If you have a disability and are planning to disclose it to your employer or colleagues, here are a few tips to consider:
Know your rights:
Familiarise yourself with disability-related laws and policies that apply to your workplace, such as the Equality Act 2010, which prohibits disability discrimination. This will help you understand your rights and the support that may be available to you.
Decide when and how to disclose:
Consider when and how you want to disclose your disability to your employer or colleagues. You may choose to disclose before starting a job, during the hiring process, or at a later time. Think about what you feel comfortable sharing and how you would like to share it.
Prepare for potential questions:
You may be asked questions about your disability, how it impacts your ability to perform your job, and what accommodations may be needed. It can be helpful to think about how you would like to respond to these questions in advance.
Consider requesting accommodations (reasonable adjustments):
If you need accommodations or reasonable adjustments to perform your job effectively, consider making a request to your employer. Accommodations may include things like assistive technology, modified work schedules, or physical modifications to the workplace.
Communicate openly and honestly:
Be open and honest with your employer and colleagues about your disability and any accommodations that may be needed. This will help ensure that you have the support you need to be successful in your role.
It’s important to remember that disclosing your disability is a personal decision and that you have the right to decide when and how to do so. It can be helpful to seek the advice of a trusted friend, family member, or legal or advocacy organisation if you have concerns about disclosing your disability.
