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What Does Self-Disclosure Mean?

70% of people have non-evident disabilities, but many choose not to disclose them due to the fear of discrimination.

70% of people have non-evident disabilities, but many choose not to disclose them due to the fear of discrimination.
A look at why employees are encouraged to disclose their disabilities to help shape the workforce

Sharing disability-related information with prospective or current employers can be a deeply personal and potentially overwhelming decision. While the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) limits the types of disability-related questions that employers can ask individuals from pre- to post-employment, there are no established requirements, guidelines, or timelines for employees to disclose their disability.

As a result, many individuals with non-evident disabilities opt not to self-identify as a person with a disability for a number of reasons, including implicit biases and fears of being seen as a less desirable job candidate.

However, employees that do discuss their disabilities in the workplace have found that it can encourage others to disclose their disabilities, as well, fostering a more supportive and inclusive work culture.

Ultimately, the more people that self-identify and disclose their disabilities, the more awareness can be generated around employment-related disability issues – and the more voices can join in the conversations about finding solutions.

Disability Awareness is our signature digital series that shines the spotlight on the most innovative initiatives helping to train and re-skill Americans for the most in-demand jobs now and in the future.

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