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Disclosure

This page highlights resources to help you decide if you need to disclose your condition, when you should disclose and how you should disclose.

Do you need adjustments to your job or workspace? Whether it’s due to a sudden injury, an illness or a disability, many of us will need adjustments or accommodations at some point in our work lives.

You need to think about what information to share in order to participate in work, education or community life. You must decide what and how much potentially sensitive information to share so you can get the accommodations you need.

If you need to disclose

If you have a medical condition or disability and need adjustments to your work environment, it is OK and reasonable to ask for an accommodation. You may need help with an online job application, an interpreter during an interview or a different chair to sit in during your work hours. These are just some examples.

The Job Accommodation Network's (JAN) Searchable Online Accommodation Resource is an excellent resource to help you learn more about accommodations to fit your needs. Visit their website.

If you do not need accommodations, then you do not need to "disclose" or tell your employer you have a disability or medical condition at all.

WHEN and HOW you should disclose

When is the right time to disclose a medical condition or disability? And how should you do it? Check out:

  • Virginia's Disclosure Decisions to Get the Job — This guide provides a step-by-step worksheet that shows you the pros and cons of disclosing your information before and after you get a job. It also has examples of how to disclose your information.

More information

Most people are nervous to ask their employer for an accommodation. This is a normal feeling. Below are some helpful links that can help prepare you for this conversation. For more information on accommodations, visit the Employment for ME Accommodations page or see the resources below.