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Work & Money 
  |  Office Culture  |  Your rights  |  When should I declare my disability?
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When should I declare my disability?


question
I'm 52 and have a slight disability which affects my mobility and balance. It only affects employment when there is thick frost or snow on the ground, as I'm too scared to leave the house for fear of falling over.

I would like to know whether I have to declare this disability issue on application forms or even at interviews, otherwise how can I be sure that I'm not being discriminated against because of it?

My current thinking is to use the next few of months to update my skills, and then try to get a job in the spring so that, hopefully, I can show my employer that I'm a good worker before difficulty with inclement weather arises, but I'm not sure it's ethical.
Addiscomber

answer
You don't actually have to declare your disability at all. However if you expect your employer to make allowances for it, you need to declare it on your application form. The Disability Discrimination Act is applicable to employers of more than 15 workers. There is little or no way you can be sure you're not discriminated against until you work for someone. However, some big employers do have an active disability policy and will interview anyone with a disability, so this could work in your favour. The Disability Rights Commission
Blessings
Ace

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