When to Disclose

Youth are rarely taught about informed choice while in high school. Informed choice is the process of making a decision after considering relevant facts and weighing the pros and cons (positives and negatives) of the decision. One important decision that many young people face is whether or not to disclose their disability. If you have a disability, there are no requirements that you disclose your disability to anyone at any time, but in order to receive accommodations at work or in school, you must disclose. If you do not require accommodations, it is generally not necessary to disclose.

Source: National Collaborative on Workforce and Disability for Youth (2005). The 411 on Disability Disclosure Workbook. Washington, DC: Institute for Educational Leadership.