Kickas.org Forums Ankylosing Spondylitis General Discussion #1 AS Web Support Group Job Applications and AS

Help! I'm filling out a job application and it asks "Do you have a disability?" yes or no, all the applications I've filled out so far have had a "I'd prefer not to say" option but this one doesn't.

My doctor told me I would have to declare it - but I'm not sure if I should list it as a disability (under UK law) or not ? I'm probably being really stupid, but I really don't know what to put - any thoughts??



Louisa

Edited by louisa on 01/27/05 03:07 PM (server time).

Hi Louisa,

Having AS does not necessarily mean that you have a disability if you are able to carry out the functions of your job. How is'disability' usually defined in the UK?

In Canada, this kind of question does not appear on job applications thankfully.

Cat

Hazel Lytton

Not sure how everyone feels about this but my opinion is: If I am medically disabled to the point that I can apply for and receive disability benefits then I would answer "yes". If I did not met the governments requirements for disability I would answer "no". If you have a pre-employment physical and the examiner says you are to disabled to work then I would challenge him to state that opinion in the proper documents so I could collect disability. Not sure how all this works in the UK but maybe this will help.Ottis

Louisa

if you are not registered as disabled then there is no reason to declare your problem. If you know you can do the job then don't worry. Over the last 30 years I have applied for and started many jobs here in the UK without saying I have AS. By the time my employers find out they can see I can do the job so there is no problem. However my work does involve visiting construction sites and if I thought my reduced mobility could be a cause of danger I would have to discuss it. But I am very safety conscious, move slowly and always take the time to look around to see what is happening.

And what's he then that says I play the villain
When this advice is free I give and honest

Hi Louisa

Had to reply to this as it something I've been very involved in over the years! there is a few ways to look at this.

1. From a health and safety point of view(companies insurances)

2. From a personal point of view, if you go onto needing special seating and desk adjustments, or time away for Physio or hospital appointments. The company will question then as to why you never made them aware in the first place, should there ever be a dispute you really need to have disclosed.

3.Legally and as far as Unions are concerned to cover your own back, you should declare any long term chronic condition or disability. As for being concerned about the disclosure for a job all applicants that meet the minimum criteria for a job and that declare disabilty, must be interviewed for the job position, also the panel that interview you will not know this information, and only after interview would this proceed to Occupational Health this is again to help YOU and them understand and accommodate your condition, in conection with the job spec.

4 .In wither you believe to classify yourself as disabled I normally base it on wither or not you get DLA or any other benefit of this kind.

Registering as being disabled was disbanded in 1996 as in a way that in itself was discriminatory. No one need to be "registered " as anything.

Also in UK there is the "Positive about Disability" Symbol on all companies papers that show to everyone that they are positive about disabled employees/contacts/visitors etc this looks like two green ticks and should be on your application form or covering letter.


Personally if you want people to understand always be up front about who you are, I've met very little resistance over the years, but have had to educate many on the way. And most people are just interested, so see it as a way of informing them about AS very few people truely know and understand it.


All the best

Laura

LadyKitty

When I am down and, oh my soul, so weary
When troubles come and my heart burdened be
Then, I am still and wait here in the silence,
Until you come and sit awhile with me.

thanks guys,

I don't consider myself disabled - I don't get any benefits and I would be able to do the job. My Main concern was how to declare it - should I declare it as a disability even if I don't consider myself disabled just so that they know about it (unfortunately they didn't allow you to mention anything else).

I've looked into the UK legislation and it defines disability as

"A physical or mental impairment which has a substantial and long-term adverse effect on a person's ability to carry out normal day-to-day activities."

under the guidelines its' very subjective - my AS is longterm but is not yet significant so I'm not considered disabled as yet. But that can be different depending on your own circs.

thanks for your replies though, its' encouraged me - I don't really want to be considered disabled as I'm not! but I couldn't see any other way around it.

Louisa

One thing that I have noticed after working in government for almost 2 decades - we do ask that about disabilities on application forms as well as minority status and gender. I think that they are in the "voluntary" section of the form. The reason for this is to promote equality in the workforce. According to the Canada Public Service Website:

"The Public Service of Canada is committed to building a skilled, diverse workforce reflective of Canadian society. As a result, it promotes employment equity and encourages candidates to indicate voluntarily on their application if they are a woman, an Aboriginal person, a person with a disability or a member of a visible minority group."

Maybe I'm naive, but I always figured that employers asked this so they could ensure that they met whatever diversity goals that they follow. So in some cases, the fact that they are asking could be a good thing.

Rick

Louisa,

Firstly welcome to KA. I'm actually born and bred Norfolk too. I don't think there are many of us on here!

With regard to your question: I'm of the same opinion as Bilko. I have some fusion but have never declared (or been pulled up for not declaring) a disability. And as such, am not registered disabled.

I suspect the Doctor is being over cautious here. If the job requires you to be standing / lifting / carrying 8 hours a day then you might want to reconsider your application. Anything else should be fine.

What type of job is it?

Cheers
Jo

I think you will find it best to say what is wrong with you but you can explain what AS is.
The Disability Act will ensure that you are not penalised for stating what is wrong.
But if you are unsure you could always contact the Disability Alliance.

www.disabilityalliance.org.

At least in the US, things like the Disability Act primarily exist only on paper--I have a friend who was actually fired because of a disability, and it took her five years (she had to go through EEOC to get a "right to sue" letter first) to reach an out-ofcourt settlement

Suing to enforce your rights generally gets you branded as a "troublemaker," and you may have difficulty finding other employment after taking such a step.

I also know of people who have been fired because their disabled spouse drove up their employers' health insurance costs...illegal, yes, but employers are always able to find a reason for dismissal.

In my opinion, it's better to cut your risk and say no, unless you've actually been declared "disabled."