As a vocational rehabilitation (VR) professional, you may support people with brain injury who are unsure about whether to tell others about their condition. The American Congress of Rehabilitation Medicine (ACRM) recently developed an Information/Education Page on this topic: “Should You Tell Others That You Live With Brain Injury? Things to Consider About Brain Injury and Disclosure.”
Here’s a plain-language summary of the key points from that document. We encourage you to review the full ACRM resource and share it with the people you serve.
Why Disclosure Matters
Many effects of brain injury are invisible. Without disclosure, others may not understand what a person is experiencing. Sharing information can open the door to accommodations at work, in school, or in the community.
Ultimately, it is always up to the individual to decide if, when, and how much to share.
Pros and Cons of Disclosure to Share with Job Seekers
Possible benefits:
- Talking openly can feel empowering and lead to understanding and support.
- It may reduce stigma and prevent misunderstandings.
- It can help people access accommodations and resources.
Possible risks:
- Disclosure may feel uncomfortable or make someone feel vulnerable.
- Reactions from others can be unpredictable.
- Stigma and negative judgments may follow disclosure.
Supporting People as They Prepare
VR professionals can play a key role in helping people think through their decision by encouraging them to:
Know their strengths and needs: Reflect on what they do well and where support may be needed.
Clarify accommodations: Practice describing specific supports that help them succeed.
Choose carefully: Decide who needs to know, what they need to know, and the best time and place for sharing.
Keep it simple: Share only what feels comfortable, focusing on abilities as well as challenges.
Practice: Role-play disclosure conversations in a safe environment.
Understand their rights: Learn about legal protections like the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) that prohibit discrimination.
Resources to Share
Here are a few helpful tools you can pass along to people considering disclosure:
- Job Accommodation Network: Disability Disclosure and the ADA
- Disclosure Planning Workbook: Disclosure Planning Workbook
- Office of Disability Employment Policy: Youth, Disclosure, and the Workplace Why, When, What, and How
Takeaway for VR Professionals
Disclosure is a personal choice for each person with a disability. There is no single “right” answer. What you can do is:
- Provide a supportive space to weigh the pros and cons.
- Guide people in preparing a disclosure plan that fits their comfort and goals.
- Reinforce that they are in control of the process.
Next Step
Read and share the full ACRM guide to help people you serve make informed disclosure decisions.
Download PDF > Should You Tell Others That You Live With Brain Injury? Things to Consider About Brain Injury and Disclosure.