Employment self-disclosure of postsecondary graduates with learning disabilities: rates and rationales.
One hundred thirty-two graduates with learning disabilities (LD) of a large, public, competitive postsecondary institution were surveyed to determine if they had self-disclosed their LD to their current employer and to provide the reasons for choosing to self-disclose or not to self-disclose. Based on a response rate of 67.4% (n = 89), the results indicated that 86.5% of the respondents were employed full time. Although nearly 90% of the respondents stated that their LD affected their work in some way, only 30.3% self-disclosed to their employer. Of those who had not self-disclosed, the majority reported that there was no reason or need to self-disclose. However, 46.1% reported not self-disclosing due to fear of a potentially negative impact in the workplace or due to a concern for job security. Specific rationales for disclosure and information related to the use of self-reported accommodations and strategies are presented.
Madaus
Joseph W
JW
Department of Educational Psychology, Neag School of Education, University of Connecticut, Storrs 06269-2064, USA.
Foley
Teresa E
TE
McGuire
Joan M
JM
Ruban
Lilia M
LM
D000328:Adult; D003625:Data Collection; D004500:Education, Graduate; D004651:Employment; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007859:Learning Disabilities / Q000523:psychology*; D008297:Male; D011287:Prejudice; D014342:Truth Disclosure; D017132:Workplace