Career seekers with disabilities have concerns that add to the challenges of a job search. Will prospective employers be biased against job seekers with disabilities? Is it better to disclose or not disclose? The Office of Accessibility works with the Center for Career Development to support job seekers with disabilities. Here is some information that will help.
CUNY LEADS (Linking Employment, Academics, and Disability Services) is a program established to facilitate the successful academic and career outcomes for students with disabilities who are enrolled in CUNY programs. The program provides services for eligible students which include:
- Assistance with ACCESS-VR
- Academic advisement
- Career counseling
- Resume preparation
- Interview preparation
- Internship preparation
- Job seeking assistance
- Advocacy skills
Disclosure Issues
You are not legally bound to disclose a disability to a potential employer–it is your choice. However, you cannot request special accommodations you may need if you do not disclose. This is something you can discuss with your BMCC career counselor or BMCC LEADS advisor.
- U.S. Department of Labor Employee Rights: Individuals with disabilities are protected from employment discrimination by Title I of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 .
Common Questions from Students with Disabilities
- How and when should I disclose my disability to an employer? (We can practice or role-play disclosure with you.)
- What is considered a “reasonable accommodation” and how should I request one?
- What strengths may I bring to the workplace as a person with a disability?
- How do I overcome challenges or request accommodations for an interview?
- How can I figure out if an employer will be supportive and suit my needs and values?
More Resources
- NYC: AT WORK: NYC: ATWORK is an employment program that recruits, pre-screens, and connects New Yorkers with disabilities to jobs and internships with established business partners in both the public and private sectors.
- AbilityLinks: Job seekers who want to connect to employers by voluntarily self-identifying having a disability use AbilityLinks to post resumes and apply for jobs.
- Emerging Leaders Internship Program for College Students with Disabilities: Places undergraduate and graduate college students with disabilities in fulfilling internships nationwide.
- Institute for Career Development: Serving New Yorkers with barriers to employment gain economic independence through career planning and evaluation.
- Job Accommodation Network (JAN): JAN is the leading source of free, expert, and confidential guidance on workplace accommodations and disability employment issues.
- Jobs and Education for People with Disabilities: Information about Federal government jobs.
