Presentation at AbilityLinks Expo 2008

1. Disclosing a
Disability:
What Works for You?

2. 3. How
2. When
1. Need

3. 1. Need?
 What do I know about…
• Job
• Functions and expectations
• Detailed job description
• Informational interview
• Accommodations

4. Practice
 What job am I interested in?  Will I need to make any
______________________ changes in how the job is
done because of job-
related limitations?
__ Yes __ No
 What are 2 or 3 basic duties
of the job?  If yes, what do I think
______________________ those changes will be?
______________________ ________________________
______________________ ________________________
________________________

5. 1. Need?
 What do I know about…
 Myself
 Strengths/job-related limitations
 Accommodations
 Disability
 ADA

6. Practice
 What are the strengths I  Are there plans or
have that would be good for strategies you could think of
the job I am interested in? to make up for job-related
limitations?
____________________
________________________
____________________ ________________________
____________________
 Is there any technology you
 What supports would I need could use for job-related
for my job duties? limitations?
________________________ ______________________
________________________ ______________________

7. Practice
 Have I ever used any
accommodations at a work
site (paid or training)?  Do I know the protections
________________________ that the Americans with
________________________ Disabilities Act offers me in
looking for a job or at work?
 Will I possibly need any ________________________
medical assistance? ________________________
________________________ ________________________
________________________

8. 1. Need?
• What do I know about…
• Company/Employer Background Information
• Diversity
• Recruitment
• Policy

9. 1. Need?
 Company/Employer Background Information
• Where to find out more information?
1. Website of company – www.youremployer.com
2. Illinois workNet centers
• workNet DuPage Career Center
www.worknetdupage.org
3. Local chamber of commerce

10. 3. How
2. When
1. Need

11. When to disclose timeline:
Before job offer When problems appear
After job offer

12. 2. When to Disclose?
 Before hire
 Cover letter
 Resume or job application
 Arranging interview appointment
 During interview

13. 2. When to Disclose?
 After hire
 Before actually starting the job
 After the job begins and before a problem
 When performance difficulties appear

14. 2. When to Disclose?
 Never
 No need

15. 3. How
2. When
1. Need

16. 3. How to Disclose?
 General guidelines:
 Positive
 Inform
 Educate
 Functional terms

17. 3. How?
 Practice phrases
 “During the interview, you explained that supervisors
verbally explain directions. I work best when directions are
first explained and then demonstrated.”
 “I have difficulty reading in the traditional way. My screen
reader, which reads electronic information aloud using an
electronic voice, will be useful on this job.”
 “I have a medical condition that requires me to take breaks
at specific times. I always get the job done when I can
manage my schedule this way.”

18. Disclosure Decision
Worksheet
No.
Yes.
When:__________ How: Reasons:
Need To:
1.______________ _______________ ___________
1.______________
___________
2.______________ _______________ ___________
2.______________
3.______________
___________
3.______________ _______________

19. Resources
 “Disclosure Decisions To Get the Job,”
Virginia Commonwealth University
Rehabilitation Research and Training Center
on Workplace Supports and Job Retention.

20. Contact Information
Paul Engman
Employment Specialist II
Parents Alliance Employment Project
pengman@worknetdupage.org