Students with Disabilities

If you have a visible or invisible disability, you may have many questions during the job or internship search process.

We’re here to help. We can support you by:

  • providing advice around your questions and concerns
  • helping you build confidence by focusing in on your unique strengths
  • directing you to other beneficial resources

Common Questions from Students with Disabilities

  • How and when should I disclose my disability to an employer? (We can practice or role-play disclosure with you.)
  • What is considered a “reasonable accommodation” and how should I request one?
  • What strengths may I bring to the workplace as a person with a disability?
  • How do I overcome challenges or request accommodations for an interview?
  • How can I figure out if an employer will be supportive and suit my needs and values?

Schedule a 30-minute career counseling appointment to discuss these and other questions with a career counselor.

Factors to Consider around Disability Disclosure

When or where should you disclose your disability?

This is a very personal decision. We recommend taking into consideration these suggestions from the US Department of Labor:

There is no one ‘right’ time or place to disclose […] Consider the following stages: 

  • In a letter of application or cover letter;
  • Before an interview;
  • At the interview;
  • In a third-party phone call or reference;
  • Before any drug testing for illegal drugs;
  • After you have a job offer;
  • During your course of employment; or
  • Never.

“Youth, Disclosure, and the Workplace: Why, When, What, and How.” The Office of Disability Employment Policy. Retrieved June 2019.

    Deciding Whether to Disclose: Reflection Questions

    Take some time to reflect on each of the prompts below when are you considering your decision around disclosure:

    • What are the advantages and disadvantages of disclosing?
    • Will not disclosing severely impact my work or interview performance?

    Keep in mind: It’s best to disclose before performance is lowered due to lack of accommodation. You might want to disclose when you first become aware of any difficulties, whether when completing an application, during pre-hire employment testing, or at any other stage.

    • Is there any workplace barrier that might impact my performance or ability to learn?

    Remember, you are not obligated to disclose!

    Disclosure Tips: If You Do, If You Don’t

    If you do not choose to disclose…

    • Consider reevaluating this decision every 6 months.
    • Check in with your supervisor about work performance periodically.
    • Ask yourself whether your disability is affecting your performance of key job tasks. If yes, you might consider disclosing.

    If you choose to disclose…

    TIPS for preparing to disclose

    1. Research whether the company or organization is required to provide a reasonable accommodation.
    2. Research company processes for handling accommodation requests.
    3. Use ASK JAN or connect with Columbia’s Disability Services to determine possible solutions for accomodations.
    4. Practice or role-play different disclosure scenarios and possible outcomes with a CCE career counselor.
    5. Consider creating a paper trail with your accommodation request or disclosure.
    6. Build an alliance and support system at work.

    TIPS FOR Disclosing

    1. Do so in a confidential place.
    2. Allow time for questions.
    3. Focus on the positive. Don’t dwell on any limitations.
    4. Provide recommendations or solutions for accommodations since you know your needs best. Be your own best advocate!
    5. Simply stating you need an adjustment to your work environment or change at work due to a medical reason is sufficient. You do not have to disclose personal details or share with all colleagues. Your employer is required to keep all information confidential relating to your disability or medical condition.
    Evaluating the Workplace: Considerations

    Highlighting Your Strengths

    As a person with a disability you have a unique perspective on the world, which can be a huge asset to employers. Consider all of the qualities and skills you have gained from overcoming challenges related to your identity. CCE career counselors can work with you individually to unpack the strengths, assets, and qualities you can bring to your future employer.

    Strategies for Evaluating the Workplace

    • Examine the company website carefully. Is there an ADA or diversity-related statement?
    • Assess the company’s culture, values, traditions, interactions, and beliefs. Do the company’s mission and values align with your own?
    • Connect with alumni or other students who have interned there to get an in-depth look at the work culture. You may find LinkedIn helpful in identifying these current or former employees.
    • Research employee reviews of the company on Glassdoor.
    • Review partners of Lime Connect, a nonprofit whose mission is to “rebrand disability through achievement.” Lime Connect works with leading employers who value the talent and strengths of employees with disabilities.
    • Gain more information about the hiring process from the organization, a recruiter, or hiring manager.
      • Can you ask to see the work environment or work space during or after the interview process?
    • Is there an active affinity group?

    Resources for Students with Disabilities

    Columbia Resources
    • Practice Interviews: Work with us at CCE to practice ways to disclose your disability.
    • Office of Disability Services (ODS): ODS can provide guidance on helpful workplace accommodations. ODS Learning Specialists can help you:
      • develop strategies to read the body language and tone of an interviewer or employer
      • teach you appropriate email etiquette
      • help you practice talking about your disability to gain confidence
    External Resources

    Resources

    In the Know