How Do You Answer The Disability Question?

[FauxLiz]

I am considering applying to a position with an organization that receives federal funding. The application request that you answer the question do you have/had you had a disability? The options are Yes, No or I don't want to answer. I am wondering if anyone else has had to answer this question or if you would how would you answer this?

 

[anonymous]

In the past I answered no but after reading an article about a guy who lost his job not because of his disability but because he lived on the application I started answering I don't want to answer.

 

[recoveringfromptsd]

I think the question has more to do with the organization than you, being they receive federal funding the question seems to have more to do with them accommodating the disabled. If it would be I would choose the "prefer not to answer" option.

 

[Ronin]

Not an American, but I'd go for 'I don't want to answer' if the option has no chance of backslash and is provided.

It's your private thing.

 

[FauxLiz]

Thank you all for your quick replies. I was leaning toward prefer not to answer but tempted to say no. @anonymous I had never considered that it would lying on the application in the field I am in that is a career killer if I was ever looking for another job that would always follow me. @recoveringfromptsd yes they would be more likely to accommodate a disability with the federal funding but at the same time like @Ronin said it is private, very private for me.

 

[Powder]

I guess it also depends if you have received a doctor's note or gov't benefits from being declared disabled to enough of a % to receive documentation and benefits. If not, then why would the answer not be "no"?

It's only a lie if you say no when the answer is already proved to be yes.

That said, prefer not to answer is a nice way out of the whole thing, leaving you the option to get accommodations requested later if you so chose.

I wish you best luck in getting to have the offer and consideration.

 

[Kintsugi]

I always check "I prefer not to answer."

I work for the government, and we were given a sheet with a list of diagnoses, including PTSD but also seizures, diabetes, etc. You could check what you had, or you could check that you had one or more of those listed without specifying. I loved that. I could just check that I had something without saying what. Later, when it became necessary to disclose more about my condition, I knew I had accurate paperwork.

 

[anonymous]

I think the stickler is if a condition is covered under ada and you've been formally diagnosed, it doesn't matter about receiving benefits - at least with the feds. If you say no and three months in your previously diagnosed condition suddenly prevents you from performing your job and you checked no on the application,they can't fire you for the condition but can for intentionally misleading them by lying.

 

[dulcia]

Prefer not to answer. Not a lie if that becomes an issue down the road and the organization gets the credit for whatever it is they're getting credit for.

 

[AngelKeeperJ]

I would answer "prefer not to answer." It's a private matter.

 

[recoveringfromptsd]

As I had said in my post its likely more about the organization, and the need for statistics, being able to say or show they hire the disabled.

 

[FauxLiz]

Okay so I went with my gut and the prevailing opinion and said prefer not to answer. I have already received a request from the organization for additional information. I am probably crazy but I am really hoping this is a good sign. My current employer is completely toxic and causes more harm than good.