To check the “disability” box on job applications??
Hello fellow PSA’ers!
I have noticed that on most job applications I have filled out in my search for new career opportunities that “Autoimmune, Anxiety(e.g. Lupus, Rheumatoid Arthritis, etc.) are listed in the “Do You Have A Disability “ section at the end of the applications.
Thoughts? I always check the “No” box as I believe checking the “Yes” box is a definite red flag and my application won’t even get a look.
Anyone have experiences with this? Suggestions? Thanks! C
That's a tough decision and a personal one,
. While some employers might discriminate against you despite the laws, others might truly see the value in you as an employee regardless of your PsA, or might find that hiring you helps fill a quota, giving you an advantage. I have not been in your situation, so I hope you get responses from community members who have experience with this. One thing you might want to think about is whether you consider your PsA a disability at this point in time. If not, it might not hurt to keep your diagnosis to yourself. If you do anticipate needing workplace accommodations, you might want an employer who will hire you with full knowledge of your PsA. That employer might prove more compassionate and cooperative and you might find it is a more satisfying career choice. Do you really want to work for someone who would consider you undesirable because of your PsA? I hope you get lots of input and that you make decision that gives you confidence. Best of luck with the job hunt! - Lori (Team Member) hi Lori,
I hope you are doing well!
Thank you for responding- I apologize for the delay. Regarding an employer being able to check a quota box is a great point.
My last supervisor actually had PSA - as did his mother - so we could relate. Too bad his boss didn’t have a clue 🤡
I work for an international staffing company and that question is included on one of our hiring documents. I can only speak for how we do things in our office, but once the form is filled out and answered, I literally file it in a drawer where no one ever sees it again. As I understand, it is so that if there is ever a labor dispute with our client (the company we hired you for), we can pull that up to show that the applicant had an opportunity to disclose. Our particular form lists a number of potential disabilities, then you choose which answer best applies: "Yes, I have a disability", "No, I don't have a disability" or "I prefer not to answer". Applicants are asked to please not disclose any personal medical information, it is just a simple "yes" or "no" question.
As a person with PsA, though, I admit that I would be scared to mark a box for fear of earning a label. How would you ever be able to prove that your disclosure didn't affect the hiring decision?Hi Mellie,
I hope you are doing well! Appreciate your response and I apologize for the extreme amount of time it’s taking me to respond. Are the disabilities on your company’s forms be the same as what I listed?
Regarding your question about disclosure and hiring decision - I have no idea. I always check the No box.
I would be uncomfortable checking the box. It just feels invasive. I do think that if you are applying for a job that you knowingly will have difficulty doing, you shouldn't apply for it.
My gut reaction is it isn't their business, so I would check the prefer not to answer. But then that would likely be thought of as yes. So, damned if you do, damned if you don't.
What if you don't have a disability at the time, but do later on? Or what if you do, but you really want the job and so lie? We all know how to put on that public persona when needed.
