Navigating Job Applications and Interviews with a Disability
Job hunting is hard enough. When you add the layer of navigating it as a person with a disability, the process can bring up even more questions: Should I disclose my disability? When? How much is too much?
These are deeply personal choices, and there isn’t one right answer for everyone. The key is to find a balance between protecting your comfort and being open enough to ensure you receive the access you need to show up at your best.
1. Disclosure Is About Empowerment, Not Obligation
You don’t owe anyone your full story, and you get to decide when and how to share information about your disability. What matters is that you feel empowered, not pressured, to disclose.
If you need specific accommodations to participate in an interview or to do your job effectively, it’s completely appropriate to share those details once you’ve reached the point where logistics or expectations are being discussed. The goal isn’t to convince anyone to “allow” your access, it’s to make sure you have what you need to perform confidently and comfortably.
2. Frame Your Disability as a Source of Strength
Your disability is not a weakness to hide; it’s evidence of resilience, creativity, and problem-solving. Navigating a world not built with you in mind has required you to become resourceful, adaptive, and persistent — all qualities employers say they value but rarely understand as deeply as we do.
When you talk about your skills and experiences, weave in how your lived experience with disability shapes your approach to challenges.
For example:
“Because I rely on accessible tools, I’ve developed strong systems-thinking skills and attention to detail.”
“I’ve learned to anticipate barriers and design solutions that work for everyone, not just for me.”
“Adapting to new environments has taught me to stay calm under pressure and collaborate creatively.”
These aren’t just personal insights, they’re professional assets!
3. Advocate with Confidence
Being upfront about your accessibility needs shows leadership and self-awareness. It tells potential employers that you understand how you work best and that you take initiative to ensure success. That’s a quality every strong team member brings to the table.
If you sense hesitation or bias in response, remind yourself: "this is not a reflection of my worth, but of their readiness and knowledge of the disabled experience. The right workplace will meet you where you are and recognize that accessibility isn’t a favor, it’s a foundation for excellence.
4. You Are the Asset
Your lived experience has already proven your determination, adaptability, and grit. You’ve worked through challenges many people can’t imagine, and you’ve done it while continuing to grow, create, and lead. That’s not a liability; that’s the definition of reliability.
When you approach your job search, hold that truth close. You’re not trying to fit into a workplace, you’re showing how your perspective and problem-solving make that workplace stronger.
Final Thought
Disability isn’t something you need to explain away or minimize. It’s part of what makes you inventive, grounded, and uniquely capable of seeing opportunities where others see obstacles.
So disclose on your terms. Ask for what you need. And know that every step you take to own your story is already setting you apart.
Ready to Take the Next Step?
If you’re ready to approach your career search with confidence, clarity, and strategy, my Career Coaching Intensive can help. This 1:1 coaching program is designed specifically for people with disabilities who want support in refining their resume, mastering interviews, and finding roles that truly align with their goals and access needs.
You don’t have to navigate the job market alone. I’ll walk alongside you with practical tools, accountability, and the encouragement you deserve.
As one recent graduate of the program shared, “Charlie’s guidance helped me get through the darkest time of my life. I came out feeling better and more confident than before.” - David
Interested? Sign up for an Intro Call to learn more about how the program can support your next chapter.