Disclosure and Accommodations with Sample Language

Definitions

  • Disclosure: giving out personal, medical, and/or disability information to an employer (SSA.gov)
    • Ex. Disclosing an autism diagnosis

  • Reasonable Accommodation: a modification or adjustment to a job, the work environment, or how things are usually done. These modifications enable an individual with a disability to have an equal opportunity to get a job and successfully perform their job tasks to the same extent as people without disabilities. (JAN)

The Organization for Autism Research (OAR) and Hire Autism (HA) encourage job seekers to explore different disclosure options before determining the best for them. Here are the options we typically recommend:

  • Within the cover letter or resume
    • If a job seeker decides to disclose on the resume, it can be woven into the summary section.
      • Ex. Autistic, goal-oriented self-starter with keen attention to detail. Exceptional writing, public speaking, and organization skills. Extensive experience in social media marketing, mentoring, and collaborating with different organizations to support autistic individuals. Positive attitude, coachable, and driven to succeed.
  • Before an interview- via email (at least one week prior if they would like to request interview accommodations)
  • Once they get the job/on the job
  • **It is typically recommended that job seekers NOT disclose during the interview

By disclosing, a job seeker is entitled to request reasonable accommodations from an employer under the Americans with Disabilities Act. It is important to note that in some circumstances, an accommodation request may be modified or may not be honored if it causes an undue hardship on the business. After disclosure, the job seeker may have to participate in the interactive accommodation process, which could include verification of their disability from a doctor.

Disclosing Before the Interview

If you decide to disclose to ask for interview accommodations before an interview, below are steps to facilitate the process.

Step 1:

  • Before you write/send a disclosure email, ask them to identify what accommodations they would like to request. The email should address the following:
    • What accommodations do you need? (Refer to the JAN website accommodations list)
      • Ex. Request interview-specific information, questions in advance, and one-on-one interview
    • How will these accommodations help you be more successful in the interview process? (They will need to be prepared to explain this.)

Step 2:

  • Identify to whom the email should be addressed, for example, to the specific hiring manager.

Step 3:

  • Draft the email.
Sample Language- Interview Accommodations

*Disclaimer: The following is an example of what can be included in an accommodation request letter and is not intended as legal advice.

Dear [Hiring Manager or Interviewer],

I hope this email finds you well. I am very excited to interview for the [Position Title] role on [insert date and time].

I am writing this letter to submit a request for an accommodation in the interview process. I wanted to share that I (have a disability and/or am on the autism spectrum.)

In advance of the interview, I would like to request [insert accommodation (s)] accommodation within the interview process, which would allow me the opportunity to represent myself and my skills best. [Further explanation on why you need this accommodation].

Thank you for your time and consideration. If you cannot honor this accommodation request as is, I am happy to work with you to find accommodations that work for both of us. I look forward to hearing from you.

If you have any questions or want to speak with me about this further on the phone, I would be happy to discuss it.

Best,

[Name]
[Phone number]
[Email Address]


Sample Language- On-the-Job Accommodations

*Disclaimer: The following is an example of what can be included in an accommodation request letter and is not intended as legal advice.

Dear [Manager’s Name],

I hope this email finds you well. While I enjoy my role as [position title], I wanted to share that I find certain things challenging (add in specifics, Ex. sensory-related issues: lighting, noise/music). I have not previously told you, but I identify as a person with a disability. (identify as a person with a disability and/or am on the autism spectrum.)

I did not share this with you previously as I was unsure if I would need any on-the-job accommodations.

As mentioned, I enjoy my position here at (Name of Company) and want to continue to work alongside you and the team. I have identified a few things that I believe will help me succeed on the job, and I would like to request (insert accommodations you would like to ask for and provide an explanation. Ex., “using an iPad to take written notes. Given how I process information, it is easier for me to write things out on an iPad because it also allows me to search/identify information quickly.”) under the Americans with Disabilities Act.

Please let me know if you have any questions or would like to discuss this further in person or over the phone. I am happy to explore other accommodations with you if the ones I have requested do not fit or cannot be offered to me. Thank you for your time and consideration.

Best,

[Name]
[Phone number]
[Email Address]


*Disclaimer: Not all job seekers will want to disclose, and that is okay. It is an independent decision.

Other Disclosure/ Accommodations Resources

 

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