Disability Identity and Disclosure in College

Understanding your disability and how it affects your college experience is part of developing a disability identity. It’s about recognizing your strengths, knowing your needs, and learning how to advocate for yourself.

Disclosure is your choice, but with a key exception: if you use accommodations, you need to disclose to the disability office in accordance with their approval process and you will need to disclose to your professors what accommodations you are approved for and discuss how they apply to their class. College professors/instructors do not have a right to your medical history or diagnosis, though sharing some information can help them better understand your needs in class.

Disclosure is a personal choice, and privacy is your right. Deciding if, when, and to whom you disclose your disability is entirely up to you. No one has the right to force you to share this personal information. I have some great tips on our membership platform for how to navigate nosey questions. Check it out if you are looking for some tips! Some students choose to disclose only to the disability office, while others may share more liberally. Your disclosure should always feel safe, intentional, and empowering.

I’ve worked with lots of students who reported feeling shame around their disability. Disability is not shameful; it’s a natural part of the diverse human experience. Lots of great inventions and innovations have come from individuals who challenged the norm. Ever talked to Siri on your phone? That’s an accessibility feature built for individuals with disability related needs. Pretty cool, right? Embracing your uniqueness is directly linked to self-actualization. Want to be the best version of yourself? That can only happen with acceptance of all aspects of you. Connecting with other students with disabilities can also provide support, strategies, and community, helping you thrive academically and personally.

Bottom line, embrace your identity, advocate for your needs, and control your disclosure. Your disability is part of who you are, but how and when you share it is entirely up to you.