Interview

[Mitch9667]

I am looking for a new career following redundancy. I have Cerebellar Ataxia and wondered if you would disclose to any potential employers at interview stage

[PeteW]

Disclose what

[Mitch9667]

Disclose that I have ataxia, I am sometimes a little unsteady on my feet and have the typical ataxic gate

[kuchee]

Disclose it.

[12monkeys]

Absolutely you have nothing to hide and u could be in breach of contract if u don’t disclose something that affects your work later that u were aware of, good luck

[planetzed]

I guess if your ataxia would affect your ability to do the job, then you shouldn't be applying. Otherwise, it's a moot point. I would disclose anyway.

[PatsyIpswich]

I agree it is best to disclose and explain how you are affected.

[Sherena]

I resigned from my job because the conditions were not favorable to my ataxia, and I have now become self employed as the stress of going in to any work environment was too much, but then again I am always exhausted which doesn't work for any job role.

I disclosed at the first instance, because although it didn't affect my work at the beginning it slowly had an impact on it.

[Mitch9667 in reply to Sherena]

Thank you I appreciate your input

[ddmagee1]

It’s your decision!

[wobblybee]

🤔 Technically, you have a disability and should disclose it. Most employers these days are concerned about health and safety, and may ask questions about general health etc.

[Mitch9667 in reply to wobblybee]

Thank you I appreciate your input

[SueMillman Partner Ataxia UK]

Hi Mitch, employers are required to make 'reasonable adaptations' for your disability. They also are not allowed to discriminate against anyone with a disability if they are able to do the job with 'reasonable adaptations'. Thus it's sensible to disclose otherwise they can't know how thye might amend the job for a candidate who would otherwise be appointed. You can find more information here: citizensadvice.org.uk/law-a...

You may also be entitled to 'Access to Work' support to help you sustain employment. You can find information about that here: gov.uk/access-to-work

Best wishes & good luck. Sue

[Mitch9667 in reply to SueMillman]

Thank you I appreciate your input

[Susie1972]

Gets on my nerves tho as nobody knows wat ataxia is wen they ask....🙈

[derekt]

Hi Mitch,

I have been in that position before and was torn whether disclose or not at interview

However, first impressions count and if we appear unsteady at interviews this may give the interviewers an incorrect impressions and may have questions in their mind

They can’t ask you questions about their misconceptions but because of these first impressions I always now disclose on application forms but say ‘Ataxia has no effect on my work abilities but on the contrary gives me a unique perspective....etc

If there is time in interviews, I try and build it into answers to questions in a positive manner

I find if your open and honest rather than try and hide your condition (wrongly as I used to do), the interviews will in many occasions go better since its one less thing to worry about

Best of luck

Derek

[Mitch9667 in reply to derekt]

Thank you I appreciate your input