General Disability Lifestyle

Hi Guys,

I'm 28, a second-year law student and never held a job (for which I had to apply) so I'm not sure if my disclosure strategy is nutty. For background, I have obvious disabilities; I'm visually impaired and have CP, I use a powerchair and my speech isn't always super-clear. I'm looking for internships for this coming summer; I want to disclose my disabilities in my cover letter as I believe I can "spin" it to be an asset to the public interest/civil rights organizations (none disability-related) I'm applying to. Has anyone else done this, and if so did you have positive results? Many thanks in advance.

 

 

HELLO PAUL, I PERSONALLY WOULD BE VERY HONEST AND UPFRONT ABOUT MY DISABILITY .. I LOOK AT IT THIS WAY IF SOMEONE DOES NOT WANT TO GIVE ME THE OPPORTUNITY FOR A INTERVIEW BASED ON MY DISABILITY LET IT BE KNOW UP FRONT AND NOT WASTE MY TIME ! IF THEY WENT TO INTERVIEW ME THEN I KNOW THERE TRULY INTERESTED IN WHO AM AND WHAT I HAVE TO OFFER ... SAD TO SAY IGNORANCE STILL PLAYS AS ROLE ! BEST OF LUCK I AM SURE YOU WILL DO FINE ! 

 

                                                 RAINEY XO   

 I do not think it can hurt if there all about public interest or in civil rights. Just let them know  how it is if you are willing to show commitment and passion.. put it like this  my disability has not stopped me this far let them and I am planning on going all the way obviously i am serious about this and i have the qualification.Let them no your concern about this and how much this will mean to you.

I also would disclose it, otherwise it will be obvious if you get an interview. As of their respondents have alluded to, make the best of your case. I myself have been similarly impacted with a severe stroke which rendered my cognitive ability diminished, memory also impaired, poorly speaking in public. Go for it!

*bump*

I think your strategy is sound.  If you get interviews, at least you'll know it is because the company considers your fitness and ability to do the job above your disability.  The firm that hires you will appreciate your candor and  I think you will succeed.  BTW, my son went through law school and is now practicing in mid-town Atlanta.  I applaud your desire to enter this noble profession and it is tailor-made for someone who has to work "sitting down." Best of luck.

Found this older discussion and thought it deserved to be resurrected! It's not everyday that you hear from an employer what about your cover letter, resume, or interview actually motivated them to hire you. During my most recent successful interview (where I landed a job as a professor!), my employer said that a line in my cover letter that mentioned the strengths I could bring as a member of an underrepresented minority made her both curious and aware of the importance to hire a diverse staff. I would never outright disclose my exact disability so early in the game (with the cover letter) but I'm glad to know that my more vague mention worked. 

 

Hi Kara!

 

I agree that this was a good topic to bring back to life.  In a weak employment environment, with millions of people looking for jobs, it's important to make sure that our resume and cover letters showcase our abilities to the fullest.  I like your approach, which suggested that you can bring a different perspective to the table!

 

There's an article in Disaboom/Living that talks about whether a person with a disability should disclose that information on their resume.  You can check it out at:  http://www.disaboom.com/Living/employment/how-to-write-a-great-resume.aspx

 

My Story:  When I applied for my job here at Disaboom, I disclosed in my cover letter that I have multiple sclerosis.  They called me within 2 hours of applying, interviewed me the next morning, and I started work that same day (after going home and changing into jeans).  It was the right situation, with the right employer, where this "strategy" was beneficial.

 

Question to the Disaboom Community:  Has anyone requested that accommodations (of some sort) be provided at an interview?  That might make a difference on the timing (or the need) for any disclosure of a person's disability...

 

~~  Lily  ~~
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