What to Say in an Interview: How to Talk About Your Disability (or Not)

Job interviews can be nerve-wracking at the best of times. But if you’re a disabled person, there’s an extra layer of worry, should you mention your disability? If so, how? And what if the interviewer asks something awkward?

Let’s break it down and make sure you feel confident walking into that interview room (or logging into that call).

Do You Have to Disclose Your Disability?

Short answer: No, you don’t have to.

In Northern Ireland, under the Disability Discrimination Act (DDA), employers can’t discriminate against you because of your disability. But whether you tell them is completely your choice. Some people prefer to be upfront, while others wait until they’re offered the job.

Why You Might Choose to Disclose

• You need reasonable adjustments (e.g., extra time for written tests, an accessible interview room).

• Your disability impacts how you work, and you want to address it upfront.

• The job involves medical checks, and it’s best to be honest from the start.

Why You Might Choose Not to Disclose

• Your disability doesn’t affect your ability to do the job.

• You don’t want to risk being judged unfairly (even though legally, you shouldn’t be).

• You’d rather wait until after you get the job to discuss accommodations.

There’s no right or wrong it’s about what makes you feel comfortable.

How to Bring It Up (If You Want To)

If you decide to mention your disability, keep it positive. Focus on how you handle challenges, rather than the difficulties themselves.

Example:

🚫 “I have dyslexia, so I struggle with reading and writing.”✅ “I have dyslexia, so I use text-to-speech software to improve my efficiency and accuracy.”

🚫 “I have anxiety, so interviews are hard for me.”✅ “I have anxiety, but I use breathing techniques and preparation to stay focused.”

Think of it like reframing the story to show your strengths, not just your struggles.

Handling Awkward Questions

Most interviewers in Northern Ireland are professional and respectful. But occasionally, you might get a question that makes you squirm.

“So… what happened to you?”

(If it’s not relevant to the job, they shouldn’t ask, but sometimes people are nosy.)💡 What to say:“That’s not something that affects how I do my job, but I’d love to tell you more about my experience in [relevant skill].”

“Will your condition affect your ability to do this job?”

💡 What to say:“I have [condition], but I’ve worked in similar roles where I managed it successfully with [adaptations].”

“Do you think you’ll need a lot of time off?”

💡 What to say:“I manage my condition well and don’t anticipate any issues with attendance.

If I do need adjustments, I’ll work with my employer to make sure everything runs smoothly.”

(If you feel like a question is crossing the line, you can say: "I’d prefer to focus on my skills and experience for the role.")

Asking for Adjustments

If you need adjustments, don’t be afraid to ask! Employers in Northern Ireland are legally required to provide reasonable accommodations under the DDA.

You can phrase it like this:“To perform at my best, I’d benefit from [adjustment]. Would that be possible?”

For example:

• If you have ADHD and struggle with concentration: “Could I have interview questions in advance?”

• If you have mobility issues: “Could we arrange an accessible interview space?”

• If you have hearing loss: “Can we use captions on a video call?”

Most employers will appreciate you being upfront as it shows confidence and self-awareness.

Final Thoughts

Whether or not you talk about your disability is your choice. What matters most is that you feel comfortable and confident in your interview.

And remember the right employer will value your skills, not just see your disability. If an employer reacts badly, they’re not the right workplace for you.

💡 Need support? Organisations like USEL, Disability Action NI, and Workable NI can help with job coaching, interview prep, and workplace support.