How to Disclose a Disability to Your Employer

One of the most difficult decisions you may face during your employment is whether or not to tell your employer about your disability. Whether you have a mental or physical disability, consider how it will affect your NY state disability insurance, and follow these tips:

- Decide whether to disclose or not to disclose. Many factors can go into this decision, so consider whether or not your disability will affect your performance or attendance at work, and if you truly want your employer to know about your disability.

- Do your homework. Talk to your doctor and see if he or she foresees you needing time off in the future for appointments or recovery. Make note of any special accommodations you’ll need, such as a closer parking space or a desk in a different area of the office.

- Decide what to disclose. Choose whether you want to use general terms, such as “a medical condition,” or more specific terms such as, “bipolar disorder,” or “thyroid cancer.” You can also determine whether you’d like to share symptoms of your disability with your employer.

- Speak with your employer. Finally, sit down and have a face-to-face conversation with the appropriate supervisor. Review the skills that have already made you a great match for the position, and then describe any functional limitations caused by your disability that may inhibit your performance at work. Also identify any accommodations you may need and work with your supervisor to put these in place. If you wish, provide your employer more information about your specific disability, such as Internet links and pamphlets.