The Why, When, What, and How of Disclosure
Why disclose in the post-secondary setting?

As a student with a disability in elementary, middle and high school, you did not need to share information about your disability to receive accommodations because the school and your parents or guardians were there to assist you with arranging accommodations. Also, you had the support of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), a law that entitles students with disabilities to receive a “free appropriate public education.”

Once you leave high school, the IDEA does not apply to you. Instead, as a person with a disability, you are covered under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act. Both of these laws require that covered individuals with disabilities must be provided with reasonable accommodations if the individual discloses a disability and the institution is a covered entity. These laws do not specify the process for obtaining accommodations in the same manner in which the IDEA does. Therefore, it is up to you to share information about your disability to make sure you receive the accommodations you need.

After high school, accommodations are usually provided by a program's disability support service only if you disclose your disability and request accommodations. Some reasons for disclosing your disability in a post-secondary setting include:
  • Obtaining information about available supports and services, accessing reasonable accommodations.
  • Discussing academic requirements and practical components of your course of study. •
  • Ensuring that faculty members implement the reasonable accommodations you require in order for you to be successful in your courses.
  • Providing legal protection against discrimination (e.g., ADA).
  • Securing general assistance in the transition to the post-secondary setting.

When to disclose your disability:

The timing of your disclosure depends upon when you need accommodations. Generally, there are five instances when it may be important to consider disclosure.39
  • PRIOR TO ENROLLMENT - you would disclose at this time if you needed accommodations during the application process.40
  • AT THE TIME OF ADMISSION OR ENROLLMENT - if you anticipate that you will need accommodations to complete your classes, it would be important to disclose at this point. Remember, you want to disclose your disability before you have trouble in a course due to a lack of accommodations. Also, disclosing early allows time for disability support services to plan and arrange needed accommodations.
  • DURING YOUR COURSE OF STUDY - you would disclose at this point if you discover that you need accommodations while taking classes.
  • AFTER BEING DIAGNOSED - you may want to disclose if you acquire a disability during your course of study and need accommodations to successfully complete the program.
  • NEVER41 - you may choose not to disclose your disability if no accommodations are needed, or if you have decided to accommodate your needs personally.

How to disclose your disability:

Determine your own personal privacy boundaries concerning the amount and type of information you want to share with others. Pick a time when you are not rushed and can thoughtfully explain your needs to others. Remember to keep the disclosure conversation focused on your abilities and be self-determined and practical. It is also a good idea to practice talking about your disability with someone you trust to gain experience and feel comfortable.

What to disclose about your disability:
Programs may vary regarding the information they request from you. Below is information that you should be prepared to share with the disability support service staff.
  • Information about your disability, including assessments and, if requested, documentation of your disability.
  • Types of academic accommodations that have worked for you in the past.
  • Types of academic accommodations you anticipate needing in the post-secondary setting.
  • How your disability and other life experiences can contribute to success in your studies.
  • How your disability affects your capacity to learn and study effectively.

To whom do you disclose your disability?
Generally, you should only disclose your disability to those individuals who have a need to know because of the accommodation process. You may consider disclosing to the program's disability support services’ staff, academic advisor, directly on your application or to the admissions staff. It is a good idea to begin by disclosing to the Disability Services Office to learn what the specific procedures are for your program. Disability Services can best advise students on when and how to disclose disabilities to others within the post-secondary setting.

Adapted from: US Department of Labor, http://www.dol.gov/odep/pubs/fact/wwwh.htm

39 If you choose to disclose your disability, colleges cannot disclose it without your permission.
40 If an applicant meets the essential requirements for admission, an institution may not deny that applicant admission simply because he or she has a disability, nor may an institution categorically exclude an applicant with a particular disability as not being qualified for its program(s). An institution may deny admission to any student, disabled or not, who does not meet essential requirements for admission or participation. Institutions do not have a duty to identify students with disabilities.
41 A student has no obligation to inform an institution of post-secondary education that he or she has a disability; however, if the student wants an institution to provide an academic adjustment or assign the student to accessible housing or other facilities, or a student wants other disability-related services, the student must identify himself or herself as having a disability. The disclosure of a disability is always voluntary.