These issues are complex and nuanced, and this page is a good place to start thinking about if, when and how to disclose in order to ask for accommodations to support your success.
Disclosure means explaining the impact of your disability and usually happens because accommodation for that impact is needed. Accommodations are reasonable steps an employer must by law, provide to an employee or candidate with a disability, to meet their needs during the recruitment process or for success on the job.
The resources in this section will help you make strategic decisions about disclosure. Appointments to discuss your accommodations and disclosure situation are also available through the Career Centre.
The legal duty to accommodate for disabilities in the workplace is spelled out in the Canadian Human Rights Code and at the provincial level in the Ontario Human Rights Code Duty to Accommodate - Ontario Human Rights Commission
Requesting Accommodations usually requires disclosing a disability’s impact on the job to the employer but not the medical diagnosis. The decision to disclose, how much to disclose, when and to whom is highly personal and depends on both the candidate or employee and their employment situation. If you are receiving academic accommodations, getting the needed accommodations for success on the job is very similar, but requires you to initiate the conversation advocate for yourself. This may sound daunting, but asserting your legal right to accommodations can be very simple and straight forward.
Read When and How to Talk About Your Disability to learn more about the pros and cons of disclosure.
Not sure what accommodations would be helpful for you? This website has great information on the types of accommodations suitable for specific disability conditions. Ask JAN - Job Accommodation Network’s Searchable Online Accommodations Resource
The Canadian Mental Health Association’s guide to finding employment for persons with mental health disabilities discusses when, how and why to disclose and is broadly applicable to any disclosure decision. See Steps to Employment Guide for Persons with Mental Health Disabilities Chapter 7 “Disclosure of Your Disability” starting on page 50.
If you are unsure about disclosure decisions and/or how to ask for accommodations, please make an appointment to discuss it with a Career Counsellor. If you are registered with Accessibility Services, ask your Advisor to book you and appointment with the Career Centre’s accessibility counsellor who works with students receiving academic accommodations.
updated July 2023