School of Counseling and Special Education Faculty Publications

Title

Disclosure of a Psychiatric Disability in Supported Employment: An Exploratory Study

Document Type

Article

Abstract

People with psychiatric disabilities entering the workplace and their supported employment providers frequently contemplate whether to disclose the supported employee’s disability and their support needs to employers and workplace personnel. This study examined the role of disclosing a psychiatric disability and the employment experiences of 162 people participating in ten supported employment programs in the United States. Results indicate that 82% of the supported employees had their disability disclosed in the workplace; however disclosure was typically made by the employment agency. The relation between who disclosed the disability, what was disclosed and the effect on employment outcomes (including typical employment experiences, job adjustment and workplace accommodations) are examined. Practical suggestions are identified for supporting individuals regarding disclosure.

Publication Date

2007

Publication Title

The International Journal of Psychosocial Rehabilitation

Volume

11

Issue

1

Start Page No.

69

End Page No.

84

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