Script your disclosure. Write it down and have it critiqued. Run through it with friends
who are employers, with people in the working world.
Rehearse your disclosure script until you feel comfortable and good about it, not
only with your lips, but also with your body language.
When you prepare your script, avoid being too clinical or too detailed. It may be
of great interest to you, but the interviewer wants to know only three things: will
you be there; can you do the job as well or better than anyone else; will you be of
value to the company?
Remember your script and be positive about your skills and abilities. The more positive
you are, the more you will convey that you are you and "just happen to have a disability."
Conversely, the more you discuss your disability, the more important it will become
in the employer's mind.
Pros
Reduction of stress. Many people report that "hiding is more stressful than telling."
You will have "cleared the air" and will know what to expect.
Release from the worry that a past employer or reference might inadvertently "drop"
the fact that you have a disability.
Full freedom to examine and question health insurance and other benefits.
Freedom to communicate with your employer should you face changes in your condition.
Disclosure may make you feel more "comfortable." That word is the real key to the
issue of disclosure.
Cons
Bad past experience(s): rejection or loss of a job because of the disability.
Fear of being placed in a "dead-end job."
Fear of being an object of curiosity.
Fear that if something doesn't go right, it will be blamed on the disability
