Career Exploration & Education launches new guide for accommodations in the workplace

Posted August 4, 2023

By Sarah Ryeland-Etienne

This summer, Career Exploration & Education in collaboration with Accessibility Services are launching the Disclosure and Accommodation Guide for the Workplace – a tool to support students who choose to disclose disabilities and seek accommodations at work.

The guide serves as a wealth of information as well as a quick-reference document for students and recent alumni who are trying to navigate their professional and personal lives in a way that suits their unique needs. It compares the difference between workplace and academic accommodations, while offering practical ways to manage difficult conversations.

“This guide is a valuable tool for students heading into the workplace,” says Sandy Welsh, Vice Provost, Students. “While students may be used to accessing accommodations in their academic lives, they might not feel as familiar – or comfortable – with broaching the subject at work. This guide can help students feel confident and empowered to make the decisions that are right for them.”

The guide includes decision trees and encourages its readers to reflect on their strengths, skills and needs to help them decide when, or if, to disclose their need for accommodations at work.

“People experience disability-related barriers differently and no two situations will be the same,” says Welsh. “What works for one person might not be right for the next. That’s why a guide like this is so important – it supports the individual, helping students reflect on their needs and make informed decisions about how and when to communicate those needs.”

The guide also includes legal information about employee rights and the duty to accommodate, sample conversations, worksheets and scripts.

A launch event will be held on August 18, from 1 – 3 p.m. at Student Commons in room 558. Alumni and employers will be in attendance to share their experiences and knowledge on disclosing and seeking accommodations in professional environments.

Learn more about Career Exploration & Education and access a copy of the Disclosure and Accommodation Guide for the Workplace today.