Filling out a job application. Mark box disabled?

[wilson123]

Hello!

I have question about applying for a position. I have been diagnose with MS 10 years ago. Fortunately, I hide it well. I am an software engineer and constantly apply for contract temp and fulltime positions. Lately, I have noticed the standard government form about disability. In the past I would never check the box. However, I started to check it and I started to get interviews, local gov't and private sector. Some of these places I have tried before and received no response. After I check the disability box , I received 2 requests for interviews

Do you think checking the disabled box have anything to do with it or is it a coincidence? And, should I disclose to the company my disability? Could it help me retain my employment if temporary or when the company downsize?

I appreciate any informative feedback.

[MrChris]

It's unfortunate to say, but in my opinion, it will ABSOLUTELY affect the outcome. There is a stigma that surrounds chronic diseases...this one everyone thinks you'll be in a wheelchair in 5 years time. Will your MS directly affect the outcome of your day to day job performance? IE want to be police officer but can no longer run. Will your employer need to accommodate you for anything that is specific to MS? If no Then i'd say they din't need to know. As far as i'm concerned it's none of your employers business.

If you're worried about having a relapse....STOP WORRYING. You could be hit by a car tomorrow. Just deal with what ever speed bumps your have in life it if and when the time comes.

Good luck with the interviews!

[daverestonvirginia]

wilson123, I have had the same question for sometime now. I also was dx with MS about 10 years ago and am doing very well, but I wonder if I should check the disability box sometimes when filling out the applications? I am a systems engineer and recently they actually had MS listed on the form as a disability you could select. I understand that I do not feel like I have a disability now, but if it helps me get a better job why not? It is the old if life gives you lemons why not make lemonade? Dave

[DrGeoff]

Remember that a lot of Government Departments and many major corporations have a quota system for people with disabilities.
So what do you have to lose by ticking the box?

Let's not get all uptight about this - the logical conclusion of equality in employment is a quadriplegic, in a powered wheelchair, applying to join the 82nd Airborne.

About 20 years back the (shall I say European American) students at Cal Poly, Pomona, looked at the rules about minorities and realized that they qualified. So they applied and got themselves so recognized. (I was not going to say "European American", but the word beginning with W may not be PC.

If using the system is of use to you, then use it.