Self-Disclosure of College Graduates with Learning Disabilities

Authors

  • Megan Kakela
  • Raymond Witte

Abstract

This study examines the variables college graduates with learning disabilities view as important in influencing their decision regarding whether to disclose their learning disability to their employer. Less than 30% of the present sample disclosed their disability status in the job setting. However, when disclosing, the most frequent reason reported was that the graduates were not ashamed oftheir disability and viewed it as part of their individuality. Additional reasons included disclosure to create personal relationships with employers as well as to inform them of their disability compensations. Two main trends emerged in the data surrounding nondisclosure of one's disability: the irrelevance of disability disclosure in relation tojob performance and fears ofnegative perceptions and/or discrimination based on disability disclosure. Current implications and limitations of the study are discussed.

Issue

Section

Articles