Should students with learning disabilities disclose their disability to their potential employer?
The answer usually depends on (1) the potential employee, and (2) the potential employer, so this decision should always be made on an individual basis. There are some places that I would advise the person to disclose upfront just because I know the employer is familiar with LD issues and the fact that there are strengths, not just weaknesses. Or, if the person has terrific self-advocacy skills, they can usually sell themselves on their strengths with a “sandwich approach” to advocacy: “I’m really great at following directions (strength), although it’s sometimes more difficult if the directions are only given orally (weakness). But if I get those directions in writing (accommodation), I will follow your directions exactly every time (strength).” So they kind of sandwich the weakness between strengths….works best if they can link the strength to an explanation of how this helps them meet the employer’s goals. I’ve seen this work really well for people who are afraid the employers will
