How to inform an employer of your disability to get the adjustments you need

The main reason for telling an employer that you have a disability is so that you can get the adjustments you need.

You may require adjustments to demonstrate your true potential at each stage of a job application process or to perform well in the role once you've secured it.

If you've decided to be open about your disability, the next step is to think about how you want to be open regarding what you say and how and when you say it.

In this article, we'll cover:

• Step 1: Work out what you want to share and why
• Step 2: Work out who you need to speak to
  • Practise your openness statement
  • Download a free Openness Statement template
• Step 3: Decide when to inform an employer
  • Opportunities to discuss your disability with an employer
• Step 4: Explore how to discuss your disability positively
• Top tips for talking about your disability to employers

You don't have to go into the details of your disability. Instead, focus on your disability within the context of the job application process, and ask yourself ‘what do I need in order to demonstrate my potential?’

To work out what you need, you'll first have to find out what the recruitment process involves. You should then challenge yourself to think broadly about what you need at each stage of the process.

Adjustments to request can include, but are not limited to:

• Extra time
• Access
• The use of a PC
• The provision of an interpreter
• A change in the format of the interview
• An orientation visit

Only tell the employer what's relevant so that they know exactly how to support you – what adjustments do you require?

Helen Cooke, Disability Consultant and Director of MyPlus Students’ Club, says:

“As a wheelchair user, I remember requesting a parking space to be reserved and ensuring that there was access at the venue including an accessible toilet. If I were requesting adjustments now, I would also ask to ensure that the desk is an appropriate height so that my knees can fit under it. In addition, I would request that the breaks be sufficiently long enough to enable me to use the toilet and get a drink since I often found that by the time I had used the toilet, it was time to start again.”

Once you are clear about the adjustments you are going to request, you then need to work on how to request them. Following this checklist is a great way of working out what to say:

1. This is my disability/condition
2. This is the implication for the recruitment process
3. As a consequence, this is what I require.

Using this checklist, you can put together your ‘openness statement’ which you can share with employers as and when you need to.

Example

1. I have dyslexia and dyspraxia.
2. I have weak short-term memory and I am unable to write comprehensive notes while I am listening.
3. I require handouts in advance, and the ability to record conversations. I will also need additional time.

Aim to inform the person managing the recruitment process of your disability so that they can implement the adjustments you require.

We advise contacting the graduate recruitment team by phone or email as soon as you are invited to an interview. If you are not able to find the number on the website, go through the main switchboard and ask for the name and contact details of the person you can liaise with for future reference.

Helen Cooke, Disability Consultant and Director of MyPlus Students’ Club, says:

“Many employers will provide you with a dedicated point of contact or the opportunity to speak directly to a recruitment manager about your needs and requirements, use this opportunity to clarify any questions that you have and confirm that the adjustments you have requested can be provided on the day.”

As you progress through different stages of the application process, you should be prepared to answer any questions the employer has and help them understand how to support you.

Remember that recruiters are dealing with many, many applicants – it's therefore understandable if they need you to remind them of your requirements.

Find out what the assessment process involves so you can figure out which adjustments you need in order to perform best.

Try to be timely in your communication. Generally, employers will be able to make sure adjustments are ready for you if they have time in advance to prepare.

There are lots of opportunities for you to tell an employer that you have a disability or long-term health condition. When you do so is ultimately your choice and will depend on when you feel most confident sharing.

Remember: the more notice you give an employer of your requirements, the easier it will be for them to accommodate them.

Helen Cooke, Disability Consultant and Director of MyPlus Students’ Club, says:

“Knowing what support you need will help you decide when to inform an employer. If you know that you need accessible software or additional time to complete the online tests, then you should inform your employer in advance so that they can make the appropriate adjustments and/or take into account any mitigating circumstances relating to your condition during the assessment process.”

• Before applying. Discussing your requirements at the beginning of the process will reassure you that the employer can provide what you need. It will also provide the employer with plenty of time to set up your adjustments.
• On your application form or your CV. There's likely to be space on the application form for you to add information about your requirements.
• Once you've been invited for an interview. If you choose to inform an employer at this point, make sure to do it as soon as you receive your invitation to attend the interview.
• During the interview. You could bring your disability up during the interview, however, be aware that this may come as a surprise to the interviewers and may not be the best option. Helen Cooke does not recommend informing employers in the interview – other stages of the process can be more convenient.
• Once you've had the job offer. If you have been sent a job offer and are going to need support or adjustments in the workplace, we recommend discussing your needs before your start date. Preparing in advance should mean that whatever you need is in place from day one.
• Once you've started. If you require very little support or adjustments, there may not be any rush for you to tell your new employer that you have a disability. We do advise informing them at some stage, however, as you may need support or time off in the future.

Identifying the strengths you've gained through your experience can help you take ownership and make your disability work for you.

Whether you’re writing your cover letter or completing an application form, we all have the same goal – to stand out as an exceptional applicant and be invited for an interview. This is where you can talk about the strengths and skills you have developed as a result of your personal experiences.

When it comes to disability, it’s very easy to think about all the things you cannot do, or that you can no longer do. Try to think about what you can do and what skills, strengths and competencies you have.

We all develop skills as a result of our experiences and this is also true if you have to manage a disability on a day-to-day basis in a world that isn’t always geared up for it.

Aim to identify three or four key skills or competencies. For each of these, you need to be able to provide a couple of examples to demonstrate why they're strengths.

Ideally, each skill will have been developed by a different experience, and you should only aim to have two or three that are related to your disability.

• Only share what information is relevant; you don’t need to go into all the details of your disability. By knowing what you need, you can know what to ask for.
• Do not use complicated medical terminology when talking about your disability. Instead, stay focused on the context of the application process or job and what you need to succeed.
• Contact the graduate recruitment team by phone or email as soon as you are invited to an interview. The more notice you give an employer of your requirements, the easier it will be for them to accommodate them.
• Be positive. Talk about your disability positively by describing the skills and strengths it has enabled you to develop. Demonstrate that your disability has not limited your personal achievements, study or work performance.

This article has been republished with the permission of MyPlus Students' Club.