At my employer, we are asked annually to fill out “self-identification” forms. The company wants to see if any their employees identify as LGBTQIA+, as veteran, or as disabled. Questions like these often appear on application forms and new hire paperwork as well.
The data collected allow the company assess itself on how it is meeting DEI goals. The federal government here in the US has a goal that 7% of
its workforce, and the workforce of any company it contracts with, are
individuals with disabilities.
The last time I was asked to fill out these forms, I noticed that bipolar disorder is on the list of recognized disabilities.
While I accept that I was certainly disabled during my manic
episode, I don’t feel disabled today, despite my diagnosis. Currently, the
only impact bipolar disorder has on my life is in taking my medication once a
day, and obviously I hope it remains that way.
Still, I feel conflicted here. Self-identification may help my employer towards their goal. On the other hand, if they decided to audit these self-identification forms and questioned what disability I had, I’d be forced to disclose to my diagnosis to my employer, and while they couldn’t terminate me for having the condition, they could certainly limit my career growth.
There is a third option, which is to not answer the question at all, but then I feel that I would be viewed as someone who is either being intentionally uncooperative.
To be clear, I know that not everyone with bipolar disorder is as
fortunate as I am; there are folks who are truly disabled by this condition. I
fully support bipolar disorder being a federally recognized disability.
But for me? No, I don’t feel disabled. I’m still able to
bring my talents to bear for my employer. I do not require any special accommodations
or concessions.
I’m just me.
What option would you choose?
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