Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

Self identification of disability

The University of Washington is committed to equal opportunity for qualified people with disabilities. As a federal contractor, the University is required to ask job applicants and employees to voluntarily self-identify if they have a disability. Any information you provide will be confidential and in no way impact eligibility for University employment. It is completely voluntary and there are no negative consequences for choosing not to do so.

Importance of disclosing your disability

The information you provide helps UW measure its progress in attracting, recruiting, employing, and advancing people with disabilities. Information provided by applicants and employees also helps to allocate resources to enhance the inclusiveness and success of people with disabilities within the community.

Your confidential disability status may be completed in UWHIRES as an applicant or in Workday as an employee. For more information about this form or the equal employment obligations of federal contractors under Section 503 of the Rehabilitation Act, visit the U.S. Department of Labor’s Office of Federal Contract Compliance Programs (OFCCP) website at www.dol.gov/ofccp

Definition of a disability

You are considered to have a disability if you have a physical or mental impairment or medical condition that substantially limits a major life activity, or if you have a history or record of such an impairment or medical condition. Disabilities include, but are not limited to:

  • Autism
  • Autoimmune disorder, for example, lupus, fibromyalgia, rheumatoid arthritis, or HIV/AIDS
  • Blind or low vision
  • Cancer
  • Cardiovascular or heart disease
  • Celiac disease
  • Cerebral palsy
  • Deaf or hard of hearing
  • Depression or anxiety
  • Diabetes
  • Epilepsy
  • Gastrointestinal disorders, for example, Crohn’s Disease, or irritable bowel syndrome
  • Intellectual disability
  • Missing limbs or partially missing limbs
  • Nervous system condition for example, migraine headaches, Parkinson’s disease, or Multiple sclerosis (MS)
  • Psychiatric condition, for example, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, PTSD, or major depression