Deciding when (and if) to disclose your disability in applications and the selection process is a personal decision. Consider any potential impact your disability could have on the role and whether any workplace adjustments are required.

Tips for disclosing

  • Be honest - if a disability question is asked directly in an application, you may need to weigh up how serious you are about applying and if you would be prepared to disclose up front. Disclosing at this stage can enable the recruiter to make adjustments to the recruitment process.
  • If disclosing at an interview, stay positive and point out the abilities your disability has enabled you to develop which may be of benefit in the role (resilience, initiative etc).
  • Be prepared to answer any objections you may foresee the employer having if you disclose. Also, be prepared to discuss any accommodations that may be necessary for you to do the job and how/where these can be provided.
  • Try to keep information on your disability job specific.  Steer discussion/content to show how you can do the job rather than the focus being on the problems that may arise.

Resources

Education to Employment

A great resource covering most aspects of transitioning into work while managing a disability/mental health condition. The site includes information on disclosure, legal rights, and workplace adjustments. It is a collaboration between NDCO and Western Sydney Uni.

Website: https://www.westernsydney.edu.au/educationtoemployment/home

Writing and Practising a disclosure script

A “disclosure script” is a brief summary of the information you would like to share about your disability.

Having a “script” and practising it with friends or relatives will help you to become more confident to share information about your disability to strangers or people that you may not know well.

This worksheet can help you develop self-advocacy skills and confidence, by focusing on your strengths and demonstrating to a potential employer that your disability will not impact on your performance, once the adjustments that you need have been implemented.

Sharing information about your mental health video

Macquarie University Career and Employment Service video with tips and advice on how to share information about your mental health: https://youtu.be/U282htbCCSM

Australian Network on Disability

General information on transitioning to work and information on their internship and mentoring programs for students with disabilities.

Website: https://www.and.org.au

GradWISE

GradWISE is a graduate program, developed by WISE Employment in conjunction with Australian Universities. The program is designed to empower graduates and tertiary students living with a disability, mental, physical health condition or injury aspire, develop and thrive in graduate and entry level employment.

For more information visit: https://wiseemployment.com.au/gradwise/

Fair Work Ombudsman

Website: https://www.fairwork.gov.au/employee-entitlements/protections-at-work/protection-from-discrimination-at-work

You can also make a complaint or seek advice from:

For further assistance:

Contact Accessibility Services to discuss your individual situation, what else to consider when preparing for employment, and the support services available to you while at uni.

You can also contact the Career and Employment Service for assistance.