The Big D for Disclosure

03Sep08

Let’s call it the big, D for “Disclosure”.

The dictionary definition iDictionary.com Unabridged (v 1.1) – dis·clo·sure

1. the act or an instance of disclosing; exposure; revelation.
2. that which is disclosed; a revelation.
3. Patent Law. (in a patent application) the descriptive information imparted by the specification claims, drawings, and models submitted.

In light of chronic illness, disclosure refers to the act of telling another that you live with a chronic illness.

I thought Joan’s blog post last week (No Hardfast Rules about Disclosure) so important that I led my readers from my other blog, Working With Chronic Illness, straight to that post.

I got a comment that I have to share because it fills in the picture even more. I’m pasting it here:

Christina Gombar on Aug 28th, 2008 said:

This is a toughie, and I agree that there are no hard and fast rules. RE: Joan’s linked post — she raised the issue of telling the employer she’d possibly have to go on short term disability some time in the distant future. The working world has accustomed itself — albeit a little grudgingly — to the reality that women are pretty likely to take a few months maternity leave. Perhaps one day they’ll also accept that chronically ill employees can basically be dependable workers — but also need their occasional “time outs.”

I didn’t actually “disclose” till after I was hired at my last job. I felt I had proven myself working freelance for eighteen months before. But when I’d mentioned health limitations to other potential employers, it was like poison.

I find it an issue disclosing not just to employers, but to everyone!

Thank you, Christina.

Let’s hear your thoughts on this. How has disclosure affected you?

Rosalind aka cicoach.com

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