Disclosure Anytime in the Job

Participation in employment is highly valued in society. Employment provides many positives such as an income, enhanced self identify, social relationships, and an increased range of skill development. Employment can also be taxing on an employee due to the amounts of energy and time required, and the need to balance work and life commitments.

Employees with a disability also have to manage their disability related needs including the impact of a busy work schedule on their health and well-being. It is possible that employees with a disability may be faced with the decision to disclose their disability when they are in their position of employment.

Should Disclosure Occur Anytime In The Job

The circumstances of an employee can change over time whilst in a position of employment. Changes may include:

All or any of these circumstances can be a catalyst for an employee to consider whether or not to disclose their disability while in the job.

Many employees choose not disclose their disability in the early stages of their job, sometimes for fear of discrimination, sometimes because they are able to manage their workload or they don't require any additional support. However, every employee's situation can change for a variety of reasons and this may impact on their decision to disclose.

Disclosure whilst in the job may occur as a pro-active measure or due to a crisis that requires some form of intervention:

Pro-active disclosure may occur due to;

Disclosure may occur due to a crisis and therefore may require support to be put in place to ensure that their job is not in jeopardy. Crisis disclosure may occur due to an employee;

Why Employees May Choose To Disclose When They Are In A Job

Geoff's disability has recently deteriorated to the point that he is now unable to manage some aspects of his job. Geoff's psychiatrist has made some recommendations for changes in his work, which need to be negotiated with his employer. For this reason Geoff has decided to disclose his disability to negotiate implementing work related adjustments to enable him to manage his position of employment.

An employee may choose to disclose their disability whilst they are employed in a job because:

Why Employees May Choose NOT To Disclose When They Are In A Job

Cara has previously worked in a position similar to her current role and therefore has an understanding of the position and its possible impacts on her disability. As a result, Cara has developed appropriate skills for managing her employment and therefore does not need to disclose her disability to her employer.

An employee may choose NOT to disclose their disability whilst they are employed in a job because:

What To Disclose?

Employees need to prepare how they would like to disclose their disability. It is important that the information presented is clear and concise and relevant to the job. Very often it is not essential to disclose in-depth medical or personal information about a disability.

The type of information presented to the appropriate person may include;

To Whom Should Disclosure Occur?

It is important for employees to identify the right person to disclose to. The most appropriate person to disclose a disability to could be their employer, supervisor, or the human resources department. Some organisations may have support services such as equal employment opportunity units, equity/social justice unity or employee support staff that can provide advice, support and assistance in identifying and implementing work related adjustments.

External supports such as union organisations, disability specific programs, and/or friends may assist in formulating a plan prior to disclosing a disability. Work colleagues may also assist with this.

The Purpose Of Disclosing

Often employees choose to disclose whilst they are in a job because their circumstances have changed or requirements of their employment highlight issues around their disability. Sometimes the changes are of a crisis nature, whilst at other times they are a pro-active measure.

It is essential that employees state their purpose in disclosing. This ensures that the disclosure can achieve a beneficial outcome. Disclosure is most effective when the employee is "…knowledgeable about their disability and (is) able to articulate both their disability-related needs and their unique talents."(1)

It is important for an employee to try to obtain some space from their work environment to develop an effective plan for disclosure in the vent of a crisis. Use of sick, annual or long service leave may assist an employee to obtain advice, support and to investigate options before disclosing a disability in the workplace.

When disclosing a disability in the workplace, it is not usually necessary to provide a detailed account of the disability or medical condition. It is helpful for an employee to provide a clear statement about the disability, how it has impacted on their capacity to work and what specific work related adjustments and supports would be helpful in the job.

Employee: Rights And Responsibilities In Disclosing A Disability In The Job

Employees have a right to:

Responsibilities:

Employer: Roles And Responsibilities

Role:

Responsibilities: