The importance of a culture of confidence in disclosure

Research has found that, in many organisations, people feel
intimidated about revealing their disability because of fears that
they will be seen as less competent as a result. Therefore, it is
essential, if targets are to be effectively monitored and reviewed,
that the culture of the organisation is one which demonstrates
that people with disabilities are regarded as competent and are
genuinely valued in the workforce.
In order to achieve this, there needs to be disability awareness
training for all staff which addresses the stereotypes that people
hold of others with a disability, and which outlines why it is useful
for an organisation to reflect this type of diversity. The training
should be openly endorsed by the Chief Executive. It should be
mandatory for staff to attend, particularly senior staff, and should
become part of the induction for all new recruits in order to
imbed it in the organisation’s culture.