Strategic Responses for Employees

When faced with personal questions at work, employees often feel compelled to either evade or provide vague answers. However, transparency and professional communication can lead to a more inclusive and accommodating workplace environment. Let's explore different strategies to handle these encounters while maintaining dignity and respect.

Honesty Is the Best Policy

As an employee with a disability, honesty about specific needs is crucial. While under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), you do not have to disclose your underlying condition, disclosing what accommodations you need can prevent misunderstandings and ensure that your work environment is accessible. Here's how to approach it respectfully:

“I can get a little confused if things get very busy and when that happens, it helps if I can sit in a quiet room for 510 minutes to regroup.”

This response clearly communicates your need without revealing sensitive information. Employers are not allowed to discriminate against you based on your disability, even if they can infer it from your request for accommodations.

Creative Responses When Authorization Is Not Required

There are times when you may be asked about your personal struggles but the information is not necessary for accommodations or work performance. Here are some creative ways to handle such situations:

“I’m sorry but I don’t talk about it – that’s a personal question.”

“I don’t like to focus on any DIS-abilities – do you want to know what my ABILITIES are!” Then you can give a short list of your attributes or vocation and/or hobbies and say “What about you! What do you consider to be YOUR abilities?”

“To say DIS-abilities is so negative. We say ‘differently-ABLED.’ For instance, I don’t walk to get around but I’m able to use this chair walker, crutches, or a cane to get around, and I’m just fine thank you!”

“Hmmm – well I’m not a very good cook … I can’t fix cars … I can’t sew … and I haven’t tried brain surgery yet but I don’t think I’d be very good at it… How about you, What are YOUR ‘disabilities’!”

These responses divert the conversation while maintaining a positive and inclusive tone.

Maintaining Workplace Inclusivity

Colleagues play a vital role in fostering an inclusive workplace, especially when it comes to respecting an employee's privacy. It's important to address any personal questions with care and tact. Here are a few strategies:

“So how’s it going? How’s work? Are you enjoying this heat… etc. etc.”

“I don’t mind them asking because I’d rather get it out of the way and address it directly than have someone be focused on it because they don’t know how impaired I am or because they want to understand whether or not I need help or even if it’s just natural curiosity.”

“Well in that I use a wheelchair… it’s kind of easy for them to assume! I just say ‘spinal problems’ it works.”

By maintaining open communication and respecting individual boundaries, you can create a workplace that is both supportive and respectful.