At which point in the application process should I declare myself disabled?

Question

I'm about to apply for several jobs that I feel able to do despite being reliant on a wheelchair. A small part of the jobs is taking notes in meetings (one duty in a list of 15+ so it really is a small part) and because I have painful hands I find writing difficult so wouldn't be able to do this.

If I get an interveiw I would have to inform them about the wheelchair, but should I wait until I'm offered an interview or put it on application form? And at which point should I inform them that they would have to make "reasonble adjustments" to the duties I'm asked to do?

Thanks! :-)

When I said I'll have to tell them if I get an interview, I meant before the interview so they canmake sure the room is accesible. I didn't mean during! lol

I'm in the UK, btw. Thanks for ideas so far! xxx

Answer 1

Usually a company will make resonable adjustments to help a person with a disability to do the job. If you can't take notes by hand, maybe they will give you a laptop so you can type the notes instead.

You don't have to say in the application form that you're in a wheelchair although some places have a policy to give preference to minorities and persons with disabilities so it could be an advantage.

Obviously when you're in the interview (I'm assuming it's face to face and not over the phone) you're wheelchair will be apparent. Just focus on what you can do and let them know you will try to find reasonable adjustments to things you have difficulty doing during the interview. If you wait to get the job offer you may already be the victim of discrimination if they just assume there are lots of things you can't do.

Be proactive in the interview and remind them that just because you may need to do somethings differently doesn't mean your not the best candidate for the position. Then tell them all of your other wonderful qualities so they don't dwell on the small stuff.

Answer 2

If you get called for an interview, you will have to ask if the location of the interview is wheelchair-accessible. That tells you potential employer immediately that you have a physical limitation. However, since you have trouble taking minutes, you should not be applying for jobs in which that is a stated requirements. That's simply being reasonable on your part.

Many of the physical adjustments to a workstation or to an office in general a low-tech and low cost. For example, you sit higher than does an able-bodied person, so you desk needs to be raised. It can simply be put on blocks of scrap wood, or it can be put on furniture risers. A typical L-shaped desk would need 6 such risers, and that's a one-time adjustment with a price tag of about $100 dollars.

Don't include your restrictions on any application form. If you do that, you are risking not even getting an interview, but you will have no way to prove it.

Also, in many places, employers are mandated to make adjustments for workers' physical problems.

Been there and done that.

Answer 3

I wouldn't put your disability on your resume or job application.

If you get an interview, they'll obviously know about it then. Since at that point you will have showed that you can get to the interview, and present your qualifications, it shouldn't matter to them. And if it does - well, you probably don't want to work for them anyway if they're that narrow-minded.

Pretty much any employer is aware of the "reasonable accommodation" laws. And for taking the notes, are you able to type? Could you key them into a laptop rather than writing them longhand? Getting around that one might be pretty simple.

Reasonable accomodation means finding other ways to do the job.

Good luck. And if you don't end up getting the job, don't get discouraged. Don't think it's because of your disability - it could just be they found someone whose background more closely matches their needs.

Answer 4

Only tell them you rely on a wheelchair and need some reasonable accommodations after you have secured a job.
Notate their response when you ask if their entrance has steps or handicap accessibility.
In the US, there are certain questions, like health and disability questions that are not deemed legal to place on an employment application. Don't know what are the UK requirements.

Answer 5

of course you should put all the facts about yourself on your application form and then the person offering the job can make an honest decision and not put you both in an embarrassing position when you arrive for your interview im sure all your applications will be judged on your experience of the job involved not on the fact that you have a disability so be confident good luck hope you get what you want

Answer 6

Do it upfront in the covering letter with your job application. in the UK is common now (and may even be law) that companies GAURANTEE an interview to anyone who meets the minimum job criteria and is disabled. Not sure if this happens in the rest of the world, but it is designed to ensure no discrimination based on disability. However, employers need to know straightaway if you are disabled so that they can offer you this.

Answer 7

What do you already locate out approximately this agency? Do they have a bent to be happy with "variety" to the quantity that the workers communicate approximately it being a artwork custom that embraces variety if no longer, then traditionally conversing, except you pick an ADA lodging or except it is glaring (being in wheelchair as an occasion), then do no longer point out it... there are very passive to legally discriminate and it takes place each and all of the time you're legally allowed to maintain that inner maximum and you will desire to Is the question Are You Disabled? or is the question directed to pick of lodging: Are you disabled & in pick of lodging?.... i could in basic terms no longer answer Are You Disabled.. i would not answer confident & i would not answer no... except i wanted an lodging... and, i think of it would additionally be unlawful for them to ask approximately disabilities that would not impression your artwork

Answer 8

being honest at the beginning shows that you are a trustworthy person...

most people won't care about the wheelchair, they will care about how well you can do the job.

Answer 9

There is always a part on the application form to declare this. Don't worry, it will probably mean you are more likely to get to the job. Pity you're not black and lesbian as well - it would be guaranteed to be yours!