deciding to disclose or tell an employerabout disability is difficult and personal choice, but how do you know what choice to make?when's the best time? what happens if you don't disclose? hey, how's the application going over there? i'm worried about telling them about my disability. well you know you don't have to let them know about your disability, but they don't have to give you accommodations unless you disclose your disability so what should i do? [voice over] there are many things to consider before disclosing your disability to a potential employer
some people createstrategies to self-accommodate without disclosing. others choose to disclose sothey can get more information about potential barriers, support networks, andeven disability services. so you know you don't have to tell them otherpersonal information right? i dont? no, all you have to tell them is how your disability affects the way you do yourjob and what accommodations and supports you need. [voice over] whether your disability isvisible, like if you use a wheelchair or your disability is hidden such as a learning disability
or bipolar disorder, it may change how or when you would disclose. if you chose to do so. [knocking on door] come in. hellohi. please, sit down. do you have any disabilities or conditions that might affect your job performance here? whoa, whoa, whoa, whoa, whoa an employer cannot ask you any questions about your disability or the severity of it but it's important to learn how to advocate for yourself in situations like this.
let's try that again. can you perform all the job requirements here with or without accommodations? so yeah, that was good. at this point you can decide to disclose your disability. for more information, check out the national collaborative on workforce and disability's "the 411 on disability disclosure: a workbook for youth with disabilities" you can also visit the new york state department labor's youth portal at labor.ny.gov/youth
or visit youthpowerny.org for more resources on career exploration and self-advocacy.