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As Rambler said, you don't have to disclose your disability. But I'd suggest you do so. The interviewer will probably notice your disability (you said it was noticeable) and might, legally or illegally, get worried about your capacity to do the job.
So I say you bring it up once during the interview by saying something along the lines of, "As you might notice, I have a minor health issue which has involved some contact with the health care system. I'm very grateful for the excellent care I've received that renders me able to lead a very normal life. So I'd like to bring my past managerial/business experience to this field by [talk about what great attributes you have.]"
The only downside to this is that the employer might get nervous about you bringing this up in the interview. That's why, if you do decide to mention it, you mention it once and then immediately move on by discussing your qualifications. (A common mistake people make is discussing why they want a position, rather than discussing why they're the best candidate.) So it's a little risky, but I think doing something along these lines might eliminate any reservations the hiring manager may have about your physical abilities.
Even better: ask your health care provider for advice. They might be able to get you a session with a social worker who deals with people in your boat and has the advantage of seeing what works best.
There is nothing stopping them from not hiring you and legal action is fruitless. I wouldn't disclose. Even the experts would tell you not to disclose unless your disability impacted your ability to do the job. If it doesn't impact your ability to do the job, there is no reason to disclose.
Unless you require reasonable accomodation under the ADA in order to be able to work, do NOT discuss ANY of your personal medical information with a prospective employer. It's illegal under HIPPA for them to even ask you about it. Given the current tight job market, don't give an employer any possible reason to discard your application. Talk about the OTHER excellent reasons why you have decided to make your career change and let it go at that.
The sole exception would be if you are seeking work with the Federal Government. The Feds are making an active effort to recruit people with disabilities. They have even set up a sort of disability advocate system which you can utilize to get preferance points on your job application. Last time I checked they had quite a few jobs for those in medical administration. Google USAJobs, Individuals with disabilities.
As Rambler said, you don't have to disclose your disability. But I'd suggest you do so. The interviewer will probably notice your disability (you said it was noticeable) and might, legally or illegally, get worried about your capacity to do the job.
So I say you bring it up once during the interview by saying something along the lines of, "As you might notice, I have a minor health issue which has involved some contact with the health care system. I'm very grateful for the excellent care I've received that renders me able to lead a very normal life. So I'd like to bring my past managerial/business experience to this field by [talk about what great attributes you have.]"
The only downside to this is that the employer might get nervous about you bringing this up in the interview. That's why, if you do decide to mention it, you mention it once and then immediately move on by discussing your qualifications. (A common mistake people make is discussing why they want a position, rather than discussing why they're the best candidate.) So it's a little risky, but I think doing something along these lines might eliminate any reservations the hiring manager may have about your physical abilities.
Even better: ask your health care provider for advice. They might be able to get you a session with a social worker who deals with people in your boat and has the advantage of seeing what works best.
You have received some great advice already, and Maybe I'm missing something here.
But I don't hear anything that the OP has said that sounds like a disability. I hear a noticeable limp. Nothing made me think of disability except the title of the OP's thread.
And if that's the case, there's nothing to mention, unless the job requires extensive walking or lifting or something she/he physically cannot do.
You have received some great advice already, and Maybe I'm missing something here.
But I don't hear anything that the OP has said that sounds like a disability. I hear a noticeable limp. Nothing made me think of disability except the title of the OP's thread.
And if that's the case, there's nothing to mention, unless the job requires extensive walking or lifting or something she/he physically cannot do.
This is a really good point. Lots of times people magnify their flaws because they're so aware of them. Ask yourself if your limp looks like you might have a serious physical limitation or if it looks like you have a banged up knee or a hip that's not quite right. Healthcare administration isn't the most physically demanding profession out there!
This is a really good point. Lots of times people magnify their flaws because they're so aware of them. Ask yourself if your limp looks like you might have a serious physical limitation or if it looks like you have a banged up knee or a hip that's not quite right. Healthcare administration isn't the most physically demanding profession out there!
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