Disclosing a disability
You don’t generally need to disclose to an employer medical or personal information about your disability. The choice to disclose is yours unless adjustments must be made for you to complete the main tasks of your job, or your disability jeopardises workplace safety.
The law relating to disability in Australia
The Federal Disability Discrimination Act (DDA) protects all people in Australia from discrimination in the workplace.
Employers must provide reasonable, work-related adjustments to enable people to perform the requirements of their job. An exception to this is when the adjustments would cause hardship to the employer, such as disproportionate cost.
Information about a disability is confidential and protected by the DDA, as well as state and federal information privacy acts. You must first consent to the sharing of any information and, if shared, it must be kept confidential.
Choosing to disclose
Here are some reasons you might choose to disclose your disability:
- you want adjustments to the application process or the workplace environment
- your employer has equal opportunity policies or disability statements and is keen to increase the diversity of their workforce
- you have a disability that will be noticeable at interview and you want to explain it positively in your application beforehand
- you want to explain your disability and be clear about your needs
- you may need to explain aspects of your resumé (e.g. a gap in your education or employment due to a rehabilitation period).
Choosing not to disclose
Reasons for choosing not to disclose your disability include:
- your disability has no effect on your ability to complete the application process or do the job
- you feel uncomfortable discussing your disability with a stranger
- you’re concerned the employer may have a negative attitude or misconception about disability.
How to disclose
Be clear about what you hope to achieve from disclosing. Your disclosure should highlight your ability to do the work and minimise the issues relating to your disability.
When discussing the adjustments you need in the workplace, explain clearly how they can be set up. Think about suggesting vendors or service providers.
When to disclose
Consider who needs the information. At each stage of the application process, you will be dealing with different people. Each may require different information delivered in a specific way.
Your written application
Cover letter or personal statement
Health questionnaire
Equal opportunity monitoring form
Before the interview
At the interview
After the job offer or while you’re at work
Want some advice?
You can talk to someone at Disability Support Services to help you make a decision about disclosure. Or you can look for information outside Monash:
Funding for assistive technology or non-medical helper
Government employment assistance funding may cover the cost of work-related modifications, adaptive equipment and communication devices. The funding may also cover the costs of services such as Auslan interpreting and training in disability awareness, deafness awareness and mental health first aid.
For more information, check out:
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