Disclosing a disability at work: Should you tell a potential employer?

Is disclosing a disability at work important?

Are you one of the one in five Australians with a disability? If so, it can be difficult to know whether to disclose it when applying for a new role. On one hand, you may want to be open and honest with a potential employer. On the other, you may worry about how that information will be perceived and whether it could count against you. This is especially the case if you have experienced bias or misunderstanding in the past.

This uncertainty is common, especially when job applications already feel high-stakes and time-consuming. There is no single “right” answer. The  decision to disclose depends on your individual circumstances, the nature of the role and whether your disability may affect how you perform your work.

So, how do you decide whether or not to disclose your disability?

Is disclosing a disability at work essential?

Whether you disclose your disability — and when you choose to disclose it during the application process — is entirely up to you. This choice may also change depending on the role, employer or stage of recruitment.

If your disability will not affect your ability to perform the role safely or meet the inherent requirements of the position, you do not have to mention it. Many people choose not to disclose unless there is a clear and practical reason to do so.
However, you should disclose your disability if it could affect:

• How you perform your job
• Your ability to work safely
• Your ability to keep your co-workers safe

Employers can only ask about your disability if they need the information to make reasonable adjustments.
They may also ask if it relates to workplace health and safety.

Benefits of disclosing your disability

Disclosing your disability can help create a more open and trusting relationship with your employer from the outset. It can also reduce stress by removing the pressure of managing challenges alone or feeling the need to conceal aspects of your experience.

Disclosing before an interview may allow you to request reasonable adjustments, such as additional time, modified tasks or accessibility support. It also gives you the opportunity to ask what policies, supports and inclusion measures the organisation has in place for employees with a disability.

Disclosure can also help provide context if you have gaps in your employment. However, if you do have gaps it’s important to highlight how you were productive in your time away from work and that you are ready and willing to work now.

How to disclose your disability

If you decide to disclose your disability, you do not need to provide detailed or sensitive personal information. Instead, focus on how your disability may impact your work and how you manage those impacts effectively in a professional setting.

If any workplace adjustments are required, clearly outline what they are and how they support your ability to perform the role. Importantly, your application should always keep the primary focus on your skills,  workplace strengths, experience and achievements.

To make your decision with confidence, it is also helpful to remember that public sector roles and government recruitment processes must be decided purely on merit. Employers are required to assess candidates based on their skills, experience and ability to perform the role.  Personal characteristics such as disability should not form part of the decision making process. Understanding your rights can help ensure you are assessed fairly. Clearly presenting your capabilities also supports a professional assessment.

If you are considering a new role and want support presenting your skills in the strongest possible way, Selection Criteria Writers can help. We offer professional resume writing and LinkedIn profile writing designed to clearly demonstrate merit, capability and suitability. Selection Criteria Writers is proud to be an equal opportunity employer.

Article References

Job Access (n.d) ‘Talking about your disability in an interview’, Job Access, accessed 15 January 2026.

Seek (22 August 2025) ‘Disability and your rights at work: What you need to know’, Seek, accessed 15 January 2026.