Is Listing a Disability on a Resume a Good Idea?

It's no secret that hiring managers are in fact human beings. And despite the fact that they're supposed to be objective when it comes to considering candidates for a position, they're not always good at it.

It's for this reason that many candidates choose to disclose as little personal information as possible on their resumes. But some information, like disabilities, can be pretty important. Does this mean this information should be listed on the resume?

Why Employers Hesitate to Hire Disabled Workers

While some employers may be personally prejudiced towards disabled workers, some hesitate when it comes to hiring them because they know that the disability could interfere with the employee's ability to work consistently. For instance, if a worker has been diagnosed with muscular dystrophy, they may have days where they can barely hold a pencil, let alone walk around and talk to clients.

When a disability affects a worker's ability to get the job done, it has an impact on the company. It's for this reason that some employers, right or wrong, choose to steer clear of disabled workers.

Should You List Your Disability?

Now with knowing that some employers hesitate to hire workers with disabilities, is it a good idea to list it on your resume? Different professional resume specialists may give different advice on what you should do. But in general, most agree that if the disability won't affect your ability to do your job and do it well then it's a good idea to avoid mentioning it on the resume. Not only is it information the company doesn't need to know at that point, but according to the Americans with Disabilities Act, you are not obligated to disclose the information anyway.

If the question comes up in an interview then of course you don't want to lie about your disability. But as far as your resume goes, there's no need to list the disability unless you think it will hinder your effectiveness in the position you're applying for. So don't feel pressured to add it out of guilt. You're not lying to a prospective employer. You're simply exercising your right to secure your personal information.