There are several ways an organization can increase disability disclosure rates among its employees, including:
Educate employees: Make sure employees are aware of their rights under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and other disability laws, and that they understand the accommodations process. Provide regular training and information sessions on these topics to all employees, including supervisors and managers.
Promote a culture of inclusion: Foster an organizational culture that values and respects employees with disabilities. This can include promoting diversity and inclusion in all aspects of the organization and actively encouraging employees to disclose their disabilities.
Communicate openly and transparently: Communicate openly and transparently with employees about the accommodations process and the resources available to them. Make sure employees understand how to request accommodations and who to contact for assistance.
Keep confidentiality: Protect the confidentiality of employees' disability information. Make sure employees understand that their information will be kept confidential and that it will not be shared with others without their permission.
Encourage self-identification: Encourage employees to self-identify as having a disability, either on their job application or during the performance appraisal process, in a voluntary and confidential way.
Be pro-active: Be proactive in identifying employees who may need accommodations, and initiate the interactive process with them, if the employer has knowledge of an employee's disability or the need for accommodation.
Lead by example: Encourage managers and supervisors to disclose their own disabilities and talk about the accommodations they use.
