Disclosing Your Disability

Disability Disclosure

Trinity seeks to create a supportive environment that encourages disclosure with a positive response. Disclosure is welcomed so that the appropriate support may be provided to enable staff to carry out their work. However, it is ultimately a personal decision whether or not to disclose. The Code of Practice outlines detailed recommendations in relation to disclosing at the recruitment stage or when already in employment.

Disclosure of personal and medical information is confidential and no information disclosed will be provided to a third party without consent at any time.

For the staff member:

If you have a disability you are encouraged to discuss your specific needs with your line manager, so that the necessary measures and supports may be put in place to facilitate you in carrying out your work.

Your performance management review (PMDS), for example, maybe an appropriate time to discuss any adjustments with your manager.

If you would like further guidance, you may consult with the Staff Disability Liaison Officer, by emailing staffdisabilitysupport@tcd.ie or other contacts listed in the Who Can I Talk To? Click here.

For managers:

Line managers should respond positively to a disclosure of a disability, whether it be from a newly recruited or existing member of staff. The following are some guidelines:

• Read the Code of Practice and familiarise yourself with your responsibilities and University procedures.
• Consult with the staff member directly and discuss whether any adjustments may facilitate them in fulfilling their position. Do not make assumptions about your employee's capabilities.
• Respect confidentiality at all times.
• Outline the University supports, including the procedure for needs assessment and reasonable accommodation (as detailed in the Code of Practice).
• Seek advice if necessary by contacting one of the Sources of Help listed.

The Process: from disclosure to reasonable accommodations

Supporting staff with disabilities is a collaboration between a number of people, primarily the individual staff member, their manager and the Disability Service. Please refer to our process flow for needs assessments, as appropriate: Needs Assessment Process for staff with disabilities in Trinity

Please always refer to the Code of Practice.