Should you tell your manager that you have a disability and need accommodations?

I don't have a job yet but I am just wondering Is it really appropriate to tell your manager that you have a learning disability and need accommidations? Because Im worried that If I tell my manager in my future job s/he will think i am trying to get out of doing things when I am just asking for simple accommidations. I don't know if I should though. I know I am protected under the law but Im still pretty worried about it.

michr

Should you tell your manager that you have a disability and need accommodations?
YES if you need them to perform the essential duties of the job.
the other part of the answer involves your disability is it a recognized disability with a doctors diagnosis and prognosis? you can not claim a disability without the required medical documentation to validate the claim.

if you don't have that documentation then stay away from making claims for "reasonable accommodation" or your "disability" and instead focus on your ABILITY TO DO THE JOB. if you need extra time to learn explain that upfront but tie it to your abilities. don't discuss what you can't do but instead discuss all the things you can do when trained properly and given the opportunity to prove yourself. USE YOUR PAST ACCOMPLISHMENTS to show how well you adapt and how trainable and coach-able you are. strive through your words and actions to show your commitment and resolve and the desire you have to learn new skills and to be a valuable part of an employers team.

rubberduckylady

In my own company www.RubberDuckyBaby.com we have never had any problems with this, as we encourage diversity and I hope that other companies are following those kind of guidelines.
I've had many employees with learning disabilities and some told me right away, with others we discovered it ourselves and made appropriate concessions. I think the best thing for you, is to really know yourself and what kind of accommodations you need, when choosing your job. Choose your job wisely.
For example, if you have trouble multi-tasking, don't put yourself in an environment where telephones are ringing, customers are asking for help and you have to simultaneously assemble orders-like a drive-thru window. If you know that you have trouble remembering auditory instructions-have a pad ready to write things down. If you are someone who gets maxed out with a lot of noise, don't work somewhere loud...you know what I mean. Set yourself up for success and then the company can meet you half way.
What's going to make you the most happy and successful is to work for a company who supports you, don't hide-it'll only make you seem incompetent if you come up against your disabilities solo. Good Luck.

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