Activity 4 Training Materials | 'Disclosure' Good Practice |
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From: Good Practice Guidelines, published by: AHEAD IRELAND What do I need to know about disclosure? One of the issues faced by people with disabilities entering education or employment is whether or not to divulge that they have a disability. Although there is no legal requirement to make this information available, a person who needs accommodations in their course or job needs to make it known that they need assistance. Not disclosing a disability can sometimes make it difficult for staff to help. Example “I know this student has a disability because they are sitting in front of me in a wheelchair. But does this constitute disclosure?”
Students need to identify: * The entrance criteria for their chosen course or job area * The knowledge and skills required * The possible impact of their disability whilst studying * What accommodations they need and what supports are available Some students may underestimate the demands of studying at third level and they may not want to be perceived as being different. They may also be unaware of what supports are available. Example “…I did not know where to go for advice or support. These are only things that you begin to find out, as I have, when you are near to finishing. I didn’t have a clue as to the types of support offered by my university until this year, which is my final year” It is the student’s responsibility to: * Identify themselves as needing assistance so that suitable accommodations can be put in place * Provide appropriate documentation, such as psychological reports, to support their application for accommodations or funding for student supports * Choose a time which is appropriate and which will allow for full discussion * Fully participate in the identification of their support needs and in finding effective strategies * Make staff aware of any difficulties being experienced Advantages and disadvantages of disclosure The decision whether or not to disclose that they have a disability belongs totally to the student who will want to weigh up all the advantages and disadvantages first. Here are some of the advantages: * It enables students to gain access to the accommodations they need * It ensures that they are protected against discrimination under current legislation * It provides an opportunity to present a positive image of one’s strengths and talents * It ensures that students have the resources they need in order to learn most effectively * It provides greater freedom to ask for help when it is needed * It avoids the stress of keeping the disability a secret * It allows greater access to a range of supports, such as additional tuition or extra time during examinations * It ensures that emergency plans can be put in place if needed * It acknowledges that many employers have equality policies and are willing to employ people with disabilities
And here are some of the disadvantages of disclosure: * It may focus greater attention on the person’s disability * It could cause the person to be feel underestimated or stigmatised * Other students or staff may feel uncomfortable with this new information * It could lead to being treated differently * It could have an effect on the person’s self-image * People may see the person as being less able than they are * Other people may feel that the person with a disability is being given an unfair advantage Students need to be encouraged, at every opportunity, to come forward and seek any assistance that they need When is the best time to disclose? The timing of a disclosure is important, bearing in mind that organising suitable accommodations can take time. The sooner staff are aware that assistance is needed, the sooner supports can be put in place. There are a number of options available to a student who has decided to disclose that they have a disability: * On their enrolment form * Prior to enrolment on the course at a time when needs and accommodations can be discussed * At the beginning of the course when the student has settled in and is familiar with staff * As soon as the student becomes aware that they are experiencing difficulties * During the course when the nature of the accommodations needed becomes clearer Staff have an important role to play in ensuring that students are informed about the range of supports that are available to them and in encouraging them to disclose their disability Effective disclosure * Disclosing a disability can be a difficult experience and students might want to prepare in advance by: * Practicing explaining their disability in a few, concise words * Making a list of things that have worked well in the past * Researching the course or job and finding out what are the knowledge and skills criteria * Practicing having a face to face interview with another person * Describing how their disability might impact on their learning performance * Identifying and making a list of the sort of accommodations needed The following tips might be useful for students wishing to disclose: * Prepare by making a list of strengths and needs * Choose a time which is quiet so as to avoid interruptions * Be positive about your skills and abilities * Focus on the course and what you want to achieve * Be prepared to answer questions about your disability * Be honest about the sort of help you need * Talk about things that have worked for you in the past * Be yourself and don’t over explain Conclusion The disclosure of a disability is a very personal choice and one which may have an important impact on a person’s social, educational or employment future. Deciding whether or not to disclose a disability requires a lot of consideration to ensure that the decision is an informed one. All staff having contact with students have a role to play in making them aware of the supports that are available and in encouraging them to access the accommodations they require.
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