Hidden / Invisible Disabilities
Disclosure
Students who received disability related accommodations in high school often face a difficult transition from high school to college. This is due to high schools initiating disability related accommodations and testing while once in college, all services are student-driven. This means that the student must self-advocate. This can be extremely difficult and intimidating.
Once in college, students often choose not to disclose or ask for accommodations, hoping to make it on their own. Students often fear that if they disclose their disability they will not be seen as "legitimate". They worry that faculty will not see them as competent. Frequently students wait until they find themselves in academic trouble before they disclose.
The dropout rate for students with disabilities is three times as high as that for students without disabilities.
To disclose or not to disclose?
Reasons people do not disclose and the consequences:
- Do not regard themselves as having a disability
- Does not get close to people for fear of personal questions or people finding out.
- Fear of reprisal (discrimination)
- Shame or embarrassment associated with having a disability
- Fear people will not understand and treat them differently or isolate them.
- Stigma associated with having a disability
- If one does not disclose; one does not receive the accommodation(s) and are not covered under the ADA
- Stress of keeping a secret
Reasons to disclose:
- They will probably receive the help they need to function better.
- They will receive accommodations for their disability.
- Revealing a “secret” will lessen their stress level.
- There will be an element of trust developed with coworkers, bosses, friends and others.
