Building Trust Through Disability Disclosure Conversations

An employee tells you they have a disability, a medical condition, or are struggling with something that affects their work. What should you say? What should you avoid asking? And what are your responsibilities as a manager?

This practical webinar will review the knowledge and confidence to respond appropriately when an employee discloses a disability or raises a workplace concern that may require accommodation. Attendees will learn how to create a respectful and supportive conversation, focus on workplace needs rather than medical details, understand confidentiality obligations, and recognize when a disclosure may also be a request for accommodation.

The session is designed to support the critical first conversation and help leaders connect employees with the organization's accommodation process. It is not intended to be a comprehensive legal or accommodation management course, but rather a practical guide to handling these conversations effectively, respectfully, and with confidence.

Who Should Attend?

• People managers
• Supervisors and Team Leads
• Directors and Senior Leaders
• HR Professionals
• Anyone who ay be the first point of contact when an employees discloses

By the end of the session, attendees will be able to:

• Respond calmy, respectfully and supportively when an employee discloses a disability.
• Focus the conversation on workplace barriers and supports needed rather than diagnosis.
• Explain confidentiality honestly, including what information may need to be shared as part of the accommodation process and with whom.
• Recognize when a disclosure may constitute a request for accommodation.
• Identify the appropriate next step and follow up with the employee.
• Recognize situations in which a manger may need to initiate a supportive conversation, even when an employee has not formally requested accommodation.