Guidance on Access & Disclosure

Students with a Disability or Neurodiversity 

As a student with a disability you may have some questions about disclosing to an employer or asking for Reasonable Accommodations. The resources here will provide you with the support you need in making the transition from education into the workplace. This information will help you decide if and when you want to disclose your disability to a potential employer, how to have that conversation and find out about other organisations and supports available to you as a UCD student. 

Should you disclose?

Disclosure is a formal term for discussing your disability with your employer or potential employer.

Deciding to disclose means informing your employer, or potential employer, of your disability. You will need to consider whether you wish to disclose your disability, and if you do, when, and how. Whatever you decide, it’s important to know that disclosure is a personal, individual choice and you have no legal obligation to disclose your disability but should consider the following reasons why people might choose to disclose:

• May require Reasonable Accommodations as part of the recruitment process or the job itself.
• May need extra time to complete an online assessment as part of the interview process.
• May require a medical form completed as part of the hiring process and need time off to attend medical appointments.
• May need to check if an employer's building is physically accessible.

Reasons why some people choose not to disclose:

• May feel that their disability or health condition does not actually affect their ability to do the job which they have applied for or to participate equitably in the recruitment process. 
• Feel like the employer may not view them objectively and focus on the disability rather than ability. 
• Do not want to disclose, as they may be concerned about unconscious bias or being excluded automatically. 

If you choose to disclose it is important to highlight your transferable skills that you can offer to an employer. You could disclose your disability in your Cover Letter or on an application form while also mentioning your key achievements and relevant skills.

Find detailed guidance on disclosing your disability at each stage of the recruitment process on (opens in a new window)MyCareer now - from application stages to starting your role.

The UCD Careers Network are committed to supporting every student on their career journey - including those who may need additional supports or adjustments. Whether you're navigating the recruitment process, preparing for interviews, seeking advice on disclosure, or need help navigating our resources and events, we are here to help. Here are some of the ways in which we can support you:

• Advice on the application process (CVs, cover letters, support with application forms, preparation for interviews) 
• Demystify recruitment processes and provide advice on how to disclose to a potential employer including reasonable accommodations. 
• Help you articulate your strengths and skills in an impactful way on your CV or during an interview situation. 
• Information on when, if and how to talk about your disability to employers
• If you require adjustments to access our support and resources, please email to careers@ucd.ie let us know. This could include:

• An extended careers meeting by prior arrangement and at the availability of the Careers Staff Member. These meetings can take place in-person or online. 
• We encourage you to raise any disability related issues with a Careers & Skills Consultant when booking an appointment, during a guidance meeting or at a careers event or fair.

Discover a range of access support resources at UCD and beyond to help you navigate your career journey:

UCD Access and Lifelong Learning

For more information on disability and learning supports during your time in UCD. Alternatively email all@ucd.ie for further information or to request a needs assessment or discuss accommodation options while studying in UCD.

(opens in a new window)AHEAD

A non-profit organisation who provides advice and support to students and graduates with disabilities during your time in UCD or as a graduate.

(opens in a new window)GetAhead

Is an initiative run by AHEAD to support students and graduates making the transition from third level education to employment.

(opens in a new window)Disclosure - AHEAD

For further advice and tips on disclosing a disability to an employer and how to ask for reasonable accommodations.

(opens in a new window)WAM Programme Ahead

A work placement programme for graduates with disabilities  working with a wide range of employers run by AHEAD.

(opens in a new window)AsIAm

Ireland’s Autism Charity providing advice, support and advocacy for job seekers via online and in-person training and workshops.

(opens in a new window)Open Doors Initiative

Provides opportunities and pathways to work through training, education, mentoring and connecting with a diverse range of employers.