Disclosure

[Ruth]

Do you tell your employer that you have Dyspraxia? Or do you keep it to yourself?

How have they reacted?

[Daniel]

This topic was causing some heated debate at the last DANDA social I attended. Some seemed very concerned about informing potential employers, whereas others (myself included) didn't see much harm in doing so.

I haven't mentioned it to my employer as yet as although I was diagnosed with clumsy child syndrome at primary school I'd prefer to have a current assessment upon which to base any information I pass on to my employer. As it is, I've only been getting to grips with what dyspraxia involves within the past few months. If I was looking at starting a new job, I probably would make mention it on the application, even if I hadn't been fully assessed.

[rhubarb_crumble]

I think it's okay to tell your employer you have Dyspraxia. It might help them to become more understanding. Although, I do think it is important to focus more on the positives sides of Dyspraxia rather than the negatives.

[Daniel]

In terms of mentioning the positives of dyspraxia, I think these are less well documented and less tangible than the problems that those with dyspraxia face (although I'm willing to be correct should anyone know otherwise.)

In applying for a job the important thing is to make the potential employer aware of any special requirements that you have and yes, this should be the focus rather than dwelling on what you can't do, as after all an interview is about selling yourself. If you didn't think you could do the job you probably wouldn't be applying for it in the first place.

[fuzzy]

From a legal aspect, an employer cannot discrimate against you fro being dyspraxic; the law in fact makes sure that they meet your needs as much as possible, provoded that you have evidence in the form of an assesment. I think it depends what kind of job it is to be honest. If its part time and temporary, then there may be little point. But if its a job that your likely to stick to and make a career out of, then your best telling them from the outset, says I!!

[Tortoise]

hmmmm I've often thought about this but have never really sorted it out in my head... its been at the back of my mind for a while. Obviously it depends on the individual and how much your disability affects you. Somehow I don't think there is any point for me to disclose this sort of information when I'm going through the application stages. I tend to prefer people to know me first, before I tell them anything. Maybe once they have offered me a job and I accept (woo hooo) then it might be a good thing to let them know.

I aggree with Dan here - i think it relates to most disabilities

In terms of mentioning the positives of dyspraxia, I think these are less well documented and less tangible than the problems that those with dyspraxia face (although I'm willing to be correct should anyone know otherwise.)

--- i don't think there is much point disclosing if you are just to focus on the positives... it seems a bit too "cute" for an adult in the work place. If they want to employ you they obviously realise you have strengths. but for me I don't think is a case of it being a postive or negative thing.. it just IS. It's just so they understand me better and why i might seem really tired sometimes! and why I might do things a little bit more slowly or something?.... and that i might need a bit of consideration for this sometimes. But this disclosure issue is still really confusing and I can imagine me being really nervous about it in reality. I really don't know what to do.

[david456]

I didn't, but I don't think mine is severe enough to warrant me telling them, as it's not affecting my everyday life as such.

[mr_mallow]

I told mine and they were fine about it - even bought a computer for me specificly to use, instead of having to write things by hand. Which was nice!

[Thirteen-thirty-seven]

My dyspraxia isn't very severe, but I think I would tell an employer. I'm not sure how to tell them though. Do I put it in my CV? Do I mention it at interview? Do I wait until I have the job?

[keiraknightleyfan27]

In terms of mentioning the positives of dyspraxia, I think these are less well documented and less tangible than the problems that those with dyspraxia face (although I'm willing to be correct should anyone know otherwise.)

In applying for a job the important thing is to make the potential employer aware of any special requirements that you have and yes, this should be the focus rather than dwelling on what you can't do, as after all an interview is about selling yourself. If you didn't think you could do the job you probably wouldn't be applying for it in the first place.

I just tell them I have a disability. I tell them what happens with my disability, but I don't tell them exactly what the disability is because most people don't know what NLD or Dyspraxia is around here. It would just confuse them more. It's better for me just to explain about what happens when I have the disablity.

[Ruth]

I think it's the experience of telling some lecturers that is sounding the first note fo caution in my mind. Disclosure relies on the other party dealing with that personal information sensitively. We don't have to say on the application do we? And then if when in post it seems like a good idea...

The positives are less tangeable - I find it hard to know what to attribute to Dyspraxia and what's me I suppose there isn't really any difference is there. I have dyspraxia and I am like this.....

Maybe we should have a chat about what we feel are the positive bits!

[SomeT]

When I first fount out I had dyspraxia I did not tell my employer at first, but in the end my disability got the better of me and made me mess up in my job where I did not mean to, hence it just came to the point where I had to tell them and they was alright with it, if you are unsure whether to tell your employer though I would recommend joining a union to give yourself a bit of confidence when telling them. Hope this helps.

[Daniel]

Welcome to the forum SomeT!

Was your employer helpful in sorting things out? Did they make adjustments so that you would work better in the future.

Being in a union probably helps too, but I suspect an employer is only obliged to help you when a disability has been disclosed, but I suppose they would support you should your employer make a problem of your disability.

[SomeT]

Thats what I meant by joining a union, they was very helpful and symptathetic but because i've lived 20 years not knowing i've had dyspraxia anyway I try not to let it bother me and my employer can see this determination if you understand what I mean, in a way they know I have trouble with things but they can see the plus point that I work hard.

[david456]

I don't think joining a union will help. There are laws in place to protect employees, who have disabiltities. Wheter Dyspraxia is classed as this or regonised is another question. Dyslexia is.
A company I think has to make practical steps to help you, where acceptable and appropriate. More time to complete a certain piece of work, etc. Obviously a company can't do anything to help you unless you have disclosure.