Disability Dilemma

[redstar3313]

I tried to keep this short but it didn't work out, sorry for the length.

I was diagnosed sept 09, right after graduating university. I did not have time to find a proper job, and have been unemployed since. My parents have been keeping me afloat.

So my problem is this: I didn't file for disability back when I got diagnosed for several reasons, I wasn't sure how long I'd be out and I was basically in bed in horrible pain most of the time anyway so I didn't really find the time to research my options. I was focusing 100% of my efforts to how to manage my disease instead of worrying about my finances. Fast forward to now, I'm not in remission, but I am definitely much better and am able to work.

I have looked into filing for disability but I will not be reimbursed for the time I lost and I'm not looking for permanent disability payments (plus I'd have to wait atleast a year + for it to kick in anyway) so basically any financial compensation from the Canadian Government is out of the question for me. That's no big deal, I accept that. I am lucky in the sense that my parents were able to provide for me when I needed help.

What I'm having trouble with now is getting a full time job with a humongous 2 year gap on my resume. Whenever I fill out employment applications there is always a section in the end (in canada anyway) that asks if you have a disability or consider yourself to be disabled.

I am unsure if I should click "yes" on the box or not? Will it improve my chances at all in getting callbacks? Does anyone have experience with this?

 

[redstar3313]

Anyone? Basically what I'm asking is do I need some sort of legal standing in order to click the "have a disability" box on employment applications?

 

[Rebecca85]

If it asks 'do you consider yourself to be disabled?' you can put what you want, as it's asking your opinion. If it asks 'do you have a disability as covered under the (whatever act)?' then you need to read whatever act it is and see what the definition is! In America, I believe Crohn's is classed as a disability as it affects a life function (digestion). In the UK, Crohn's is only a disability if it long term and significantly impacts your daily life (eg severe pain that does not respond to treatment). I am not sure what definition Canada uses.

 

[glum chump]

Geez, I didn't realize employers could ask questions about disability, and a disability isn't grounds for exclusion from employment unless it interferes with the bona fide requirements of your job. In Canada, if you are excluded from a position based on disability, it is a human rights violation.

I would agree with Rebecca and if you don't consider yourself disabled, then that's fine. I consider Crohn's to be a chronic illness, which can become debiitating/disabling during any type of flare. If I wasn't in a flare, I wouldn't consider myself as having a disability. But that's just me...

 

[Rebecca85]

It's the case here in the UK too. They ask about disabilities for several reasons- to accomodate you at interview if necessary, to ensure you can actually do the job (in another thread I used an example of a surgeon who had lost the use of his hands- with the best will in the world it ain't gonna work!) and you can get a guaranteed interview if you wish!