Students with a disability or mental health challenge
You do your best work when you have the right tools and support. If you identify as having a disability or a mental health condition, you may be unsure about how to raise this with your employer.
Telling your employer about a disability or mental health condition is a personal choice. You are not required to disclose that you have a disability and we can help you make a plan. Some reasons you might choose to share include:
- to access reasonable accommodations from your employer
- if your disability has implications for your health or safety
- if your potential employer has a commitment to hiring members of equity groups, including people with disabilities
Your mental health at work
When you are experiencing a mental health challenge, you have the right to reasonable accommodation.
Find out what resources and support are available to you through your employer, such as Employment Assistance programs and counselling.
Resources
Your disability at work
- If you identify as having a disability or mental health condition, you can get support related to your academic experiences through UVic’s Centre for Accessible Learning.
- Equity and Human Rights Office
- Centre for Accessible Learning
- UVic student wellness centre
Disclosing to your employer
Deciding whether or not to disclose your disability or mental health challenge to your current or prospective employer is complex and personal. It can be a non-linear process, so we've put together a guide to help.
This guide is not meant to replace your own critical reflection process and should be considered as complementary information as you make your own decision.
Contact us
Connect with Niels, at any time.
Other resources
See our full accessibility, inclusion and equity resources for your career journey.
If you seek advice or support relating to sexualized violence, discrimination, and/or harassment, you can contact the team in the Equity and Human Rights office.
These external resources may be helpful as you explore your next steps.
- (US resource)