Disability Disclosure in CVs and Cover Letters for Job Seekers with Disabilities

For people with disabilities, finding employment can be challenging, but using your disability to gain pity in hopes of securing a job undermines your true potential. Instead, it’s important to present yourself with pride, emphasizing your unique skills and contributions.

In this article, we'll explore the best strategies for disclosing your disability in a way that highlights your skills and qualifications, positioning you as a strong candidate who brings valuable insights and perspectives to the workplace.

How to include your Disability in a CV or Cover Letter

1. Shift the Narrative: You Are an Asset

• Disability as Strength: In Kenya, where the disability community is increasingly becoming recognized for its contributions to society, your lived experiences as a person with a disability offer a unique perspective that employers value. Highlight how your disability has cultivated resilience, problem-solving abilities, and a deep understanding of accessibility challenges.
• Change the Focus: Instead of allowing others to view your disability as a limitation, focus on how it has strengthened your skills. Whether it’s adaptability, creativity, or advocacy, frame your experiences positively to show how they make you a valuable employee.

2. Avoid Pity – Focus on Professionalism

• Pity Undermines Potential: Seeking pity to secure a job may result in temporary success, but it diminishes the perception of your capabilities. Employers are increasingly seeking skilled, confident professionals, and focusing on your qualifications, not your disability, will help position you as a competent and deserving candidate.
• Pride Over Pity: Showing that you take pride in your abilities fosters respect. Emphasizing your professional skills, such as your expertise in communication, leadership, or technology, demonstrates that your disability doesn’t define your work—it enhances it.

3. Why Pity Should Never Be the Strategy

• Pity Reinforces Stereotypes: Using your disability to seek pity can reinforce negative stereotypes that people with disabilities are not capable or independent. This approach can perpetuate the very discrimination and bias that many are working to dismantle.
• Build Long-Term Success: Securing a job based on your skills and qualifications ensures long-term success and professional growth. Employers will value your contributions more when they recognize your abilities, not because they felt obligated due to pity.

4. Leverage Your Unique Experience

• Be an Advocate: Kenya has strong policies and movements supporting disability rights, and your experience with disability can be an asset in roles focused on inclusion, accessibility, and diversity. Mention any involvement in advocacy or initiatives that show your leadership and commitment to creating change.
• Tell Your Story: Craft your narrative around the skills and insights you’ve gained through your lived experience. Explain how overcoming challenges has made you more effective in your job, and how your understanding of disability issues can benefit the workplace.

5. Take Advantage of Inclusive Employers

• Seek Employers Who Value Diversity: Kenya is seeing an increase in organizations that prioritize diversity and inclusion. These employers are looking for candidates who bring fresh perspectives and understand the value of inclusivity. Research companies with strong diversity policies and highlight your experiences as a person with a disability to stand out.
• Align with Company Values: When applying for jobs, align your experiences with the company’s values. Whether it’s advocating for accessible services or promoting inclusive environments, your disability can be a testament to your ability to contribute meaningfully to the organization. 

6.  When Not to Mention It

• If It’s Not Relevant: If your disability isn’t directly related to the role you’re applying for and you prefer not to disclose it, you can choose to focus solely on your qualifications, skills, and experiences. You can decide to bring it up later in the interview process if you feel comfortable. But if you will need reasonable accommodation, you may need to disclose your disability especially before the interview.

Job seekers with disabilities have every reason to be proud of their achievements and the unique perspectives they bring to the workplace. Focusing on your strengths and avoiding the trap of pity, builds your career based on respect, professionalism, and real contributions. Your disability is not something to be pitied—it's a powerful part of your identity that adds value to the world of work.

Article by: Emomeri Maryanne