Job Applications/disability

[Ati]

It looks like I am going to be out of a job soon and I've started to look around. There was a position listed on a company website and I started to fill out the online application. Towards the end, they asked if I had a disability and there was a list that included PTSD. They say they want the information to show they comply with the American's with Disabilities Act. Would you check yes? I'm feeling a little uncomfortable with this.

 

[Uliv]

I've been through this once before and I decided not to check it -- mainly because I think I have been fortunate enough for PTSD to not really affect my work. Work has always been my one sanctuary and safe place. I think it depends what kind of job it is and whether or not you think your possible future coworkers should have this information -- if you don't think the PTSD would ever really impact your work, then it might be worth keeping this information secret just to avoid wondering whether coworkers are whispering about your PTSD. But if you're open about your condition, I don't see the harm in letting them know. I don't really think it would influence their decision in whether or not to hire you; just something to have on file.

 

[Umazo]

Unless you are receiving some sort of disability, I personally would NOT tell them.

I would be afraid they use it against me. However, if you are on any sort of government list or receiving money, you might have to legally tell them. I don't know for sure or what country you are in.

People are "supposed" to discriminate but they still do. That's my mentality anyways, I'm sure others may disagree.

 

[Amibo]

Oops... meant to say " People are not supposed to discriminate, but still do"

 

[Omewa]

I wouldnt fill it out , the public still needs a lot of education around ptsd and as such , there is still an incredible amount of ignorance and misinformation out there and many people are very scared of the unknowns of ptsd - i think filling it out will mean you wont get the job

 

[Utot]

If it is part of the application the sticky wicket can be that usually there's a statement of some sort stating that all the information that was provided is true and correct. Someone I used to work with was let go for filing a "false application" though in her case it was not involving a question of this nature. So... if it's on the app, and I wanted the job and had to sign or check a box stating all information provided was true and correct then I'd check it. If not, or if it's optional I wouldn't if like the person in post #3 said... unless receiving any form of benefit for disability.

 

[Lihah]

Probably not. Unless I was planning on asking for accommodation under the ADA from the get go. I do run the risk of my employer feeling betrayed if I'm hired and then ask for accommodation, by not being forthcoming. But with the exclusion of Govt. jobs, employers are not legally allowed to ask you for your health status. This looks like a bit of a loophole they've found (or they're acting not in accordance with the law). They're allowed to ask if you feel you can meet the requirements of the job, and they're allowed to fire you if you fail to meet performance minimums, but they're not allowed to ask why.

If not a govvie job this sounds to me like they're looking for an excuse to be able to fire people who admit to something later that prevents their being fired under the ADA. Or they're not meeting minimum for hiring people with disabilities and are trying to up their stats for tax breaks. Shrug. No idea. But the legality of it is interesting.

Any lawyers on the board?

 

[Zecevi]

If you are in the United States - Skip it. It is illegal for them to ask if you have a disability, let alone what specific disability, unless you are requesting reasonable accommodations. Even then, they are extremely limited in what they can require someone provide. For more information, google and call the "ADA Technical Assistance Center' with the Dept of Justice in your area and they can explain your rights and give educational information on what you do and do not have to answer and provide on an application.

 

[Gacohi]

That would be a very interesting question for a lawyer. But you know what? I don't think that all really matters. Today's workplaces are chock full of discrimination. If you are not discriminated because of one thing you will be discriminated against for another thing.

Anyone that discriminates has a pea brain anyways. I do not waste my time with pea brains, ignore them and ignore their questions as well. So if a pea brain attempts to talk to me or asks me a question, I smile, I nod, will talk around them, but I will not answer their stupid questions, so beneath me, such a waste of my precious time.

 

[Orin]

Thank you for all of your responses. I think I'll just skip the question...if I get a response for an interview, I can deal with it then.

 

[Ufe]

Skip it.

it is NOT a legal question. IF a medical clearance is needed (ie for a police job, military, etc) then a medical check will be done and it will come out there. They can NOT ask you about your medical history in that fashion. That is NOT the proper way to do it.

If you are hired, then you can disclose your PTSD if you need accommodations. If they let you go at that point, you definitely have a legal case. Again, they can NOT ask you on a job application if you have PTSD. Its like asking someone if they are pregnant or plan on becoming pregnant.... Its all medical knowledge, and outside of medical clearance being necessary, they have no right to ask.