[NABS-L] [nabs-l] disclosing your disability on a graduate school application

[Roper, Meaghan]

Danielle,

In my experience, I chose to disclose my blindness on some of  my applications because it is evident from my resume and  volunteer work that I spent a lot of time working with the blindness community  and other parts of the disability community. Although it is very possible that there may be some prejudice against you for your blindness, it is also possible that the university may recognize that you have experience and skills that your cited peers  lack because you are blind. There was probably one application that I chose not to disclose as well, I think it is up to your discretion as to whether not you disclose on each individual application. I say though, based on your email that it may be to your benefit to disclose this.
Good luck with your application. 

Meaghan K.  Roper
Wheelock College | Class of 2018 
Georgetown University | Class of 2019


> On Aug 22, 2018, at 6:16 PM, Danielle Sykora via NABS-L <nabs-l at nfbnet.org> wrote:
> 
> Hi all,
> 
> I'm curious whether those of you who have applied to graduate school,
> particularly in STEM subjects, disclosed your disability prior to
> being accepted? I generally do not disclose my disability ahead of
> time if I have the choice because I want to be considered fairly with
> as little prejudice as possible. I've submitted one application
> without disclosing my disability anywhere in the application material,
> which is definitely the right decision for that situation.
> 
> I am however considering whether disclosing my blindness with this
> second application would be beneficial or not. This particular
> university really seems to emphasize diversity, mentioning unusual
> backgrounds and being part of a minority group on both the application
> and statement of purpose guidelines (not just the generic "we value
> diversity" statement on the website that practically every university
> includes). I'm wondering if mentioning my blindness along with other
> factors (either on the appropriate place in the application or on my
> statement of purpose) would improve my chances of being accepted
> because it improves their diversity; however, I am still concerned
> about preconceived notions the professors I would like to consider me
> for assistantships might have that could cause them to overlook me
> entirely.
> 
> Thoughts?
> Danielle
> 
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