Because disclosure is intentionally releasing personal and often highly sensitive information about oneself to others for a specific purpose, it is important for individuals to carefully consider what information they need to share with whom and for what purposes. It is not essential that a person with a disability divulge all personal information about a disability; some information is best kept private. Therefore, individuals need to determine what information to share in order to best communicate how their disability affects their capacity in certain situations, and what they will need in order to access, participate in, and excel in the situation whether it be work, education, or community life. A person with a disability must decide what and how much of sensitive information is necessary to reveal in order to obtain the needed accommodations.
Adults in the lives of young people with both visible disabilities and those with disabilities that are not apparent to others can benefit from using this workbook. This workbook helps caring adults make informed decisions about teaching a young people about their rights and responsibilities in disclosing a disability, a decision that will affect their educational, employment, and social life. In addition, this workbook helps teach how to support a young person with a disability as he or she takes steps in becoming more independent and self-sufficient.
