Postsecondary setting
In the application process
At the interview with the counselor
In a personal meeting with a disabilities specialist for the college
During the courses when problems are encountered*.
*Postsecondary institutions are not required to eliminate poor performances from transcript prior to asking for an accommodation.
Employment
In the application.
At the interview.
After getting the job and before you start work.
After beginning a job but before encountering problems.
How to Disclose
A written document or a personal meeting explaining your disability; how you meet the challenges of the disability; and your strengths and your abilities to complete the course, program or do the job.
Advantages of Disclosing
You have rights to accommodations.
You are protected under the Americans with Disability Act.
Disclosing gives individuals with disabilities an opportunity to explain to the instructor/employer their abilities and eliminate stereotyping.
Disclosing gains trust from the instructor/employer.
Disadvantages of Disclosing
Instructors/Employers focus on the disability not the ability.
Instructors/Employers may have unreal perceptions of the disability. (Examples: Always sick, slow worker, etc.).
May be eliminated in the initial stages of the selection process.