Disclosure Decisions Lesson Plan Disclosure Decisions
Teacher Lesson Plan • 50 Minutes
Objectives
Differentiate between IDEA (K-12) and ADA (Post-secondary) rights.
Identify pros and cons of disability disclosure.
Draft a personal disclosure script for self-advocacy.
Materials
"Disclosure Blueprint" Slides
"Disclosure Dilemmas" Worksheet
"The Next Step" Transition Guide
Anchor Chart (displayed)
Key Terms
ADA Disclosure Self-Advocacy Accommodation
Lesson Breakdown
0-5 min
The Hook: "Privacy vs. Access"
Ask: "If you needed a tool to do your job better, would you ask for it? What if that tool required explaining part of your medical history?" Discuss the concept of disclosure as a choice.
5-20 min
Direct Instruction: Rights & Realities
Use Disclosure Blueprint Slides . Cover the shift from IDEA (school's responsibility to find you) to ADA (your responsibility to disclose). Review the Legal Rights Anchor Chart.
20-40 min
Guided Practice: Disclosure Dilemmas
Students work on the Disclosure Dilemmas Worksheet . They evaluate three scenarios and then draft their own "Disclosure Script" using the provided template.
40-50 min
Reflection & Guide Distribution
Discuss: "What is one challenge of disclosing? One benefit?" Distribute The Next Step Transition Guide for students to keep in their portfolios.
Instructional Strategies
Differentiation
For students with processing delays, provide the Disclosure Script template with sentence starters. For high-flyers, ask them to research a specific job and find the HR contact for disclosure.
Check for Understanding
Circulate during the script-writing phase. Ensure students are focusing on "Ability" (what they can do with accommodations) rather than just "Disability."
Disclosure Blueprint Slides Disclosure Blueprint
Navigating the Transition to College & Career
The Big Question
"If you needed a tool or a change in your environment to do your best work, would you ask for it?"
Disclosure is the intentional choice to share information about your disability to gain access or support.
The Legal Shift
K-12 School (IDEA)
The school finds you and provides services.
Focus is on success .
Parents are part of the team.
College/Work (ADA)
You must disclose and request help.Focus is on access/eligibility .
You are the primary advocate.
Why Disclose? (Benefits)
Legal protection from discrimination
Access to accommodations (extra time, tools)
Better communication with professors/bosses
Living with authenticity and less stress
Potential Challenges
Misunderstanding
People might have stereotypes or wrong ideas about your disability.
Privacy
Once you share, you can't "un-share" the information.
Timing
Deciding when to tell is as important as what to tell.
How to Disclose: The 3 Cs
1
Concise
Keep it short. You don't need a full medical history.
2
Clear
Explain exactly what support you need to succeed.
3
Confident
Focus on your strengths and how the tool helps you.
Putting It Together
"I have a disability that affects my [processing speed]. To be as productive as possible, I use [notetaking software]. This allows me to [focus on the lecture/meeting] and ensures I don't miss key details."
Notice: Focus on the SOLUTION, not just the problem.
Disclosure Dilemmas Worksheet Disclosure Dilemmas
My Personal Transition Plan
Name:
Date:
Part 1: Weighing the Options
Read the following scenario and check the box that best describes the decision you would make. There is no single "right" answer—every situation is different.
Scenario: The Interview
You are interviewing for a job at a retail store. The job involves reading small labels and organizing inventory. You have a visual impairment that makes small print difficult to read without a handheld magnifier. Should you disclose during the interview?
Yes: I want them to know I am capable but just need a specific tool.
No: I'll wait until I'm hired and see if I can manage without it first.
Maybe: I'll only mention it if the interviewer asks about "essential functions."
Why did you choose this option?
Part 2: Drafting Your Script
Use the "3 Cs" to draft a simple script you could use with a professor or a supervisor. Remember: You are explaining access , not just your medical condition.
1. Introduction (Clear & Concise)
"I have a disability/learning style that impacts my..."
2. The Solution (Clear)
"To be most successful in your class/at this job, I use..."
3. The Benefit (Confident)
"This helps me to [do what better?]..."
Part 3: Advocacy Checklist
I know the difference between my K-12 rights and ADA rights.
I know who to contact at a college to ask for support.
I have a copy of my most recent evaluation or IEP/504 plan.
I feel comfortable explaining what help I need to succeed.
The Next Step Transition Guide The Next Step
Your Guide to Post-Secondary Transition
The Legal Landscape
Key Areas High School (K-12) College Workplace Governing Law IDEA & Section 504 ADA & Section 504 ADA Who is responsible? The School (must find you) YOU (must disclose) YOU (must disclose) Primary Goal Success & Progress Equal Access Equal Opportunity What is provided? Services, Modifications Accommodations Reasonable Accommodations Role of Parents Primary Decision Makers Supporters (no legal access) Supporters (no legal access)
The Major Shift: In high school, your teachers and parents lead the process. In college and work, you are the CEO of your own support. If you don't ask, you don't get.
Your Action Plan
Use these steps to ensure you have the support you need when you walk through the door of your new college or job.
College Steps
1
Locate "Disability Services"
They may be called "Accessibility Office" or "Learning Support." Find them before classes start!
2
Submit Documentation
Provide your IEP, 504, or most recent medical evaluation. Some colleges require testing within the last 3 years.
3
The "Intake" Meeting
Meet with a coordinator to discuss which specific accommodations (extra time, quiet room, tech) you need.
Employment Steps
1
Decide on Timing
You can disclose during the interview, after the job offer, or once you've started and realize you need support.
2
Contact HR or Manager
Request a private meeting. You don't need to give your diagnosis, just the "functional limitations."
3
Propose Solutions
Don't just state the problem. Say: "I work best when I have [Solution]. How can we make that happen here?"
Pro Tip
Keep an "Advocacy Folder" with your documents, your transition plan, and a list of your preferred accommodations. Take it with you to every intake or HR meeting.
Advocacy Essentials Anchor Chart Advocacy Essentials
Self-Advocacy
The ability to speak up for your needs, explain your disability, and request the tools you need to be successful.
Disclosure
The intentional choice to share personal information about your disability with an employer or college office.
A.D.A.
The Americans with Disabilities Act: A civil rights law that prohibits discrimination and ensures equal access in public life.
Reasonable Accommodation
A change or adjustment to a job or environment that allows a person with a disability to participate equally.
"Your disability is a part of your story, not the whole story."
